When buying a used boat, you will need a second opinion on the condition of the boat you are about to buy. This is all thanks to the fact that there are so many structural and mechanical components that have to be evaluated. You want to be confident that none of these components will break down and cost you a fortune as soon as you complete the purchase. This is where the input of a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdalecomes in.
A marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale is a certified individual who is hired to perform various types of inspections on a boat. The surveyor will either have a strong mechanical and/or boating background than an average boater. This enables them to know areas that need attention and quickly identify components that are not working as they should. The work of the boat surveyor is simply to observe and listen. The surveyor will not take any component apart to have a look inside. That is the work of a mechanic or electrician and your surveyor will recommend bringing a specialist on board when needed.
Why use a surveyor?
There are many reasons why you should consider getting the services of a marine surveyor. Top on the list is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you understand everything about the vessel you are about to buy. Surveyors use specialized tools like moisture meters to gauge the condition of a component. If you plan on financing the boat or need to get boat insurance, you will have to provide a certified survey report.
It costs about $18 to $25 per foot to get a boat survey. This cost includes out-of-water inspections, tests of onboard systems, sea trial as well as a full boat survey report. The cost can change depending on the services you need and the surveyor you are working with. For smaller boats, it is not uncommon for a surveyor to offer a flat fee rate. If your boat is in an inaccessible location, a surveyor may charge their transport cost to you.
What types of surveys are available?
There are three main types of boat surveys. The type of survey you need will depend on what you need the survey for. The three types of surveys are:
- Pre-purchase survey
- Insurance survey
- Damage inspection
- Appraisal inspection
Questions to ask a surveyor
When it is time to hire a marine surveyor Fort Lauderdale, it is paramount that you know the question to ask. Here are the top questions:
- Have you completed surveys on boats similar to mine?
- What is included in the survey?
- How long will it take for me to get the survey report?
- How much do you charge?
Getting a marine survey done is especially important when buying a used boat. Make sure you hire a surveyor with a great track record.
Marine Surveyor Fort Lauderdale