You have found the ideal used boat, but you want to make sure you are making a wise decision. Since a vessel has numerous mechanical and structural parts, you should feel confident before making a purchase. This position is filled by a boat surveyor. A professional Fort Lauderdale marine survey can provide you and your bank with an additional degree of security when purchasing a used boat.
A boat surveyor is a person who is hired to do a certain type of inspection on a vessel. They typically have strong mechanical and/or boating backgrounds and are more knowledgeable about a vessel’s operations than the average boater. A surveyor can provide you peace of mind before making the significant financial choice of buying a boat. Even though you might have a mechanical bent, surveyors look at more than just the vessel’s on/off mechanics using specialized equipment like moisture meters. Additionally, many lenders want a certified survey before they would release funds if you intend to finance your boat. With that being said, how do I choose a marine surveyor?
There are a few inquiries you should make before hiring a boat surveyor. The questions you should ask include the following:
- Have they looked at comparable brands or models to the boat you have chosen?
- What exactly does the survey cover?
- How long does it take to receive the survey report?
An important thing to keep in mind is that, regardless of who you hire, surveyors use specific language in their reports to protect themselves against litigation. As a result, even a boat that has had a thorough inspection may have hidden problems while you own it, and your surveyor is still covered. For bigger vessels, it is usual practice to employ an engine mechanic who will be on hand on the day of the survey. Smaller vessels should at the very least have their compression examined by a qualified mechanic.
Either a sea-trial phase or an out-of-water inspection normally kicks off the process. The surveyor will typically use a moisture meter on the hull for out-of-water vessels, identify any structural flaws or dings, and mark any problems they see with the hull, prop, or lower unit area. A lot of surveyors will also evaluate onboard systems including stereo, VHF, and other fundamental electronics.
The sea trial phase will start once the boat is in the water. RPM, WOT, and cruise speeds are measured using a couple of tests. These are evaluated against manufacturer norms. If the RPM values are significantly below average, that may indicate probable engine problems.
A lot goes into a boat survey. Now that you have the answer to the question of how do I choose a marine surveyor, the next step is to find someone that is not only qualified but someone you feel comfortable working with.
How Do I Choose a Marine Surveyor