As you get your finances ready to purchase your dream boat, one of the key things you must do is consult marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale believes in. These are professionals with the knowledge to identify issues on a boat. The survey report provided at the end of the survey will help with decision-making. But which steps do these professionals follow when inspecting a boat?
The process
To get the most compressive survey, you need to choose a marine surveyor carefully. Keep in mind that there are so many people who claim to be competent surveyors. The only way to avoid hiring the wrong person for the job is to take a look at the surveyor’s previous survey reports and also speak with people who have worked with the surveyor. Friends, family and boatyard managers will be instrumental in helping you find the most dependable marine surveyors Fort Lauderdale stands behind.
Once you find the right surveyor for the job, the next step is to work with the seller. In most cases, a seller will require that you provide an offer and show commitment by putting down a deposit. Make sure that the purchase offer you give is subject to the survey report. In that case, if you are shocked by what the surveyor finds, you can pull out of the deal. You can also use the surveyor’s findings to negotiate a better deal. Keep in mind that the survey will not start until the seller agrees to it.
The process of getting a vessel surveyed is quite straightforward. The survey usually lasts a day. It may take longer depending on the size and type of boat. The surveyor will only observe and listen to systems to gauge their condition. If further investigation will be needed, you will be required to bring in a mechanic or electrician to take the systems apart. After the survey is done, boat surveyors typically provide a survey report within a few days. It is important that you don’t rush the process.
During the inspection, it is always good to attend. That way you will have the chance to ask all the questions you may have as well as help the surveyor out with anything he might need. This does not, however, mean that you bring everyone for the survey. The surveyor needs ample time and space to work. That will not be possible if you bring your whole family for the sea trial.
Sea trials
Sea trials are not included in a standard pre-purchase survey. You need to arrange for a sea trial and that often attracts an additional fee. The point of a sea trial is to get a feel of the vessel and to allow the surveyor to check the engine while it is running. The fewer people you bring during the sea trial the better.
Marine Surveyors Fort Lauderdale