After finding the perfect used boat, you want to be certain you are making an informed purchase. There are many structural and mechanical components that a boat has and you want to be certain they are all in good condition. What you need at this point is a boat survey. This will be done by a boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale. A boat survey will give you, and your bank an extra layer of protection before purchasing a second-hand boat.
Who is a boat surveyor?
A boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale is an expert that is certified to perform a various types of inspections on a boat. A boat surveyor will either have a strong boating and/or mechanical background. They leverage on their background to evaluate the condition of a used boat. The most important point to remember is that surveyors will not dissemble components to look inside. They simply observe and listen. If they determine there is an issue, they will either use imaging equipment to look inside without dismantling the component or advice you to bring in a mechanic.
Why use a boat surveyor?
The purchase of a boat is a large financial decision. Hiring a boat surveyor will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are not being exploited in terms of price and that the boat will give you the performance promised by the seller. While you may be inclined to bring in a mechanic, you should note that surveyors use special tools like moisture meters to examine more than just the mechanics of the boat.
If you plan on financing the purchase, you need to note that most lenders will require you to provide them with a certified survey before they release the funds. Insurance companies will also require a survey to be done before insuring your boat.
What types of surveys are offered?
The type of survey you get will depend on your needs. There are basically four types of surveys:
- Pre-purchase survey. The survey looks at the current condition of a boat. It is requested by buyers to help them know if they are making a good investment.
- Insurance survey. This is used by the insurance companies to justify a vessel as being of an acceptable risk and value.
- Damage inspection. This looks at the extent of damage to a vessel.
- Appraisal inspection. The purpose of this survey is to determine the fair market value of a vessel.
There is a lot more to learn about a boat survey. Liaising with an experienced boat surveyor Fort Lauderdale will take the guesswork out of the way and guarantee that you get a comprehensive boat survey report. Hire someone that has experience working on boats similar to the one you are considering.