Full Survey Needed???

jeff_c

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I am looking at a boat (2008 model year but only commissioned for 2 seasons) that was taken in on trade by the dealer/broker. I was given a copy of the survey/sea trial results that they did after they took the boat in. I have read through the document thoroughly and have interviewed the surveyor whom I feel was 110% candid with me and I was very impressed by his orientation to details as it relates to his knowledge of this specific boat and the survey itself. The only thing that was not done during the survey was the fluids in the engines (diesels).

So the question is...should I have the boat fully resurveyed before I close on it or should I focus in on the one part that I think truly matters and have a cummins certified mechanic do a full and complete survey of the the engines and trannys instead?

Thoughts?

Jeff
 
Late model boat with diesels would be a fairly high dollar boat. I would have a full survey done anyway for piece of mind (and insurance). Don't forget the dealer's motive is to sell the boat for as much as possible and the survey may give you a valid reason to get a better deal.
 
Most insurance companies will not write a policy unless there is a full survey. You might as well get it now and negotiate the price based on the findings.
 
So is it safe to assume that you both put no credence on the existing survey that I have in my hands and that I can easily verify each point before the close?
 
I have no position on the "existing survey" - call an insurance company and see if they will accept it.

If it was me, I'd want a survey from someone who was working for me.
 
jeff, an insurance company should accept a survey that is fairly recent, if youve verified and are comfortable with everything i think youve done your duediligance on the report.
 
If you're borrowing money you might want to check with the lender in addition to the insurance previously mentioned.
 
I can't believe I am saying this, but I agree with Hogan
 
I was not required to give a survey on my new boat to insurance company.
I did do a survey but to be honest, I found more than he did.
Survey's in my view are not that great or worth the money.
Everyone says if my last boat was surveyed I wouldn't of had the issues I had, but noone goes around and checks every bolt or nut is tight.
I think doing the survey of the boat yourself and having a mechanic check the motors makes more sense.
I would of done that this time but I test drove boat and I am still in warranty on the motors.
 
quote:

Originally posted by jeff_c

So is it safe to assume that you both put no credence on the existing survey that I have in my hands and that I can easily verify each point before the close?





Yes it's easy to verify whats on the form in your hand, the point of the survey is to find out whats not on the form.

P.S. if you don't want input don't ask the question
 
Things to look at.
Insurance company's want a recent survey. As well as finance companies.
When was the boat commissioned? First two years or last two years.?
How long has it been sitting on the hard?
With respect to fluid samples, first the boat needs to be at normal operating temperatures and it should have been operated in normal sea water condition. His provide the best sample. Second, fliud samples will only provide a moment in time when analyzed and nothing to compare it to if you do not have prior sqmples. I would recommend compression testing as well. Find out if the previous owner has a maintenance history log and any receipts.

I would have one survey for the hull and one survey for the engines, generator, and transmission completed by a certified trained diesel mechanic who work on these engines for a living.
 
quote:

Originally posted by jeff_c

So is it safe to assume that you both put no credence on the existing survey that I have in my hands and that I can easily verify each point before the close?






No credence.

Unless I was there when the survey took place by a surveyor hired by me, then it didn't happen as far as I'm concerned.
 
quote:

Originally posted by jeff_c

So is it safe to assume that you both put no credence on the existing survey that I have in my hands and that I can easily verify each point before the close?






If you are confident of your own ability to look the boat over and are satisfied with the current survey I would think that would be sufficient.

I would expect the insurance company to also be satisfied. However, that is easy to answer: just call them and ask.

George
 
All good points.

I will check with the ins co and the bank to see their requirements. As pointed out, it may be out of my hands.

The next survey is going to be whether or not I should consider the 'passport' extended warranty :)

Thanks for the input
Jeff
 
quote:

Originally posted by getakey

I can't believe I am saying this, but I agree with Hogan






Why is it so hard to believe?
 
IMO

It is very easy to blame the surveyor for what he missed but that doesn't take into account the instances where a surveyor has helped someone avoid a disaster. Sure those are fewer and farther between but the consequences far more severe.

Do what you feel comfortable with beyond what is required. If it were me, I would have my own done.
 
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