inspection - marine survey vs mechanic survey?

I would like to know if you guys think it is necessary to get both a marine survey and engine check/compression.

We are buying a 2003 Maxum 1900SR, (19' bowrider).
One guys is quoting $380 to do a marine survey (check the hull, etc) then he would bring a mechanic to do the engine compression and sea trial for about another $200-250.

Would just the mechanic part be enough or should we get the whole thing?

Re: inspection - marine survey vs mechanic survey?

Well..dont know how much the boat is selling for,but figure that if it costs you $550-625 to insure you have a trouble free boat (oxymoron) then i think its worth it,although i do like to get an outside opinion on motors aside from the one the surveyor recommends..might just be his out-of-work brother-in-law trying to make a few bucks,..get the survey..then bring it to a reputable shop for diagnosis.Its worth the money,just look thru all the posts from folks who didn't do the survey + mechanical go-thru, who are now stuck with a 2-6K repair bill on a new-to-them boat...Good Luck

Re: inspection - marine survey vs mechanic survey?

Spend some time reading these forums and see how many used boat buyers find rotten stringers, waterlogged foam, weak transoms, etc. Then look at the number that have engine problems and failures. You will find plenty of both. $ spent now can save many times that amount later. If you have to scrimp, I would scrimp on the mechanical inspection. Motors are easy (but expensive) to repair or replace. A rotten hull may be a total loss and finding someone with the expertise (or developing the expertise yourself) to repair it may be impossible without cleaning out the bank account.

Re: inspection - marine survey vs mechanic survey?

if you are not familiar with the subject, pay for the opinion. repairs can be big money. remember once transfered, the boat and problems are yours.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old