Do I survey a 25K boat

[puff tentacle]

So, I have had about 5 boats in my life and the only one that I did a pre purchase survey on was $50K . My current boat was $15k and all I did was Sea trial and got service records on outboard. Boat and engine has been great to me. I currently have a deposit on a boat that has an outboard thats still under warranty. Boat has n9 soft spots on the deck and I smell no gas when I open the hatches and bilge. I am definitely sea trialing the boat but I am not sure if I am going to do a survey which basically would be of the hull. It is an older 1994 boat with original gas tank which is the only reason I am considering a survey. Visual observation and my gut tells me the boat was well taken care of and I have a good feeling about the integrity of the current owner. What say you ?
thanks

 

[racerone]

Your insurance company might demand a survey if boat is an older model.

 

[Scott06]

So, I have had about 5 boats in my life and the only one that I did a pre purchase survey on was $50K . My current boat was $15k and all I did was Sea trial and got service records on outboard. Boat and engine has been great to me. I currently have a deposit on a boat that has an outboard thats still under warranty. Boat has n9 soft spots on the deck and I smell no gas when I open the hatches and bilge. I am definitely sea trialing the boat but I am not sure if I am going to do a survey which basically would be of the hull. It is an older 1994 boat with original gas tank which is the only reason I am considering a survey. Visual observation and my gut tells me the boat was well taken care of and I have a good feeling about the integrity of the current owner. What say you ?
thanks

Really depends on your comfort level with assessing the condition. I do all my own work so i basically do the survey myself, but i feel confident in my knowledge base.
big concern with 94 is stringers and transom wood Rot. From what i understand only can tell by drilling

 

[puff tentacle]

Your insurance company might demand a survey if boat is an older model.

Thanks , a friend told me that as well. I will call my insurance tomorrow

 

[puff tentacle]

Really depends on your comfort level with assessing the condition. I do all my own work so i basically do the survey myself, but i feel confident in my knowledge base.
big concern with 94 is stringers and transom wood Rot. From what i understand only can tell by drilling

I definitely can’t drill any holes pre purchase. The Stringers are fiberglass and the transom didn’t seem to flex at all when I pulled down on the outboard, not sure if that is really is an indicator for a rotted transom.
thanks

 

[tpenfield]

‘We’ recommend a survey. You can not get one if you choose.

 

[zool]

What 94 hull are you considering?...make matters.
As stated before, I do my own work, so I do my own survey.

Soft readings on the deck of a 94 18br and a 94 30 express can mean different conclusions.

Runnabouts rot from the stringers up, cruisers dont usually rot, but when they do, its from the deck down.

 

[puff tentacle]

What 94 hull are you considering?...make matters.
As stated before, I do my own work, so I do my own survey.

Soft readings on the deck of a 94 18br and a 94 30 express can mean different conclusions.

Runnabouts rot from the stringers up, cruisers dont usually rot, but when they do, its from the deck down.

It’s a Steiger Craft 23

 

[zool]

It’s a Steiger Craft 23

I read 94 was the transition from wood stringers and deck to composite. Still wood cored transom.

 

[puff tentacle]

I read 94 was the transition from wood stringers and deck to composite. Still wood cored transom.

I spoke to Al Steiger , 1996 they went away from wood floors but still wood transom as you mentioned.
thanks

 

[Horigan]

If your primary concern is the gas tank, is it aluminum or plastic? My tank of that ear is plastic. I would be more concerned with an aluminum tank that age.

 

[mr 88]

I say if your confident enough in your surveying skills , don't need a survey for Insurance , don't mind possibly getting burned with repairs and the 25k is pocket change to you, go for it.

 

[shrew]

Really depends on your comfort level with assessing the condition. I do all my own work so i basically do the survey myself, but i feel confident in my knowledge base.
big concern with 94 is stringers and transom wood Rot. From what i understand only can tell by drilling

Nobody is going to let you drill holes into their boat during a survey. They do make moisture meters, which a surveyor will have, use and know how to read.

Unless you are familiar with ABYC standards and understand marine 12vdc 120vac marine plumbing and basic marine construction, I would not suggest surveying your own boat.

Also, you're getting a lot of advise from some folks who clearly do not actually understand what is involved in a marine survey.

 

[puff tentacle]

If your primary concern is the gas tank, is it aluminum or plastic? My tank of that ear is plastic. I would be more concerned with an aluminum tank that age.

it’s aluminum