Marine survey...

[thegreatpiscator]

Hi Everyone,
I'm thinking of buying an old 26' Skiff Craft that appears to have been well-maintained. I haven't yet seen it in person, but I offered to split the cost of a "marine survey" with the owner. When I mentioned I'd like to have a pressure-reading on the cylinders of the V-8 Chevy it's powered by, he told me that marine surveyors don't conduct mechanical inspections, but he "knew someone" who could do it for me.
That makes me somewhat concerned about the current owner's "influence" ($) about the pressure-test results. Any suggestions? Thanks.

P.J. Anderson
Bay City, MI

 

[zopperman]

Re: Marine survey...

well, I believe you mean a compression test. A marine surveyor should perform that. it's a basic facet of the engine check.

 

[Lakes84]

Re: Marine survey...

BS....Yes they DO check the engine...at least mine did. Call one and ask if you don't believe him. Just don't believe what the original seller says...he's trying to sell you a boat, always use independants

Joe

 

[shrew]

Re: Marine survey...

Both are correct. Many (Not all) will hire a mechanic to perform the mechanical portion of the survey. Some will charge extra to have a mechanical survey performed. It is best not to assume and ask the surveyor what the survey your getting entails. Find one that will perform a complete mechanical survey, even if it is an extra cost. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use the sellers surveyor or mechanic. You want someone who is either not biased, or biased in your favor. I would be surprised if the seller is willing to split the cost of a survey. That is not customary. It is typically the buyer's responsibility.

 

[Skagit]

Re: Marine survey...

Both are correct. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use the sellers surveyor or mechanic. You want someone who is either not biased, or biased in your favor. I would be surprised if the seller is willing to split the cost of a survey. That is not customary. It is typically the buyer's responsibility.

Agreed. If it's an "older" boat, you definitely want a thorough survey. It could save you from having a rotten hull sitting in your driveway (ask me how I know). AND, it should include mechanical checks including compression.

As the buyer, you're the one at risk in the transaction. You should have, at a minimum, neutral representation. As we all know, money has a tendency to influence representation, which means you should pay for the survey.

--Skagit out

 

[Rumley]

Re: Marine survey...

The marine survey I got this spring did not include anything to do with the engine. I was getting it done for insurance reasons and they said insurance companies don't really care because if the boat won't start your not getting out on the water. I already owned the boat though but if I was buying again I would be getting a mechanic to look at it as well. I ended up buying mine with low compression in a cylinder that I didn't know about. At least my boat is appraised at 3 times what I paid for it and if I have to put a new engine in it I'm still ahead of the game.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Marine survey...

The marine survey company that I hired does everything, but the engine(s) carry an additional charge. For the $100 per engine, they did a compression test, took an oil sample for analysis, and did an exhaust "sniff" test. Worth the extra $$$.

Just talk to a few before hiring one to all of the information prior to having it done. You also might be able to get a good marine mechanic to do it for less.