What to look for in a surveyor

[dolemite_1]

Hey guys am looking to buy a 2000 formula 280ss and have never hired a surveyor before. Anything I should be looking for in one guy over another (Recommendation?) I live in ny and the boat is in ft myers florida; so will need to transport as well.

thx

Brian

 

[SolingSailor]

Re: What to look for in a surveyor

I'm not knowlegeable in powerboats, but here is some of my sailboat experience which I think is universal. Do not automatically use the surveyor which the selling broker recommends. Instead, try to find a "buyer's surveyor." Here in so. cal. there are several with that reputation. They are disliked by the brokers because they will often hold up a sale by emphasizing defects and insisting on repairs, often safety related. These surveyors can prevent unwanted surprises after your check cashes.
In any case, make an effort to get local opinions of your prospective surveyor.
Disclaimer: I'm sure there are many competent and good surveyors who are recommended by the brokers.

 

[Philster]

Re: What to look for in a surveyor

I would put it this way: NEVER use a surveyor that is from the buyer, seller, broker, agent. Interview the surveyors, and consider that surveyors get their rocks off on things that are important and cover as much as 80% of the boat (but aren't necessarily representing the totality of what might bite you in the a-$s), and this leaves the other 20%, which is often mechanical in nature and outside the surveyors areas of key responsibility. Some surveyors dig into the EFI records and some do compression checks. Some are skilled at understanding outdrives.

The good ones will say something in the report such as, "The Bravo One outdrive appears acceptable, with minimal gear slop. Normal wear and tear were sighted. Bravo One outdrives from the years 1993-1999 have a high rate of upper gear failure. Estimated repair is $1800". Or... "The age of the manifolds and risers cannot be determined, and the internal condition is not known. Manifolds and risers should be removed, inspected and replaced if necessary."

In other words, the surveyor will review the boat and, even when reviewing a new boat, will make you worry your as%$ off.


You use this to work with the seller and create wiggle room in the price. Or you walk away.

.

 

[dolemite_1]

Re: What to look for in a surveyor

Thx for the info guys, appreciate it. Am going to call up a few guys and try and figure out the difference btwn them. Sounds like that can be a big gap sometimes. Looking forward to this boat my previous boat was a small 20ft dynasty. Also live in ny so hard to get a few friends to go check it out w/.



Thx for help

Brian

 

[arks]

Re: What to look for in a surveyor

Brian- I've hired marine surveyors 3 times in the past and have learned a lot from personal experience:
- As mentioned, NEVER (and I mean N E V E R) hire or depend on a surveyor that has any association with the seller or broker. Your surveyor works for YOU and YOU ONLY.
- A proper pre-purchase survey has 3 parts: dry survey, wet survey and seatrial. Boat must be out of the water for the first, floating and running for the last 2. It's the ONLY way for the surveyor to do his job correctly.
- Your insurance company WILL require a survey to determine it's value, and a survey can be a great negotiation tool- IF you specify contingencies in your offer.
- Hire an ACCREDITED surveyor. Unlike most other occupations, anyone can hang up a sign and call themselves a surveyor. I've had very good success with SAMS surveyors- they adhere to a strict code of ethics and rules of practice. Lots of good info on their website: http://www.marinesurvey.org/index2.html
Within their site you can search for a surveyor by geographic location.
- Get references from your candidates, and ask for their pricing up front.
- "Surveyor Associate" doesn't necessarily mean a less-than-satisfactory job, it means they haven't accrued the experience required to be accredited. An 'affiliate member' is simply someone in the marine industry. I personally wouldn't hire an affiliate for a survey.
- Lastly, and probably most important- find the time to travel to the boat and watch your surveyor for AT LEAST part of the survey. Buying a boat you haven't seen for yourself is a recipie for disappointment. You'll also learn a WHOLE LOT about the boat.
Buying a (larger) boat is a big financial commitment and should be treated as one. FIND THE TIME.