do i still need a survey?

[jeffruby]

I know when buying a used boat, the answer Is yes.... but the used boat I'm looking at ran great on sea trial, all electronics work. Hull perfect, saw on dry dock. Still has 4 years on extended engine warranty

Survey wants 500$. Not much considering price of boat, but if I have warranty

 

[quality time]

I would. Surveyors do much more than just "look" at the hull and other equipment. Plus, whatever he finds may be a tool to negotiate the price down.

 

[StressAweigh]

Buyer Bewear The surveyer will find the things you can't see 500.00 bucks seems like a fairn price depending on the size of the boat you are looking at

 

[Larry&Leisa]

not much to pay for peace of mind....

plus as was said.. any issues can be negotiated (might save the cost of the survey)

 

[Tonka Boater]

Small price to pay. The surveyor can also tell you what you can expect for upcoming maintenance...like risers, bellows, etc. It may have ran great on the sea trial but next spring might be a different story if a lot of maintenance items come due.

 

[Presentation]

Small price to pay. The surveyor can also tell you what you can expect for upcoming maintenance...like risers, bellows, etc. It may have ran great on the sea trial but next spring might be a different story if a lot of maintenance items come due.

You bring up an interesting point.

The original poster does not mention what is included with the $500 survey. For only $500 I’m ‘guessing’ the survey will only give a visual look at the engine / drive system for obvious issues and not do a proper mechanical survey.

An engine compression check alone for a single engine boat would eat up much of the total quoted survey cost.

So, what is included with this $500 survey? More importantly, what is not included?

 

[Sundancer]

Do you know the moisture content of the hull and are you convinced that there is no rot in the transom or stringers? Do you know the compression numbers on the cylinders? Is the Mercathode system operational? Are you sure it's up to USCG standards? What was the WOT rpm? I'm not trying to talk you into a survey, just pointing out some of the issues that can be vetted out. If it needs a larger repair, you can use that against the owner to negotiate the price down in your favor. Some of those items require special tools or instruments that your basic person doesn't even own! If the price is WAY below book and you think you can use that savings to cover future repairs, then sure why not? Worst case, you need a new motor for $3 - $6 plus labor. It's going to be your boat and you can make the decision as you see fit. $1,000 is a small price to pay for peace of mind!

 

[dpvandy01]

not knowing the size of the boat in question or what is included in the survey makes this quite a guessing game... But your insurance company and or your finance company may in fact require it. again depending on the size of the loan (if any) and the amount of the inured loss..

 

[skolbe]

A boat on my dock had a Baja go through the side of it. I can't tell where it was repaired and I am OCD. The MM fiberglass guy spotted it immediately and could point out every repair on it. He is not a surveyor. But there may be a few surprises and it may be worth paying someone to check it out.

 

[Presentation]

not knowing the size of the boat in question or what is included in the survey makes this quite a guessing game....

On another thread he posted this

...im now between two boats.......

they have same engine...
(previously said they didnt)

one is a sundeck 260, kept outta water/local owner/one owner. still year left on warrante. dry docked...only one owner (seems very well maintained..said he wouldnt let anyone use head...wow! worse than me!) 2007 with 100 hrs. has windless anchor-private deal. thanks to u guys ive learned this is same boat as 240 with bigger block/deeper bow and 500# heaver (is that a good thing?/more fuel)

other is the 240.....40 hrs 2008 year. 100 miles away. broker involved. does have trailor. has wake tower. two owners (hmmmmm) has been kept in water (on trailor now at brokerage).

both for 45k (after negotiating)....

I assume the original poster understands you make a offer contingent to the boat passing a marine survey so you don’t spend the money on the survey then make a offer only to have it rejected.

 

[rcknecht]

I have never used a surveyor, and fortunately it has hurt me in anyway... But, that was before I joined CSR. The next boat I buy I plan on using a surveyor. Just make sure the surveyor you use gives you references.

 

[Bucit]

I bought my 2005 280 DA without a survey. I did have my mechanic go through the whole boat (compression check, outdrives, hull, genny etc) and my neighbor who is a licesned captain and works for MM on the sea trial. We tested everything that was on the boat. I thought it was wierd that the bank didn't require one but they said it was because of age and hours. I sent them numerous pictures and they said it wasn't needed. I feel the money I saved was/can be used for service related issues. The two worst things I've had to replace so far is the genny impeller and the upper hinge on the Bennett TT. (Knock on wood!) I would bypass a survey again if it's the right boat and I have the right people there to help inpsect it.

 

[Nehalennia]

I'd get it done.

 

[jeffruby]

Thanks to all who gave opinions. Yeah i know to agree on the price first. The quote from the other post was for another boat. This one is different because it has the warranty.