Is it the first time you are hiring a boat inspector Palm Beach trusts? If it is, you should not be anxious. The process of hiring a surveyor is quite straightforward. You just need to focus on an experienced boat surveyor who has worked on vessels similar to yours. The surveyor must also have a good track record and supply references and sample survey reports. Next, you need to understand what is involved in a typical survey. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about working with a boat surveyor.
What is inspected?
You don’t want to be clueless when the boat inspector Palm Beach approves arrives. You want to have some idea of what the surveyor will be doing. Understanding what is inspected in a survey is a good start. The surveyor will do the following:
- Find and note the hull identification number as well as federal or state registration marks
- Take moisture readings in the deck and hull
- Check for blistering or delamination
- Check the structural integrity of the bulkheads, stringers, and transom
- Review and test the electrical systems and wiring
- Review the plumbing
- Check the condition of underwater gear, including the propellers, struts, and shafts
- Inspect the fuel system
- Create an inventory of the required gear
The list is much longer. What is inspected also varies from one vessel to the next. If the survey is needed for insurance purposes, the insurer will provide a list of things that should be inspected. Make sure you understand what you need the survey for before hiring a surveyor.
How long does the survey take?
How long a survey takes will depend on what has to be inspected, weather conditions, location of the boat and the size of the boat. Typically, it takes a couple of hours to a full day. A sea trial takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
How much will the service cost?
Marine surveyors charge differently for their services. Some will have a flat rate, more so for the simpler and smaller boats, while others will charge per foot for their time. The per-foot pricing ranges from $15 to $30 per foot. It is also common for surveyors to charge a portion of their per-foot time for travel to your boat. The location and age of your boat can also affect the cost of the survey. There is also a cost for a short-haul at the yard. This costs about $15 per foot.
There are many reasons why you might need the services of a boat inspector in Palm Beach. The key is to hire a dependable surveyor. How comprehensive and reliable a survey report is will depend on the competence of the surveyor you work with.