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Marine Surveyors Palm Beach – Questions You Need to Answer When Buying a Used Boat

Not every used boat is worth buying. Some require so much work both to get them seaworthy and in maintenance. When shopping for the right boat to buy, working closely with marine surveyors Palm Beach will keep you from buying a doomed vessel. This is because a marine surveyor will inspect every inch of your target boat and compile a detailed report on the boat’s condition. This information can be very useful when choosing a pre-owned boat. In addition to the input of a marine surveyor, there are a couple of questions you will need to answer.

Are you comfortable with risk?

Needless to say, buying a used boat comes with some risks. Yes, working with marine surveyors Palm Beach helps reduce the risk but buying a used boat is not as safe as buying a new boat. As you may have already guessed, a used boat will require more maintenance. There is also the risk of buying a vessel that ends up being a waste of money. If you are not okay with risk, you should consider going after a brand-new vessel that comes with a comprehensive warranty.

Are you handy?

When going for used boats, you will have two options. The first is to go for a used boat that is in mint condition. This is a vessel that is already seaworthy and only requires a little work to be as good as new. The second option is going after a project boat. This is a severely damaged vessel that will take more time and money to restore. If you have the time and believe you are handy, you can opt for a project boat. With this option, you will spend less on the initial purchase. The problem is not all damaged boats can be restored. If you are less handy, go for a boat in mint condition. You can then hire a professional to handle the required repairs.

Do you have the finances to buy a new boat?

As aforementioned, it is far better to go with a brand-new boat than a used one. With that being said, if you have the money to purchase a new boat, go for it. You should, however, note that the depreciation rate on a brand-new boat is alarming. If your budget is limited, opt for a used boat. It will cost you less and will not suffer a lot from depreciation.

Answering these questions is important when buying a used boat. Always keep in mind that working closely with a marine surveyor in Palm Beach will increase your chances of landing on the best vessel.

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Marine Surveyor Palm Beach – Tips for Virtual Boat Shopping

One of the best places to start shopping for boats is online. The internet has so many resources you can use to find the exact boat you want from anywhere in the world. However, you have to use these resources properly. Moreover, once you find a boat that interests you, you should never proceed with the purchase without getting the opinion of a marine surveyor Palm Beachtrusts.

The social-distancing that was brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in the number of people shopping for boats online. This led to an increase in the number of platforms sellers can use to advertise their boats online. It is also much easier to find and hire a marine surveyor Palm Beach online. On your next online search for a boat, here are some important things you should do.

Make use of the advanced filters

A boat listing site will have dozens or even hundreds of boats. Going through each listing will not only take a lot of time but can also leave you confused. This is why you need to use the search filters provided on a listing site. Make your selections based on what you are looking for. You can filter your search by year of manufacture, price range, size, type of boat, and location of the boat. Filters help you focus only on the boats that best meet your needs.

Take advantage of search alerts

Even after using the advanced filters, you might not find the exact boat you are looking for. This does not mean you give up the ghost. The next thing you should do before moving on to another listing site is to set search alerts. Search alerts will keep you updated on new inventory that matches your preferences. They can also help keep up with the trends as well as pricing.

See the boat in person

It is possible to book a virtual boat tour. However, this does not mean you proceed with the purchase without first seeing the boat in person. It is only by walking on the boat and sitting on the captain’s seat that you will be able to know if it is the right fit for you or not. If you are convinced the boat is perfect, don’t commit yet. Bring in an experienced marine surveyor in Palm Beach for an inspection. A boat survey report will help you know if the vessel is ideal for your intended use, if it has been priced fairly and if it has issues that need to be addressed.

Shopping online for a boat will help you save time and money. You must, however, go back to the basics of inspecting the boat in person before you commit. A thorough marine inspection will also keep you from making a bad investment.

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SAMS Survey – How Does a Surveyor Become a SAMS Surveyor?

As more and more people join the industry to become marine surveyors, it is becoming more important to only work with accredited or associate surveyors. This is because not every person that claims to be a great surveyor in Palm Beach will be able to offer the services you need. To avoid landing in the wrong hands, you should consider working only with an accredited surveyor such as that offering a SAMS survey.

The SAMS is an internationally recognized society that accredits marine surveyors. SAMS offers two membership classes of marine surveyors: Accredited Marine Surveyor and Surveyor Associate. Each class requires varying qualifications. To be able to offer SAMS survey as an accredited boat surveyor, you will be required to have at least five years of experience that has been accumulated over a period of 10 years. You will also need to complete a written or oral exam. The surveyor associate class is for surveyors who have not met all the prerequisites for acceptance as Accredited Marine Surveyors.

The best thing about working with SAMS surveyors is that they adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards. The associates are also required to adhere to these standards. Here are some of the things a surveyor has to do to become either an accredited surveyor or an associate.

Applying to become an accredited marine surveyor

  • Complete a SAMS application
  • Complete a SAMS admission exam
  • Submit one-year survey for every survey they have done in the past five years
  • Submit a resume
  • Business card
  • Notarized affidavit that attests to the completion of 12 surveys per year for the past five years.
  • A non-refundable application fee of $150

Applying to become a surveyor associate

  • Complete a SAMS application
  • Complete the SAMS admission exam
  • Submit a survey report of at least one year
  • Submit a resume
  • Business card
  • A non-refundable application fee of $150

The SAMS is very strict when accrediting marine surveyors. All their members are also required to adhere to strict standards. This shows why it is so important to work with a marine surveyor in Palm Beach that is accredited.

While being accredited is a great thing, it is good to always remember that marine surveyors are not the same. You need to take some time interviewing a surveyor to make sure they are a perfect fit for you. If you don’t feel comfortable working with them, you should keep looking for a surveyor that you trust.

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Boat Surveyors Palm Beach – Common Myths About Boat Ownership

People have many myths about boat ownership. The myths range from working with boat surveyors Palm Beach is a waste of money to maintenance is too expensive. In this post, we will be debunking the top myths that people have. Let’s get started.

I can inspect the boat on my own

When shopping for a used boat, many buyers assume they can perform a satisfactory inspection on their own. The truth is a boat inspection requires more than a visual assessment. Specialized tools may be required to get a better understanding of some issues. Moreover, you must have the right knowledge in order to understand what you are looking at. This is where the need for boat surveyors Palm Beach comes in. An experienced marine surveyor will perform a thorough boat inspection of your boat and let you know its fair market value. This information is important when buying a used boat.

I can’t afford to buy a boat

So many people believe this myth and end up renting boats for years. The truth is if you can afford monthly payments of $250, you can afford to finance a good family pontoon or runabout boat. Personal watercrafts can be financed for as little as $200 a month. The best thing is a good boat dealer will help arrange to finance and provide you with current information on loan rates. The key is, to be honest with your finances and go for the boat that lies within your reach.

Boat insurance is very expensive

This is not true. As a matter of fact, it is more expensive to boat without boat insurance because in the event of an accident, you will pay for everything out of pocket. How much you pay in boat insurance will depend on the value of your boat and where you plan on operating the boat. You can pay as little as $200 for an annual boat policy.

Maintenance and upkeep are too costly

Modern boats require very little maintenance. You only need an oil and filter change, fuel filter change, gear case lubricant and propeller inspection. You can reduce maintenance costs by learning how to handle basic maintenance. You should, however, never skimp on repairs and maintenance.

Boats use too much fuel

Boats use the same technology used in automobiles to improve fuel economy. Unless you are going for a really old vessel, your fuel costs will not be too high. Yes, boats consume more fuel than cars but boat owners don’t use the engine at speed. Most of the time they are on the water lounging or fishing.

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Marine Surveyor Palm Beach – Benefits of Buying a Boat from a Dealer

Buying a boat is much easier today than ever before. Aspiring buyers can now access more resources and make more informed choices. One of the best resources you can use is working with a marine surveyor Palm Beach trusts. The surveyor will help you evaluate the vessel you are after, help you understand its fair market value and let you know if it suits your needs. The input of a boat surveyor is something you cannot afford to overlook when buying a boat.

The second resource is the services of boat dealers. When buying a boat, you have many options. You can buy directly from a direct seller, from the manufacturer or from a dealer. In most cases, when buying a brand-new boat, you will have to deal with a dealer. Dealers also sell pre-owned vessels. If you are after a used boat, make sure you involve a marine surveyor Palm Beach before settling on a boat. In this post, we will be looking at the benefits of buying a new boat from a dealer.

Dealers are more knowledgeable

Even when you know the size and type of boat you need, when you start shopping, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the numerous options that are available. When this happens, you need unbiased details about the various boats that interest you so that you can make the right choice. Dealers are knowledgeable about the specific brands they sell. They will be able to answer any questions you may have and offer professional recommendations. You will, however, need to be decisive because some dealers may try to upsell.

Dealers service the brands they sell

Another great thing about buying a boat from a dealer is that you will get a favorable warranty. Most dealers service the brands they sell. This means they will take care of any required upgrades, replacement needs and repairs. You will, thus, have all your needs met in one place.

They help with financing

The reason most people take long to buy their dream boat is lack of money. Dealerships understand this. To address this issue, most dealerships establish relationships with financial institutions so as to make it easy for aspiring buyers to get financing. If you need financing, a boat dealer will make it easier for you to get the financing you need.

They take custom orders

If a dealer does not have the specific boat you need, most can order it for you. They can also customize your dream boat to meet all your specifications.

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Marine Surveyor Palm Beach – Important Questions to Answer When Buying a Boat

Buying your own boat gives you the freedom of being able to sail anywhere on your own terms. However, before you start living your best life, you must be very decisive when choosing a boat. This is because there is more to boat ownership than just buying one. If you are on a tight budget or you are buying your first boat, you should consider going for a pre-owned boat. This will cost you less and will not depreciate in value too much. The only caveat is you will need the services of a marine surveyor Palm Beach. The boat surveyor will inspect your boat and provide you with a detailed report on its condition. This information is very important when you don’t want to spend money on a doomed vessel.

In addition to involving a boat surveyor Palm Beach trusts, there are three very important questions you must answer before choosing a used boat.

What do you need the boat for?

This is a no-brainer. To know the size of boat you need and the features it must have, you have to think about its intended use. If you are not clear on what you need the boat for, you will end up buying a boat that ends up frustrating you. The best thing is once you know what you need the boat for, an experienced boat surveyor can help you know if the boat you are considering fits your intended purpose.  

How will you finance the purchase?

In addition to setting a budget on how much you wish to spend on the boat, you have to think about how you will be financing the purchase. The good news is there are numerous financing options you can use today. The available options include:

  • Getting a bank loan
  • Working with a marine lender
  • Financing the purchase through a boat dealer or yacht broker

Unless it is a small boat, most people don’t pay for a boat in cash. If you plan on using a financing option, a marine lender that specializes in marine financing is often the best choice. Whichever option you use, make sure you get favorable terms and get a loan that you can pay back. 

Where will you store the boat?

Last but not least, you have to think about the boat’s storage. When you are not using the boat, you have to think about where you will keep it. Popular options include keeping it docked in a home port marine or keeping it on a trailer. The bigger your boat is, the more storage space it will need and the more money it will cost you. Keep in mind that you will need special permission to transport your boat from one location to another by road.

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Surveyors Near Me – How Much Does a Boat Cost?

From small kayaks to super–yachts, Americans are buying boats at an unprecedented rate. In 2019, there were about 11.8 million private boat owners in the US. This number continues to rise. If you are thinking about buying a boat, the question you may be asking is how much does a boat really cost? It is not easy to pin down a number. However, before you commit to buying a specific type of boat, make sure you get the input of experienced boat surveyors near me. A surveyor will perform a boat inspection and help you know the fair market value of the boat you are after. In this post, we will be looking at the factors that affect the cost of a boat.

Condition of the boat

The condition a boat is in will significantly impact its selling price. For example, a brand new boat will cost a lot more than a used boat. While brand new boats come with a warranty and new equipment, they have one major flaw, they experience depreciation at an alarming rate. This is what makes a pre-owned boat a better investment. However, before you settle for a used boat, you have to make sure that it is in good condition. This is where the need for the services of boat surveyors near me comes in handy. The surveyor will perform a thorough inspection and help you know all the problems the boat has and what you should pay for it in a perfect market. The boat surveyor will also help you know if the vessel you are after is a good fit for your intended use.

Size and style

As expected, larger boats cost more than smaller boats. Boats that have cabins and enclosed cockpits also tend to cost a lot more than open-top boats. The more extensive an enclosed space is, the more expensive the boat is.

Brand

Just like cars, some brands are more expensive than others.  Buying a boat from a good name will definitely cost you more upfront. It will, however, save you a lot of money in the long term. For example, the Duffy boats are known and respected boatmakers. Buying a generic boat of a similar design will not offer the same reliability and quality. It will, however, cost you less.

Demand

The cost of boats is further impacted by the demand and location. When there is a high demand for boats, the cost of boats will definitely go up. To save money, you should shop in the off-season. This is usually in the winter months.

Features

The features that a boat has will also impact the cost. Boats come in basic and fully loaded models. The fully loaded model will cost you a lot more. Simply put, the more features you choose the more expensive the purchase will be.

The only way to know precisely how much a boat should cost is to talk with a reputable dealer in your area. The input of a marine surveyor near me will further keep you from paying too much on a boat.

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Boat Surveyor Near Me – How to Avoid Buying a Boat with a Bad Engine

When buying a boat, most buyers only focus on cosmetics. They assume that if a boat has no cosmetic issues, it is well maintained. The truth, however, is some sellers will focus on the aesthetics in order to distract you from the main issues. Before you commit to a boat, you need to get expert advice from a boat surveyor near me. The reason for doing this is the marine surveyor has the experience, training and equipment needed to identify any major issue that a boat may have.

As aforementioned, the main area buyers overlook is that on the engine or motor. Before you bring in a boat surveyor near me, it is always good to do a few checks on your own. Performing the following checks will keep you from having to bring in a surveyor for every interesting boat you find. When you do these tests, you will be able to remove some boats from your list and only bring in a marine surveyor on the boats that are a perfect candidate. Here are some of the things you should do when inspecting the engine.

Check the condition of the oil

The most obvious step when inspecting a boat motor is to check the condition of the oil. You do this using the dipstick. Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a piece of cloth then reinsert it into the engine and take it out. There are three things you should check for.

  • Oil color. If the oil looks like black ink, there might be an issue. This is unless you have a diesel engine. If the color of the oil is milky, there is a serious problem. A milky color shows that there is water getting into the engine. This indicates that there are broken parts and the condition of the engine has to be checked by a professional.
  • The gritty feeling between the fingers. A gritty feeling when you rub the oil between your fingers indicates that there are metal fillings in the oil. Metal fillings indicate a serious problem.
  • Foul smell. Oil has a distinct smell. If the smell is foil, the engine has an issue that requires a closer examination.

Take note of the boat motor hours

More boat motor hours mean the engine has been running for long. Keeping in mind that an average boater is on the water for about 50 hours per year, having 250 hours on the motor means the motor is about 5 years old. The lower the hours the better.

Ensure the motor matches the boat

Last but not least, you have to make sure the motor is the right type for the boat. The motor should have enough horsepower to power the boat without straining. Keep in mind that a motor that is too powerful for your boat can also lead to problems.

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Marine Surveyor Maryland – Questions to Ask a Boat Seller

Deciding on the boat to buy takes time. This is because there are so many options out there. Part of finding the perfect boat involves the services of a marine surveyor Maryland trusts. The surveyor will comb through every inch of the boat and help you understand the boat’s exact condition. The marine surveyor can also help you know if the boat is a good fit for your intended use.

Once you find the boat that works best for you, the next step is to arrange a viewing. This will involve discussing the sale in person, with the seller. When this time comes, you must be prepared with appropriate questions. In this post, we will be looking at the three most important questions to ask a boat seller.

What will be included in the sale?

The first and the most important question to ask is about the inclusions. One thing you need to understand is that most sellers tend to stage their boats in order to help buyers visualize what the boat can be converted into. You don’t want to make an offer only to learn that most of the items on the boat will not be included in the sale. That is why asking about inclusions is very important.

Once you know what will be included with the sale, you need to bring in an expert to assess the condition of the boat and the included items. In this case, you will need the input of a marine surveyor Maryland trusts. The surveyor will test all the equipment on the boat and make you aware of the items that need replacing or repairs. You can then use this information to negotiate a better deal with the seller.

Where and How have you been using the boat?

This is the second most important question you should ask. As you may already know, how and where the boat was previously used has a huge impact on its overall condition. For example, vessels that were used on freshwater lakes have fewer rust problems than those used in the ocean. Knowing what the boat was previously used for will further help you know if it fits your intended use.

Have you used the boat as collateral?

Last but not least, you don’t want to buy a boat that comes with burdens. For example, if the owner took out a loan using the boat as collateral, buying such a boat will be problematic. To avoid complications, buy a boat that has clean records.

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Boat Surveyors Palm Beach – How to Keep Kids Safe When Boating

Do you have kids and plan on bringing them along for your next boating adventure? If you do, the first thing you must do is learn how to keep them safe. There are a couple of things you can do to keep your kids safe. The first one is obviously to make sure your boat is a safe vessel. For this, you will require the input of boat surveyors Palm Beach. Whether you are buying a used vessel or own a used vessel, before you take your kids boating, the first thing you must do is make sure the boat is in perfect condition.

Make sure the boat is in perfect condition

Involving boat surveyors Palm Beach trusts will guarantee that your boat is in perfect condition. The marine surveyor will comb through every inch of your boat to ensure everything is in order. If you are buying a used boat, the surveyor will help you know if the boat needs major repairs or has had major repairs done. The surveyor will also help you know if the boat is a good fit for your desired activity. Simply put, the input of a marine surveyor will keep you from taking your kids out on a doomed vessel.

Teach them how to swim

Even with the perfect boat, something can always go wrong while out at sea. To give your kids a fighting chance, you should make sure they are competent swimmers. Teaching your kids how to swim is the most essential thing you should do. While this may not be an option for the smallest toddlers, the earlier your child learns how to swim the better. Ensuring your kids learn the skills of floating, treading water and being able to swim a good distance will keep them safe when you take them boating.

Bring enough life jackets

Being a good swimmer does not mean you ignore the need for life jackets. Wearing a life jacket will increase the chances of survival. As soon as you get on your boat, make sure everyone on board is wearing their life jacket. Keep in mind that kids learn from watching their parents. If you don’t wear your lifejacket, they will not understand the need for wearing one.

Create rules and safety procedures

When you practice something long enough, it will become second nature. Setting rules and practicing safety procedures before you set sail will increase the safety of your boat. Ensure there is a clear-cut set of rules that must be adhered to while on the boat. You should also practice safety procedures to ensure everyone understands them.

Childproof the boat

Another important thing you should do is to childproof your boat. This is not only a good safety procedure but also makes being on the boat more enjoyable. There are many ways of childproofing a boat. Start by ensuring the keys are always locked away and never left in the ignition. The battery selector switches and electrical panels must also be off-limits. Everything that may be hazardous must also be kept out of the reach of children. You may also consider installing lifeline netting more so when boating with toddlers.

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