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Boat Inspector Palm Beach – Important Considerations to Make When Buying a Boat

It’s a big decision to buy a boat. It is not only an expensive investment but one that will impact your finances in the future. That is why making the right decision the first time is so important. You have to be a smart buyer. Part of being a smart buyer involves working with an experienced boat inspector Palm Beach trusts. The primary role of a boat inspector is to go through every inch of your target boat and provide a detailed report. The report will help you understand the exact condition of the vessel including whether it has had major repairs done.

In addition to working with a boat inspector Palm Beach stands behind, there are a couple of things you will have to consider when buying a boat. Here are the most important considerations you must make.

New or used?

This is one of the most difficult questions you will have to answer when searching for a boat to buy. There is beauty in both options. For example, if you choose to buy a brand new boat, you will get all the latest technologies and everything will be working as it should. You also get a good warranty. On the flip side, the value of a new boat depreciates at an alarming rate. For a used boat, you will be able to get a bigger boat at half the cost. You must, however, bring in a boat surveyor to comb through every inch of the used boat so as not to end up buying a doomed vessel. Most used boats will require repairs and upgrades to be done; all of which will cost you money.

The decision on whether to buy a new or used boat will depend mostly on your budget and the type of boat you want. Consulting with a marine surveyor will keep you from going for the wrong boat.

What size do you want?

When searching for a boat to buy in Palm Beach you will be spoilt for choice. This is more so when it comes to the size of the boat. To avoid being overwhelmed, here are some important questions you should ask:

  • Where will you be using the boat?

If you plan on operating it on a lake or river, you will be operating it during the daytime. A boat between 18 and 40 feet will be ideal.

  • How long will you be staying on the boat?

For an overnight stay on the boat, you will be best suited to going for a larger boat. Find a boat with a cabin, galley, and other amenities.

  • What is your budget?

You must also think about how much you want to spare on the boat. Don’t just think about the purchase price. Consider the cost of gasoline, maintenance, cleaning, dry docking, winter storage, moorage, and boat insurance.

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Boat Inspection Palm Beach – Things to Consider Before Buying a Cheap Boat

We all love bargains. The more money we save on a new item, the better. However, it is good to note that the cheapest is not always the best when it comes to boats. When the deal is too good, always request a boat inspection Palm Beach recommends. The purpose of the inspection is to help you understand if there are any hidden problems. Here are a couple more things you must do.

Be wary of ‘too good to be true’ deals

It is possible to find a gem of a used boat at the most competitive price. This happens when a seller wants a quick sale or when the market is competitive with similar vessels. However, if the price is way below market value, you need to involve a marine surveyor before making an offer. This is because when a deal is too good to be true, it usually is. A boat inspection Palm Beach trusts will help you know the condition of the boat and if it is worth buying or not.

Is it competitive pricing or a red flag?

After searching the market for the perfect boat, you may come across one with the lowest price tag. Although saving money is your top priority, you must understand why the price is that low. A boat may have a low price to entice buyers to buy it fast or because it has major issues. Therefore, it is always important to have a marine survey on any used vessel before buying it. After getting the survey report, you can ask if it is worth buying it or going for a higher-priced one.

Consider price versus value

At times the price of a used boat doesn’t reflect the boat’s value. This goes for vessels priced too low and those priced too highly. The price is what you pay for the boat, whereas the value is what you get for the money you spend. At times a boat can be priced higher because of the owner’s personal attachment to it, the popularity of the boat, or where it is located. This type of value will not transfer to you. That is why you need to work with an experienced boat surveyor to understand the actual value of the boat.

Not every cheap boat is worth buying. Some will cost more in repairs and maintenance than you would want. Make sure you always consult an experienced marine surveyor in Palm Beach to help you get a better understanding of the investment you are about to make.

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Marine Surveyors Palm Beach – Steps for Buying a Used Boat

Buying a used boat can help you save a lot of money as well as manage to afford a bigger boat than you would when buying a brand new one. Nevertheless, there are no guarantees when buying a secondhand boat. That is why you need to work closely with marine surveyors Palm Beachtrusts to ensure you evaluate a boat thoroughly before making payments for it. This article will look at the key steps you must take when buying a used boat.

See the boat and get a professional inspection

Just because a boat is being sold by your trusted cousin or a reputable firm doesn’t mean you should take their word for it. Most of the issues on used boats are not cosmetic; they are hidden. If you don’t know what to look for in a boat survey, you risk buying a vessel that will torment you for years. To avoid this, enlist the help of experienced marine surveyors Palm Beach recommends. The surveyor you hire should have experience inspecting vessels similar to what you are considering. They will inspect every inch of the boat and provide you with a detailed report that will help you understand the boat better. If major repairs need to be fixed, this information will be in the report. An experienced surveyor will also include photos of the issues he found.

Give it a sea trial

The role of a boat surveyor is to help you understand the exact condition of the boat and give you a price estimate. It is your job to determine if the boat you are considering is a good fit or not. One way of determining if the boat is right for you is by arranging a sea trial. In most cases, when getting a pre-purchase survey, a surveyor will insist on a sea trial. If this was done during the survey, you don’t need to do it again. However, if you are not the person behind the wheel, it is good to arrange for another sea trial. The goal is to get a feel for driving the boat.

Check the paperwork

Now that you are okay with everything about the vessel itself, it is time to dig deeper. Ask the seller for all the paperwork that relates to the boat. Title documents will be needed for most boats. Ensure there are no liens on the boat’s title because you might be liable as the new owner. You must also check the Hull Identification Number to ensure it matches what is imprinted on the boat. You must also request a bill of sale from the seller and check if the boat has VAT paid.

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Marine Surveyor Palm Beach – Reasons You Should Own a Boat

Owning a boat in Florida will help you reduce stress, enhance happiness, give you a chance to learn new skills, and offer you a chance to try new things. However, you must work closely with a marine surveyor Palm Beach trust, for this to happen. The surveyor will help you evaluate the boat thoroughly and understand the fair market value. The boat surveyor will also help you learn about the missing equipment and the repairs that have to be made. The wealth of information you get from surveyors will help you make a more informed choice when buying a used vessel. But why exactly should you buy a boat? Here are the main reasons.

Potential for ROI

Buying a boat is an investment. While the costs of buying, running, and maintaining a boat can add up, you can offset these expenses when you consider the potential return on investment. Whether you want to charter your boat or consider business ideas, there are many fun and lucrative ways to offset the investment and keep the costs down. First, you need to make sure you buy a problem-free vessel. An experienced marine surveyor Palm Beach depends on will help confirm the condition of the boat.

Creates a business opportunity

Did you know owning a boat creates space for business use? You can convert your boat into a business. For example, you can take potential clients or associates out on your boat instead of taking them to a restaurant. Doing so will create a lasting image of your business and allow potential clients to relax and enjoy ample space to discuss business. You can even enjoy fishing with a potential client. The calming ocean environment and your boat’s luxury can compel potential clients to accept your offer.

Social distance to your heart’s content

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes to almost all industries in the world. Lockdowns forced people to be away from crowds. But, even as the world continues to go back to normal, people continue to appreciate the appeal of being alone to think or spend alone time with family. Owning a boat enables you to social distance to your heart’s content. You can sail away to a calming sea environment to think, bond with family, or do anything you want away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Many benefits come with owning a boat, including making friends in a whole new community, discovering a whole new world, and creating meaningful memories. However, for this to become a reality, you need to make sure you buy a used boat in mint condition. An experienced marine surveyor in Palm Beach will help with that.

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Boat Surveyors Palm Beach – How to Negotiate a Great Deal

Owning a boat puts you on an exciting path. You get a vehicle to explore the expansive Florida coastline and enjoy some time alone or with family far from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, this does not mean you buy just any boat. You must find a boat that fits your intended use. Second, you need the input of boat surveyors Palm Beach trusts to help with the inspection. You don’t want to buy a doomed vessel, do you? The next thing you must do is learn how to negotiate the best deal. Here are some valuable tips that will help you negotiate like a pro.

Research the boat

If you don’t have the information, you will not understand your options. Whether you are buying a brand new or used boat, you must do some research on the vessel. Read reviews on the model. When was it built? Is it ideal for your preferred activity? Now is also the time to research the fair market value of the boat. Again, involving boat surveyors Palm Beach trusts will help you know how much the boat you are targeting should cost. You can use this information to negotiate with the seller. 

Know the cost of repairs

A marine survey has to be carried out before buying a used boat. You need an experienced boat surveyor to thoroughly inspect the vessel and give a detailed list of everything that will have to be repaired. Depending on what you intend on using the boat for, you can make your list of things the surveyor should inspect. The surveyor will provide you with a list of everything that has to be repaired, from the dents in the fiberglass to broken navigation systems. The surveyor can also help calculate how much the repair will probably cost. You can then tell the seller you will pay the agreed price if all the repairs are done or pay a lower price to account for the repairs.

Don’t let the list of equipment sway you

It is easy to be impressed by a vessel with impressive onboard equipment. You must never allow the pieces of equipment to sway you. While the long list of equipment can be a real bonus on a new boat, you will likely have to replace most of the old systems when you buy a used boat. Keep in mind that equipment and cosmetics have always been used as a tool for selling boats. Focus on the boat itself, and don’t forget to calculate how much it will cost to upgrade or replace the onboard equipment.

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Boat Surveyor Palm Beach – How to Buy a Used Boat from a Private Seller

With the responsibility of making sure you buy an excellent boat resting on your shoulders, you have to evaluate the benefits of buying from a private seller instead of buying through brokers. Price is the most significant benefit. Private sellers tend to be cheaper since they don’t charge commissions. Expanding your search for a boat to private sellers further increases your choices. It is also easy to negotiate better terms with the owner than it is to negotiate with a broker. However, this does not mean you ignore the input of a boat surveyor Palm Beachtrusts.

At any given time, there are hundreds of boats available for sale across Florida. Unfortunately, some of these vessels are in terrible conditions. Sellers will not make you aware of those issues because their goal is to close the deal. That is why you need a boat surveyor Palm Beach recommends to help assess the boat thoroughly. Next, you need to follow the right steps when buying a boat from a private seller.

Ensure you see the boat

The first thing you must do is ensure you see the boat before making any commitments. It is very tempting to jump on a bargain boat that is not nearby and trust that the seller is telling the truth and the photos are accurate. Seeing a boat in person changes perspective. Seeing the boat in person helps you know how big it is and helps you know if it is the ideal choice for you. You should also plan a sea trial to see how it sails.  If you are confident that is the boat for you, you can proceed with the negotiations.

Get a thorough inspection

While it is possible to inspect the boat yourself, you will need the input of a professional to find hidden issues. That is why you must work with a boat surveyor. An experienced surveyor has inspected many vessels that are similar to yours. He is also familiar with the inspection guidelines. Their input will ensure you know every inch of the vessel and compile a report you can present to lenders and insurance companies. Don’t hesitate to pay extra for a sea trial if you really love a boat. It will help uncover any major issue. You also need to let the surveyor review the paperwork.

Negotiate

Now that you are certain the vessel is in an acceptable condition, it is time to bring the price down. This will involve negotiations. You can use the findings of the marine surveyor to compel the private seller to bring the selling price down. Make sure everything you agree on is included in a purchase agreement.

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What You Need to Know About a Pre-Purchase Boat Inspection Palm Beach

A pre-purchase boat inspection Palm Beach approves is often required when buying a boat. However, for you to take full advantage of the survey, you must have a deeper understanding of what the surveyor will be looking for. Yes, you can get some insight inspecting a boat by yourself but a professional pre-purchase survey is a whole different animal.

Finding a boat to buy in Florida is easy. Buying a perfect boat is, however, a whole different story. Once you locate a boat that interests you, the next thing you must do is take a closer look into it. You will need a boat surveyor for this.

As you get ready to bring a surveyor on board for a boat inspection Palm Beach approves, it is good to understand that the surveyor only works for you. He is hired by and works for the buyer. Due to the conflict of interest, you must refrain from working with a surveyor that is recommended to you by the seller or broker. Always find an independent surveyor to inspect the boat for you.

The good news is there is a clear path forward because every boat comes with a work list. This means the marine surveyor will have their work defined for them. If you need the survey done for insurance, make sure the surveyor you hire will be approved by your insurance provider and ask your insurer for a list of items that have to be inspected.

Surveyors have guidelines they use to help make an informed judgement call. This means the surveyor will not be acting on their own opinions. They follow guidelines from the Code of Federal Regulations, American Boat, and Yacht Council among other established bodies. Each of these guidelines covers specific areas. For example, the Code of Federal Regulations covers minimum requirements for navigation lights, safety equipment, sanitation, engine, fuel, and electrical systems. Diesel-powered boats are usually free from electrical and mechanical regulations. They must, however, comply with the other regulation.

While guidelines do exist on what a surveyor must look for in a boat inspection in Palm Beach, their judgement calls still matter. That is why it is so important to work with an experienced boat surveyor. Find someone that has lots of experience surveying vessels that are similar to yours. The surveyor you hire must also come highly recommended. You should also not be afraid to ask the surveyor the questions you may have. They work for you, remember?

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Common Questions About Working with a Boat Inspector Palm Beach

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.

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Marine Surveyors Palm Beach – Steps that Lead Up to a Boat Survey

If you are buying a boat for the first time, you are probably curious about the process. This is especially so when buying a pre-owned vessel. How do you know it is in good condition? That the owner did not hide vital details? The answer is a boat survey. The duty of marine surveyors Palm Beach trusts is to evaluate every inch of a vessel and compile a detailed report on their findings. But what is involved in the process? That is what we are here to discuss.

Although there are several major differences, buying a boat is the same as buying a car or a house. There are steps you have to follow in order to achieve desirable outcomes. One of those steps is hiring marine surveyors Palm Beach believes in. There are several things you have to do before getting to this step.

Choose a boat

The first step in the boat survey process is deciding on the boat to buy. It is not the job of a surveyor to show you which boat to buy. The job of a surveyor is to help you understand the precise condition the boat is in as well as its fair market value. Compile a list of things your ideal boat should have then shop around for the perfect boat. After finding the right boat and viewing it in person, you need to sign a contract with the seller. You then need to pay a deposit so that the seller can allow you to organize a boat survey and mechanical inspection.

Contract

The terms in the sale contract must be reviewed carefully. Make sure you understand every clause and ensure all the clauses are in place before you proceed with paying the deposit. Ensure there is a clause that states you will only proceed with the sale if the survey report is satisfactory to you. There should also be a sufficient settlement period for the balance. This is typically between 2 to 4 weeks. If the settlement period is short, you may not have ample time for a thorough boat survey and due diligence.

Deposit

The seller wants to be certain that you are a serious buyer with the financial means to buy their boat. As a result, they will request a deposit of 5 to 10 percent. You don’t want to be halfway through the survey only for the broker to tell you the boat has been sold to someone else, do you? Paying a deposit keeps the seller/broker from selling the boat to someone else.

After these three steps, you can go ahead and reach out to marine surveyors in Palm Beach. Whenever possible, find a surveyor that has experience inspecting vessels that are the same size and brand as the boat you are targeting.

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Marine Surveyor Palm Beach – What is in a Marine Survey?

Are you thinking about hiring a marine surveyor Palm Beach trusts? If you are, one of the key things you must do is understand what is included in a survey. The first point you must understand about marine surveys is that the vessel will be reported to the person that pays the surveyor; not the boat owner. The report is the current state of the vessel following a general examination. The inspection is also limited to the areas of the vessel that are accessible for a visual inspection; concealed areas will not be included.

One of the top reasons why you need a marine surveyor Palm Beach stands behind to perform a survey is so that you can use their findings to bargain down the purchase price. Experienced boat surveyors inspect a vessel using standards or guidelines that have been set out by established bodies. They also rely on their own experience to ensure they cover every aspect of the vessel. That is why you must always go for the most experienced surveyor who is fully versed in the standards and has experience surveying vessels that are similar to the one you are targeting.

Typically, a marine survey consists of sounding and obtaining moisture meter readings through the decks, hull, frames, superstructure, bulkheads, and the stringers transom. These are usually the main areas of focus during an inspection. The surveyor checks for areas of delamination, air voids from the time of manufacturing and the amount of moisture retention in the fiberglass or core. Most vessels will have moisture in some areas. It is the work of the surveyor to determine if the moisture level is normal or excessive.

In addition to moisture checks, the surveyor will inspect all the systems on the boat. They are checked for operation and not diagnostic. Surveyors are not licensed mechanics or electricians. They do not take components apart to look inside. They can, however, use imaging tools to look inside without dismantling an item. If they suspect there is a problem with certain components, they will advise you to contact an electrician or mechanic.

A marine surveyor in Palm Beach will also check for the following:

  • Electrolysis activity
  • Osmosis
  • Condition of all underwater gear including propellers, cutlass bearings and struts
  • Previous repairs and the condition of those repairs
  • Inspection of the fasteners such as chain plates, bolts and evidence of leaks

When buying a used boat, it is good to add a condition in which you will only purchase the vessel if the report from a mechanic or electrician is satisfactory to you. You should consider bringing your mechanic along for a sea trial.

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