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Questions to Ask Before a Boat Inspection Palm Beach

While there are many individuals who call themselves surveyors, you have to be careful before hiring someone for a boat inspection Palm Beach. Before hiring a surveyor, you need to ask them the right questions so as to determine if they have what it takes to deliver the service you need. In this post, we will be focusing on the questions you must ask before the inspection starts.

Have you surveyed boats similar to mine?

This is a question that will let you know if the surveyor will deliver quality services or not. If he has no experience conducting a boat inspection Palm Beach on a boat that is similar to yours in terms of make and model, chances are he will miss some things. If the experience of a boat surveyor is strictly powerboats and you are buying a sailboat, the service they offer might not be as great. You might want to keep looking for another boat surveyor. If they say they have worked on a boat that is similar to yours, ask for a sample report and review it before making a decision.

What will the inspection include?

A good surveyor will include a thorough inspection of the boat’s deck, hull, superstructure and systems. As they go through these items, the surveyor will be checking if the vessel’s equipment and systems are in compliance with the current standards that are defined by the USCG, NFPA, and the ABYC. If there is an issue that needs specialized attention, the surveyor will recommend bringing in a mechanic or electrician to take a closer look.

What will be included in the survey report?

A competent surveyor will provide you with a thorough and detailed written report. The report describes the various parts of the boat, detailed information about the hull’s condition as well as the condition of equipment and systems. The survey report is usually between 30 to 40 pages. The length depends on the size of the boat being surveyed and the type of survey being done. A comprehensive report will also include photographs, recommendations and findings of the boat’s condition.

How long does the survey take?

The duration of the survey will depend on the type of boat you are buying. The survey of boats that are less than 25 feet long takes about two to three hours. This includes a sea trial. For bigger boats, the survey can take between four to six hours. The survey of boats that are longer than 50 feet can take up to two days to complete. Once the survey is done, you will get the survey report within two to three business days.

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Marine Surveyors Palm Beach – Answers to Common Questions About Marine Survey

When it is time to work with marine surveyors Palm Beach, you will find yourself asking a series of questions. While most of these questions will revolve around cost, there are many more questions you will ask. In this post, we will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions about boat surveys.

How long does the survey take?

This is among the first questions you will find yourself asking a marine surveyors Palm Beach. What you must understand is that how long the survey takes depends on a number of things including the size and type of the vessel. A boat survey can take between a few hours to a full day to complete. The weather conditions, the complexity of the boat and the need for a sea trial can cause the survey to last longer.

How much does the service cost?

The amount you end up paying will depend on the surveyor you are working with. Some surveyors will offer a flat rate while most will charge per foot of the length of the boat. The cost can be anywhere between $18 and $25 per foot. It is common for some surveyors to charge part of the per-foot time for travel. The age and location of the boat will affect survey pricing. You should try negotiating a better fee with the surveyor before they get started.

Why would you need a marine survey?

There are many reasons why you may want to get a survey done. The first is for the purposes of insurance. Most insurance companies will require a survey report before giving an offer on how much to insure your boat for. If you want to use your vessel as collateral, lenders will want a survey done to determine the value of the vessel. Boat owners can also commission a survey to help them understand the condition of their boat and know its fair market value.

How should you prepare the boat for survey?

Getting the boat ready for the survey will help speed up the process and help you get the best results. Start by getting the boat cleaned and remove anything that is not part of the boat. Doing so will make it easy for the surveyor to move around. If the survey is being done because a seller requested it, make sure you tackle periodic maintenance and handle all necessary repairs before scheduling a survey.

Marine surveyors are there to give you a better understanding of the vessel you own or plan on buying. Make sure you give them ample time to work and only hire the best surveyor that offers all the services you need. The surveyor also works for you so don’t hesitate to ask them any question you may have.

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How Much Does It Cost to Work with a Marine Surveyor Palm Beach

Hiring a marine surveyor Palm Beach will guarantee that you don’t invest in a doomed vessel. It is the job of the surveyor to evaluate every aspect of the boat and provide you with a detailed report. The surveyor will help you understand if the boat is fit for your desired use, if there are major repairs that ought to be done and what its average fair market value is. You can even use the survey report to negotiate a better deal with the seller.

Even with the input of a marine surveyor Palm Beach being so important, it is vital that you take time to understand how much the service will cost you. You don’t want to hire the best boat surveyor in your region only for their fees to ruin your budget, do you? That is why understanding the cost of working with a surveyor is so important.

Flat rate or per foot

There are boat surveyors who are happy to charge a flat rate for their services. This is typically charged on smaller and simpler boats. However, for the larger vessels, surveyors usually charge per foot of the boat’s length. The price ranges from $18 to $25 per foot. Don’t be surprised if your surveyor charges a portion of the per-foot time for travel to and from your boat.

Location and age of the boat

The cost charged by surveyors is also dependent on the location your boat is at and its age. As aforementioned, the surveyor may charge you for their travel expenses. This is more so if the vessel is in a location that is hard to access. As for the age of the boat, some surveyors will not take on a really old boat. Others will charge more because accessing and troubleshooting the systems of older boats is more difficult and requires the surveyors to be a little creative.

Short haul at the boat yard

The cost of a short-haul can be $15 per foot. Sailboat and engine rig surveys usually cost between $500 and $1,000. The cost will be influenced by the number of engines as well as the age of the rig.

The above are the main costs you should be prepared for. It is, however, important that you come prepared to make the payments for all the services that will be offered on the day of the survey. Have the money to pay the surveyor and for the short-haul. Some boatyards and surveyors may prefer a check rather than a credit card payment. Most vessels can be surveyed within a day while others will require a couple of days for the survey to be completed.

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Boat Surveyors Palm Beach – Answers to Common Questions on Boat Surveys

Working with boat surveyors Palm Beach is the best decision you can make when buying a used boat. The reason for this is the surveyor will help you better evaluate the vessel you are considering and help you know if the set selling price is fair or not. It is also the surveyor’s job to recommend repairs. Some of the findings will also help you better negotiate with the seller. However, for you to get the best services from a surveyor, you have to learn a few things about a survey. That way you will be more at ease as the surveyor works on your boat. Here are answers to the most common questions on boat surveys.

After hiring a surveyor, do I still need to bring in a mechanic?

The answer is yes. The work of boat surveyors Palm Beach is simply to listen and observe. Marine surveyors’ role is to record what they see and hear. This means a surveyor will not dismantle a component to look inside. If they suspect there is a problem, they will either use imaging equipment to look inside or recommend that you get a mechanic or electrician to look at a component.

What is slipping?

Also known as hard-standing a vessel, slipping is the process of removing a boat from the water for either repairs or inspection. For a comprehensive inspection, a boat surveyor will recommend slipping. This is a normal practice in marine surveys. The purpose is to help the surveyor or mechanic check the underwater components. Slipping may also be done to clean the bottom of the boat. Once the inspection is done, the boat will be put back in the water for a sea trial. Slipping is required in pre-purchase surveys. Insurance companies will not agree to insure your boat unless it has been ‘slipped’.

Who pays for slipping?

Typically, the buyer pays for slipping. This is a normal practice. As the buyer, you will also pay for hull cleaning. If slipping has to be done, you must make plans for the boat to be slipped. The weather also needs to be conducive otherwise the survey will be delayed. You also need to give the marine surveyor ample time to complete the inspection. If you have no idea how to go about slipping, you can liaise with the seller or broker to organize for slipping. Some sellers/brokers may have a preferred slipway. The surveyor may also have a slipway in mind.

Should I show the seller the final boat survey?

It is always recommended to share the boat survey report with the seller so that you are both in agreement. If there are defects, the seller will need the report to know what needs to be fixed. You can also use the survey report to negotiate with the seller.

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What are the Main Duties of a Boat Surveyor Palm Beach

Are you a boat owner or plan on buying a boat? If yes, you will require the services of a boat surveyor Palm Beach. This is an expert trained and experienced in evaluating a boat. Marine surveyors are able to inspect all types of vessels from yachts to tankers that are more than 200 meters long. There are various responsibilities that a surveyor has to fulfil.

The main responsibility of a marine surveyor is to conduct a thorough examination of a ship. In most cases, persons buying a used boat are the ones that require the services of a surveyor the most. It is, however, good to note that you will also benefit from the input of a boat surveyor Palm Beach when buying a new vessel. The surveyor can evaluate the boat before it is delivered to you. This is done not just to determine the seaworthiness of the boat but to make sure all your specifications have been addressed.

One of the key reasons you need the input of a boat surveyor is to be certain of the condition of your boat. The surveyor will inspect every inch of the boat and report on damages, missing components and if necessary recommend bringing in a mechanic. Surveyors simply listen and observe. They never take components apart. That is why it is not uncommon to be advised to bring in a mechanic or electrician before a marine survey is given.

The marine surveyor ensures all the equipment and machinery are working properly. This will include components like engines, navigation and communication equipment. The surveyor will also check the safety and emergency equipment to ensure they are in good operating conditions. The surveyor will also witness tests and ensure the reports are within the acceptable standards.

Another key duty of a surveyor is to perform an investigation of maritime accidents. This could be done to help you know if the boat you are buying is accident-free. The service may also be requested by an insurance organization or a ship-owner to get to the root of the problem.

The surveyor will determine the extent of the damage. To do so, the surveyor will consult reports of the boat before the accident. If it is submerged, a salvage will be needed. Before salvage commences, the surveyor can be brought in to determine if the wreck can be moved safely without causing more damage to the vessel itself and to the biosphere.

Most people will bring in a boat surveyor Palm Beach in order to get a fair and unbiased evaluation of their maritime assets. This is often done when planning on selling or buying a vessel. The survey will also help when applying for maritime insurance and when trying to use the vessel as collateral for a loan.

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Boat Inspector Palm Beach – What Does a Marine Surveyor Look for in a Boat

A boat inspector Palm Beach is hired to properly inspect a boat. The goal of a surveyor is to make sure that the interests of the buyer are matched with the condition of the boat. The surveyor will inspect the vessel based on the set standards. The areas he inspects and tests he runs will depend on the type of boat survey that you need. Here are some of the key things that surveyors look for when inspecting a boat.

Cracks

When not fixed, cracks can lead to major problems that can be expensive to fix. That is why some marine surveyors will recommend an out-of-water inspection to take a better look at the boat. It is also not uncommon for a boat inspector Palm Beach to use special equipment to check for cracks. The surveyor will inspect the hull while paying attention to the chines, strakes and stem. They will look for scratches and document every crack, regardless of how small they are. Cracks have to be repaired as soon as possible.

Holes and seepage

The boat surveyor will remove and check the outboard cowling. Holes and all possible seepage have to be document and repairs be done as soon as possible. The surveyor will ensure that the springs are working properly and make sure linkages between shift and throttle are greased properly. Any sign of corrosion has to be documented and repairs must be done as soon as possible.

Leaks

One of the primary duties of a boat surveyor in Palm Beach is to find leaks. A boat spends most of its life in water. Leaks can make the boat very unsafe. That is why the surveyor pays close attention to leaks. Fuel and oil leaks must also be looked at. The surveyor will ensure that seals and gaskets have no leaks.

Fuel and oil test

Most people assume the only job of the dipstick is to determine the level of the oil. That is not the only thing it does. You can use it to check the state of the oil. If the oil is black, you may have to get it changed.  On the other hand, if the oil smells burned or looks milky, there might be water in it. A marine surveyor will be able to test the fuel and oil on your boat and let you know if they are in good condition.

Wiring

It is also the job of a boat inspector Palm Beach to ensure all the wiring is in place and working properly. As you may already know, faulty wiring is the leading cause of fires on a boat.

You never know what could happen while out in the open sea. That is why you need to work closely with a boat inspector Palm Beach to understand the exact state of your boat.

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Marine Surveyors Palm Beach – Financial Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Boat

Working with experienced marine surveyors Palm Beach offers the best way for you to protect your investment. Needless to say, buying a boat is a huge investment. You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on a vessel that ends up being grounded because you cannot afford maintenance or repairs. When buying a used boat, here are the top financial questions you should ask.

What is the fair market value of the vessel?

There is nothing that hurts more than knowing you spent more than you should have on a vessel. The worst thing is there are no takebacks in cases of willing buyers, willing sellers. The best thing you can do, therefore, is to ensure you pay the right amount the first time. You can do this by working with marine surveyors Palm Beach.

In addition to identifying problems on a boat, it is the duty of the boat surveyor to give you the fair market value of the vessel you are buying. This information is vital when negotiating with a seller. When you know how much a vessel should cost, you will avoid being exploited by the seller.

How much will insurance cost?

The cost of insurance is something you must account for when buying a boat. There are several factors that affect the amount of premiums you pay including the size of the boat, age and your experience. The reason you need the input of a marine surveyor here is because there have been many cases of under- and over-coverage. The surveyor will help you know how much you should pay to get comprehensive coverage.

How much will boat registration cost?

You will have to get your boat registered once the transaction is done. How much you end up paying will depend on the state you are in. This is because the rates for taxes and registration vary.

How expensive are the required repairs?

Last but not least, you need to account for the cost of repairs before you buy a used vessel. Repair costs can add up. This is why you need to work with an experienced boat surveyor who will provide a list of required repairs as well as the estimated cost of those repairs. You can then use this information to determine if the vessel is worth buying or to negotiate a better deal with the seller.

While you can get financing when buying an old boat, it is good to always weigh all your options before making the final decision. The input of marine surveyors Palm Beach will help you make a more informed decision.

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Boat Inspection Palm Beach – Affordable Aluminum Fishing Boats

Are you in the market for a fishing boat? If you are, you will be spoilt for choice. There are always tons of fishing boats for sale in Palm Beach. If you are working with a tight budget, fiberglass boats may scare you off. Aluminum fishing boats are not only durable and require less power but they are also quite affordable, easier to tow and operate. All the same, this does not mean you purchase one without getting an expert boat inspection Palm Beach. Here are some of the best aluminum fishing boats you can buy.

Crestliner 1860 Retriever

If what you need is a boat that can double as a hunting boat, the Crestliner 1860 Retriever will be perfect. This is a boat that is always ready for action when it comes to fishing. It has 16-gallon live-well, fore and aft casting decks that come with pedestal mounts for your fishing seats as well as vertical rodracks for up to 6 rigs. The boat can cruise close to 30mph and achieve a maximum speed of 41.2mph. The vessel is quite affordable with the price of a brand new boat being in the neighborhoods of $20,000. If you are buying a used vessel, a professional boat inspection Palm Beach will save you from paying more than the boat is worth.

LOWE 22 Bay

A brand new Lowe 22 Bay will cost a little under $50,000 when fully rigged and ready for action. Its stand-out features include 30 gallons aft and 16 gallons forward live-wells. It has a built-in tackle stowage, Morotguide VariMax V55SW electric trolling motor, fore and aft casting decks and Lowrance Hook2 fishfinder and 7’6” locking rodboxes. Always work with a boat surveyorwhen buying a used Lowe 22 Bay fishing boat.

Ranger RB 190

Do you need a perfect boat for fishing with your son? The Ranger RB 190 will be great for you. The vessel can cruise at 30mph and achieve a maximum speed of 45mph. The boat has several standard features which include big-ticket items such as custom-built Ranger trailer, Rawhide coating on gunwales and the interior, hydraulic steering, Lowrance Hook2 fish-finder, Minn Kota Edge 70 electric trolling motor and aerated live-well with timer and removable divider.

These are the three best aluminum fishing boats you can buy today. However, to avoid surprises along the way when opting for used vessels, you should always involve a boat surveyor for a boat inspection Palm Beach. The surveyor will help you identify any issues that the vessel has, give price estimates for repairs as well as give recommendations on pricing.

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What You Need to Understand About Working with a Marine Surveyor Palm Beach

There are many reasons why you may want to hire a marine surveyor Palm Beach. You probably are eyeing a boat on the yard that is for sale, you want to know the current market value of your boat, you want to use your boat as collateral when applying for a loan or maybe you need a new insurance cover. There are many reasons and every boater’s reasons are unique. Whatever your reasons may be, it is always good to know what to expect when working with a marine surveyor.  

They only listen and observe

The first thing you will notice is that the marine surveyor Palm Beach will not arrive as heavily armed as your typical mechanic. The reason for this is the boat surveyor only observes and listens to gauge the condition of components. It is not the job of the surveyor to take components apart for a look inside. While they may use special imaging equipment for this, in most cases when a component needs to be taken apart the surveyor will refer you to a mechanic.

They are happy to talk things over

Boat surveyors are quite happy to talk about the survey process. This is more so if this is your first boat inspection. You should not shy away from asking all the questions you may have. If there is something confusing in the survey report, don’t hesitate to call the surveyor for clarification.  

Building a relationship is important for to a surveyor

One thing you may not already know is that surveyors want to build a solid relationship with their clients. Their reputation depends on the experience of previous clients. Surveyors know that they are only as good as their last survey. That is why they are happy to go the extra mile to meet and exceed your expectations. Surveyors also want to build solid relationships because most of their business comes from recommendations from previous clients. With that being said, if you have a problem with a survey, never hesitate to bring it up.

Always give them space to work

The worst thing you can do when working with a marine surveyor Palm Beach is getting in their way. It makes their work slower if you keep hovering. You should give the surveyor time to do their job. When it is time for a sea trial, don’t bring all your friends along. A sea trial is not a boat ride. It is meant to help the surveyor evaluate various components while the boat is in action. A large crowd will only get in his way.

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What is the Importance of Hiring Boat Surveyors Palm Beach?

If you are thinking about working with boat surveyors Palm Beach, you probably have done your research on what is a boat survey. If you haven’t, a boat survey also referred to as a marine survey, is a comprehensive check-up for a boat. It is the equivalent of getting a roadworthy certificate for a car. The primary purpose of a boat survey is to identify any existing issues, highlight areas of weakness and provide a detailed image of the overall condition of the vessel. There are three main reasons why you should hire a marine surveyor.

Get an unbiased assessment

When buying a used boat, it is good to note that the owner may be unaware of some existing issues. That is why you need to request an independent survey from boat surveyors Palm Beach. The survey has to be done as a condition of purchase and before settlement.

A marine surveyor will assess every aspect of the boat ranging from structural and rigging to electrical systems, plumbing and mechanical components. This will be done both on and off the water. The findings of the surveyor will then be detailed in a survey report. Pay attention to the feedback of the surveyor because their assessment is both independent and unbiased.

For insurance valuation

An independent survey report is usually a requirement for insurers. Most insurers will require that you get a survey done before they can insure your pre-owned boat. The survey will help you know if there are major defects that need to be repaired and how much the repairs will cost. The survey also gives an estimate of the fair market value of the boat. This information is vital because it will help you know if you are making a sound investment or not.

Always make sure the boat surveyor you are using is approved by the insurance company you plan on using. You also need to request a list of items that your insurer wants to be reviewed.

Protect your investment

The third reason why you should consider getting a survey done is to protect your investment. Buying a boat is a big investment. You have to think through the decision carefully. One way of doing that is getting a thorough inspection of the vessel. Hire a competent surveyor to help with the inspection.

A lot goes into a marine survey. The best thing you can do is make sure that you have the right team doing the evaluation for you. Find boat surveyors Palm Beach who have performed surveys on boats similar to the one you are considering. The surveyor must also have a good reputation.

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