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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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Boat inspector Palm Beach – How to Maintain a Boat

The main reason why you hire a professional boat inspector Palm Beach before buying a boat is to ensure you never invest in a doomed vessel. An inspector will ensure that you understand every inch of a boat before committing your money. Once the boat is yours, the next thing you will have to do is give it the best care. In this post, we will be taking a look at some of the things you should do in boat maintenance.

Gelcoat, polishes and waxes

Do you own a fiberglass boat? If yes, you will need gelcoat maintenance to put up with. Gelcoat is the tough, glossy finish on the exterior that protects the fiberglass from the sun, salt, and other elements. If the gel is in a poor condition, it will appear hazy or chalky. The good news is you can restore the gelcoat.

If a boat you are considering has a gelcoat that is a hazy, chalky mess, always ask a boat inspector Palm Beach to check if any damage has been done to the fiberglass. If the fiberglass is in perfect condition, all you need to do is use wax or polish to restore the glossy look. Waxes protect and seal the gelcoat whereas polishes remove oxidation from gelcoat to give it a shiny look. You will also find products that contain both polish and wax.

Your boat needs regular cleaning. You also have to maintain the gelcoat with wax at least twice every season. Always perform this task before you head out in spring and before storing the boat away for winter.

Marine canvas

Does your boat have a canvas for creating the cockpit or console enclosures? If so, you will have to care for this material. Start by keeping the canvas clean. You must never wash the canvas or dry it in your household washer or dryer. Wash it using a light brush, a mild soap, and plenty of fresh water. Regular cleaning will keep the UV and waterproofing components of the fabric intact. Cleaning also helps prevent the growth of mildew. If the canvas has lost its waterproofing qualities, you can treat it using a range of products available in the store.

Upholstery and vinyl

The comfy seats on your boat need to be cared for. Vinyl is the common material that is used for exterior furniture components. It is a very tough and durable material. It can, however, be destroyed by the wrong cleaners. For routine cleaning, use a bucket of mild, soapy water and a sponge. Never use ammonia or bleach as these chemicals will cause the vinyl to break down.

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Boat Surveyor Palm Beach – How is a Sea Trial Done?

If you have worked with a boat surveyor Palm Beach before, then understand that a sea trial is a fancy term for test drive. The whole purpose of a sea trial is to test the seaworthiness of a vessel. A marine surveyor will use a sea trial to test the speed and maneuverability of a boat. he will also use this opportunity to listen for weird vibrations and observe all the systems that are onboard.

There are various established standards for a sea trial. However, it is good to note that it is your job as the boat owner or boat buyer to insist on getting a sea trial. Always insist on a sea trial if the boat is complicated or uncommon. A chance to ride on the boat with a boat surveyor Palm Beach will help you gauge if this is the boat of your dreams or not.

Sellers are aware that some buyers are only interested in a joy ride. To avoid wasting time, most will ask you to agree to a price first before the boat leaves the dock. Some will also verify that you have the money to purchase the boat. For larger boats, it is not uncommon for the seller to retain a refundable deposit as well as a signed contract with an ‘acceptance of vessel’ clause with regards to a successful sea trial.

On Land

The first thing a boat surveyor will do is walk around the boat and thumb on the sides. This is done to ensure the hull is solid. If it is not solid, it is probably because there was water intrusion and delamination. The surveyor will also inspect the underwater gear. If there are any issues, a record will be made of all the problems.

The surveyor will then get on the boat to inspect everything. He will do everything from ensuring the grab rails are not loose to sitting on the pedestal seats to ensure they are mounted firmly. The inspector will also check for mold and mildew. If they suspect a problem, they may use imaging equipment to see inside components. You may be requested to hire a mechanic if there is a serious issue.

Sea Trial

For a sea trial, the boat should be cold before it is fired up. The surveyor will listen for weird noises when turning the boat on. They will also take note of how the shifter works as they back out. The boat will then be observed on how it gets to on plane after advancing the throttle. The boat should be able to hold a cruising speed without any issue. This is typically at 3,500 rpm.

A lot goes into a sea trial. To get the best inspection, always ensure you are working with an experienced boat surveyor Palm Beach. Find someone that has worked on boats similar to the one you own or intend to buy.

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Boaters Guide on Hiring Marine Surveyors Palm Beach

Finding the perfect boat for you is hard but it is not the last step you will take when buying a pre-owned boat. The next thing you will need to do is make sure that the boat you are buying is in good condition and perfect for your intended use. This is where the services of marine surveyors Palm Beach come in.

A boat surveyor is an individual certified to perform certain types of inspections on a boat. These individuals have a strong boating and/or mechanical background and they know more about boats than an average boater. The main role of marine surveyors Palm Beach is basically to assess and report on the condition of the mechanical and structural components of a boat.

An important point you have to remember is that surveyors do not take components apart to inspect their condition. They simply listen and observe. They may also use specialized imaging equipment to look inside components without taking them apart.

Why use a surveyor?

Bearing in mind surveyors simply observe, listen and report, you may feel like you don’t need them. The truth is you cannot replace the role of a marine surveyor. The first reason being surveyors use specialized tools like moisture meters to examine a vessel. They also have more experience inspecting boats like yours. Moreover, if you plan on financing your boat or getting insurance, lenders and insurers will require you to have a certified survey. This means you will have to involve a surveyor.

How much will the service cost?

The fee varies from one surveyor to the next. On average, surveyors charge between $18 and $25 per foot. This fee may include an out-of-water inspection, a test of all the systems, a sea trial and a full survey report. You may have to pay more for extra services like compression. Always check with the surveyor before requesting additional services.

Types of surveys offered

Before you hire any surveyor, you must start by taking note of the services they offer. The type of survey you need will depend on what you need it for. For example, if an insurer requested a boat survey to be done, you will require an insurance survey. This has to be done by a surveyor that is approved by your insurer. If you want to know the value of your boat, you will need an appraisal inspection. A pre-purchase survey is what you need when buying a used boat. The rule of thumb is to stick with surveyors who have experience offering the types of services you need.  

Questions to ask a survey

Prior to hiring marine surveyors Palm Beach, there are three very important questions you should ask:

  • Have you surveyed vessels that are similar to mine in terms of size, make and model?
  • What will be included in the boat survey?
  • How long will it take to get the survey report?

These points will give you an upper hand when hiring a surveyor. Always stick with surveyors that have a great reputation.

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Do You Really Need a Marine Surveyor Palm Beach?

Some years ago, only a handful of people gave thought to the idea of working with a marine surveyor Palm Beach. Instead, they used their research and experience with boats to survey a boat on their own. However, as time passes, more and more people are learning the importance of working with a surveyor. This is more so when they consider the experience and the tools surveyors bring.

It is pretty easy for an untrained eye to miss faults on a vessel. For example, if you have never owned a boat before and don’t have the right equipment, you will easily mistake water leaks for uncleaned spills. You will also not be able to tell if the set selling price is fair or not.

A marine surveyor Palm Beach is involved in the review of boats daily. This means he is aware of the common problems that affect boats in your region. In addition, based on his knowledge of selling similar boats, the surveyor will also be able to let you know if the vessel you are considering has been priced accurately or not.

Once you bring a surveyor on board, he will start by looking for visual clues that lead to more problems. These clues include leaks, rust, fiberglass damage and broken ribs. If there are no telltale signs, the surveyor will move to test the mechanical systems. This may involve a sea trial. During the sea trial, the surveyor will listen and observe the performance of various components.

When a surveyor suspects a component has an issue, he may use imaging tools to look inside without taking the component apart. However, if he suspects serious issues, the surveyor will advise you to work with a mechanic or electrician who will take a component apart and take a closer look.

It is good to note that an experienced surveyor knows what a boat should have depending on its intended purpose. Therefore, he will be able to give you a complete list of all the items that ought to be replaced or repaired for a vessel to meet its purpose. The surveyor will also estimate how much it will cost to replace and repair the listed components.

The service fee of a marine surveyor Palm Beach is a small cost to pay when buying a second-hand boat. The surveyor’s job is not to guarantee that the boat is perfect but to try and provide you with a realistic assessment of the vessel as it is. By reading the survey report, you will know if you are making a good investment or not.

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How to Get Your Vessel Ready for a Boat Inspection Palm Beach?

How well you prepare for a boat inspection Palm Beach will determine how smoothly the survey goes and how thorough a surveyor will be. The work of the surveyor is to observe, listen and document. Forcing the surveyor to declutter the boat for you will only get in his way. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the important things you must do when getting ready for a boat survey.

Declutter the boat

The first thing you need to do is get rid of anything that will only get in the way of the boat surveyor. This includes your fishing gear and other extraneous equipment. Your gumboots and raincoat don’t need to be on board during the inspection. In simple terms, anything that will not be included as part of the sale should be removed from the boat. If removing these items is not possible, label them as not-for-sale or available-at-an-extra cost. Doing so will help avoid confusion during a boat inspection Palm Beach.

Clean the boat

Decluttering your boat is not enough. To make the work of the boat surveyor easier you need to clean your boat. pressure washing from top to bottom will help the surveyor find components easily and determine their condition without having to scrub them.

The propeller of the boat must also be cleaned to remove growth. Doing so will help reduce the vibrations and help the boat perform better during a sea trial. You also need to scrub the engines, bilges and machinery spaces.

Get periodic maintenance done

The objective of a marine survey is to help a buyer know if your boat is a great investment or not. At times, low or old oil can cause the boat to underperform and subsequently send the wrong message. That is why you should perform periodic maintenance including impeller and oil changes before the day of the survey.

Wax your boat

First impressions do matter. That is why in addition to cleaning your boat you should consider having a gel coat waxed, the stainless steel work polished as well as the wood varnished. You should also consider touching up paint and testing all the equipment to ensure they are performing well. If something is not working, you can get it fixed or note it so that the buyer will not be surprised.

In a boat inspection Palm Beach, a surveyor will earn his keep by identifying past maintenance problems and future repair needs. Whether you are a boat owner or a buyer, you should make sure you hire the most qualified marine surveyor.

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