Category: marine surveyors Palm Beach

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.

Marine Surveyors Palm Beach

Whether you are in the market for a boat or you are selling your boat, you will need the services of marine surveyors Palm Beachtrusts. The duty of the surveyor is to perform a thorough inspection of the boat and compile a survey report that helps you know the boat’s exact condition. All in all, for you to rip the most benefits from a boat survey, there are a couple of things you must do as a buyer or seller.

Keep a log of all maintenance invoices

As a seller, you want to make sure all relevant documents that pertain to the boat are present. That way you will make work easier for the surveyor more so when it comes to understanding the history of the boat. Clearing out personal items from the boat and getting them cleaned will further make work easier for the surveyor.

Let the surveyor know what you consider to be a red flag

As aforementioned, the job of marine surveyors Palm Beach trusts is to observe and create a report of their findings. If you don’t give them any special instructions, the surveyors will only follow textbook steps. To get more value out of the boat survey, you need to understand that the surveyor works for you. This means you can tell them what you are more interested in finding out. Start by letting them know what constitutes a red flag to you. This could include faulty engine mounts, moisture problems, and blisters. With this information, the surveyor will not only follow textbook steps but also pay attention to what you consider dire.

If there are deficiencies that will cause you not to pursue a boat, let the surveyor check those areas first. It is not uncommon for a marine survey to end abruptly. This happens when there is a clear defect that convinces the buyer there is no need to continue. When this happens, it is okay to agree on a partial payment with the surveyor.

Be present

This is the best piece of advice you can get. When you are present in a boat inspection, the surveyor will be able to show you their findings in person. You will also have the opportunity to ask any question and get clarification on anything. You should, however, note that it is not in the surveyor’s place to tell you whether to buy a boat or not. When you are present, you can also speed things up by helping by opening compartments, pulling the gear and cushions, and so on. You must, nevertheless, not get in the way of the surveyor. Give him or her enough elbow room.

Marine Surveyors Palm Beach

Buying a boat might seem the same as buying a car. However, while the two have some similarities, there are a couple of major differences. For one, when considering a used boat, you must work with marine surveyors Palm Beach trusts. The surveyor will compile a survey report that helps you understand the exact condition of the boat. If further examination is needed, the surveyor will recommend bringing in a mechanic or an electrician. This is unlike buying a car where a mechanic will provide you with everything you need. Vehicles are also less prone to water damage and although powerful, their engines and other components are less complicated.

If you have put aside some money to buy a boat, there are a couple of things you will need to do. The first is obviously to get the contacts of the best marine surveyors Palm Beach depends on. You will need their help when assessing the condition and suitability of the boat.

Choose a boat

When buying a boat, the first step is to choose the boat you want. This is not a small decision. You have to dedicate time and patience to find the right boat. The choice of a boat will depend on your boating experience, budget, and what you plan on using the boat for. You also have to decide on whether you need a motor or a sailboat. There are many tools you can use online to help you find the best boat. Speaking with a marine surveyor will help you identify the best boat for you.

View the boat

It is easy to find most of the boats for sale online. The mistake you can make is that of paying a deposit without first seeing the boat in person. It is only by viewing the boat in person that you will be able to determine if it is the right vessel for you or not.

Check the title documents

You don’t want to buy a stolen boat, do you? If you really like a boat, you need to ask the seller for the title documents. The goal here is to ensure the seller owns the boat 100%. Does the boat have any marine mortgages or liens? You also need evidence that shows the boat is either VAT exempt or has VAT paid.

Get everything in writing

If everything is in order, you need to sign a contract or a Sale and Purchase Agreement before paying the deposit. After this, you will be allowed to bring in a marine surveyor in Palm Beach to perform an assessment. Your surveyor may request a sea trial. If everything is okay, you can go ahead and complete the purchase.

Marine Surveyors Palm Beach

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.

Marine Surveyors Palm Beach

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.

Marine Surveyors Palm Beach

Regardless of where you live in Palm Beach, you are probably a stone’s throw from a boat surveyor. Florida is the boating capital of the US and as a result, there are more boats per square mile than any other part of the world. Boat surveyors know this and they have set up camp in the region. If you are looking for marine surveyors Palm Beach, it will not take you long before you find one. The problem, however, is that not every surveyor has what it takes to offer an accurate survey report. This is why you need to learn how to pick the right surveyor from the crowd. You can use the following tips to find the best surveyor.

Choose someone that evaluates boats frequently

A boat survey is more of an art than a science. The more hands-on experience marine surveyors Palm Beach have, the more dependable they are. That is why you should avoid professionals who offer boat survey services part-time. Part-timers, regardless of how many years they have been in the industry, are not qualified to offer a good boat survey. This is because using a surveyor who is not involved in the industry on a daily basis will affect the thoroughness of the final survey. Needless to say, there is no substitute for experience.

Find someone that has integrity

Being involved in boat surveys on a daily basis does not mean that a particular surveyor will be perfect for the job. Some service providers are known for their terrible customer relations skills. Such surveyors will be unwilling to answer your questions and make you feel left out. To avoid landing in the hands of such service providers, listen to what people are saying about a surveyor. Too many negative reviews are a red flag.

Ask for samples of their work

You will never know how good a service provider is until you take a look at their past work. A professional surveyor will be willing to offer ‘mockup’ surveys to help you evaluate their work. Check if the ample survey is thoughtfully crafted, extensive and demonstrates intense attention to detail. If it does, you are most likely considering the right service provider.

Ask for references

Upon request, a professional surveyor will provide you with several references. Make sure you contact at least three of the provided references. Ask about the professionalism, capability and quality of services offered by the surveyor. References help you get a sense of the surveyor’s track record performance. If your surveyor is unwilling to provide references, chances are they haven’t made a good impression on their clients.

Marine Surveyors Palm Beach

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.

Marine Surveyors Palm Beach

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.

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.

Marine Surveyors Palm Beach