What you see! What I’ve seen!! Volume 1

Should I get a Marine Survey?

Why do I need a Marine Survey? I know boats why should I buy a Marine Survey? Should I get a cheap Marine Survey? These are questions every potential boat shopper ponders with at some point. Many people decide not to get a survey and buy the boat without one. Then only to find out they have to have one for insurance or some other reason anyway. Finally they decide to  hire a surveyor and get a Marine Survey completed on the boat.  Once they receive the survey report, they are typically shown a number of things they did not know about or notice during the sea trial or showing.
Buying a boat is an emotional experience, you are excited to get on the water and enjoy the sunshine and fun. When walking through the boat you are picturing all the fun times with friends and family. Who will sit where, who sleeps here or there. Then you start thinking about what lakes or rivers you will visit. Which friends will you invite on the weekends. Suddenly you better act fast all your weekends are planned. Wait settle down, you haven’t even bought it yet. You need to consider the features of the boat and the different options. Will you slip or trailer? One engine or two? Do we want a boat with a generator? What about air conditioning or an ice maker, does this boat have a blender. Ohhh cold drinks on the beach, toes in the sand, wait wait wait still haven’t bought it yet.

Now, after all that did you look in all the bilge compartments? Did you crawl under the helm to check for leaks or broken wires? How many hours were on the engines? Does the radio work? Will the generator power the air conditioner and the fridge?  By hiring a experienced surveyor you will have someone that is not emotionally involved. We are not picturing the great days on the water, like you were when you walked through (although we want you to have them). We are there to look at the boat with out prejudice or emotion. We are looking for facts and clues as to the condition and value of the vessel. Looking for problems, prior repairs, improper repairs, safety items, and a number of other things. Do you know how many hose clamps need to be on a exhaust hose? We do and these are the things we look for.

Stay tuned for some pictures and examples of what people have missed and we have seen!

Feel free to contact me with questions or comments at Shawn@marinesurveyllc.com.