I think the surveyor is being paid to be critical, no matter who he's working for. The exception to this rule might be if the surveyor is on staff at a marina and is doing surveys for the marina inventory.
There are a lot of very good surveyors here in west Michigan, but there is one individual that I will not allow to survey my boat. When I have a boat for sale I tell the prospective buyer that he can pick anyone except for this one particular surveyor.
It's my opinion that most bonafide boat shoppers are fairly well prepared when they find a boat they're really interested in. If a boat is advertised as a "10" and it's a "4" (we all know this happens a lot) they buyer is going to walk away without getting anywhere near the point of needing a survey.
Most sellers are also aware of the actual value of their boat, but the advertised price may be a reflection of how much is owed rather than the value of the boat. Remember when Bayliner was offering "no money down, affordable monthly payments"? Those buyers were financially upside down as soon as they took delivery.
In the case of my own boat, there was one bank that refused to accept the surveyor's valuation of the boat, and insisted on using their own "book value".
There was $20,000 difference between the two, and it was definitely NOT in my favor.

I spoke to Dirck just the other night and told him what to look for. I restored 2 Bullets in the last several years & have a respectable amount of knowledge on them. By looking at the engine hatch cover on "fit for a king" I would not doubt the wood is not far from compost. Not to bash Cig but when they manufactured the structure of the upholstry there was room for improvement. For example, the bench seat base has contact on the floor. Easy solution is to cut the base 1/2" and support with " L" brakets or whatever. Over time water sponges into the wood and the rest is history. When fiberglass is layed over plywood without being beveled it creates an air pocket and voids for water to penatrate with no where to go. The engine hatch upholstry frame is a major compost issue. Cig simply brushed on a coat or 2 of resin. Why not incorporate fiberglass top and bottom ? My uphostry shop hates me for that !
As far as not selling the boat, I threw a higher number and really did not advertise aggressively. Honestly after all the work into the '89 I wanted to enjoy the boat for a year or two. (hope the wife does'nt read this) If I threw a wild paint scheme, updated the dash, pumped more HP into the engines it may have sold. I restored this boat as if it was left 188th street back in 1989. But this spring to boat needs to go and someone will be getting a great boat.
As with all surveyors, they will find flaws even in a new boat. Which is good. I gave Dirck a number on my boat and offered any help to answer questions he may have regardless he buys my boat or not.

Stan,
I really don't think that your asking too much for your boat. It's evident that you put an azzload of time and money into restoring that boat. Someone will be getting one hell of a nice boat!!!

Hey Craig,
Thanks for the reply. Sick thing about it is I enjoyed the entire resto process. Just gotta love taking a worn out piece and making it new again. It's very rewarding to look at before and after pictures. I would like to keep the boat but need to sacrifice the $$$ for some real estate down south.
Stan

Hey Stan,

How are you doning. Your boat looks awsome. Where is your ad listed? I might know somebody who is interested.

Great, a ton of snow on the way this weekend. Thanks, the boat is not listed right now. I made a mistake last year of listing way too early. I was going to advertise in boat trader etc around March. All I can do is send some pics with my ph#. Feel free to have your buddie email me [email protected]

How's your Bullet doing?

Stan,

I really enjoyed the time talking with you a couple nights ago on Bullets, great info. I am still enjoying the pictures of your fine vessel-you have done a beautiful job- you are a true craftsman and a class-act.

In fact I have recieved many friendly and helpful personal e-mails educating me on this fine speedboat line- thanks again!!!

Guys,
Is there any way to verify the hin to validate advertised model year of bullet? Is the Marine Lien .com site a realiable source?

FYI, the survey is scheduled to be completed tomorrow and boy I feel like a little kid in anticipation on the results-kinda like the first time :-).

Mr. Gomez,
Go to the source. Call to CRT in FL 305-931-4564 and ask for Bud if he's got the records he'll let you know. He did not have the file on my 85 Mistress

I know the feeling on the survey deal. It's tough waiting and hearing what you want to hear Hope you score A+ on your report card ... let us know, which I'm sure you will.

Good luck,
Chris

Wyatt, Look what I found. There was a thread a while back to "decipher hull in#"

Survey is in:
10 + pages of detail with + 20 pics-
data from stem to stern in general condition of: structural integrity; machinery; protective coatings and housekeeping noted all as satisfactory. Hull,deck, cockpit cabin free of any dry rot, no noticed blistering, crazing. he identified all the nicks and gouges that I also saw but also noted surface corrosion on fuel tanks tops near fillers, some poorly repaired fiberglass at aft section of keel and bow eye hook area which I also noted during my visual/sea trial while up on fork lift. All exposed areas were inspected stringers that were visible appeared solid no noticable non conformities. He did note around drain plug close to the notch there was some moisture indicated on his JR Overseas moisture meter but no visual problems at this time. He led me to believe that this was a weak area of most vessels and may not be serious as visually and hammering/ tapping it appeared sound. Core sample only way to validate complete integrity. Accessories were inspected included Halon and hand extinguishers needed recharging, no carbon mon detector, no smoke detect and no GFI electrical outlet near cabin sink, needed double clamps at fuel tank. Trailer needed work as rusted brake line, dented fender, corroded leaf springs - work needed before trip to California. Overall I am not surprised, but the moisture at the drain hole was my main worry-THOUGHTS? I spoke with the adjuster at length and unless a core sample is taken- it is hard to determine severity and may offer years of service. He only provided facts which I simplified and summarized above with an assessment of 54.6K including all above impediments. Guide me ol' wise ones...will this be a bigger project than I think it is for the $ invested.
Thanks