Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

Can someone please enlighten me on what an actual survey includes? Thanks for the info.

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

It provides a seven or eight page report describing the condition of the craft along with an inventory of standard equipment and options. The report can be used as a pre-purchase, insurance, financing or damage evaluation.
All serial numbers, registration numbers, HIN and documentation numbers are on one document for your convenience.

Along with all of the systems checks is the replacement value and current market value of that particular vessel. That figure is arrived at by checking NADA, ABOS, BUC and the Powerboat Guide and of course, the condition of the boat as it is evaluated.

As far as the machinery, the outdrives are checked for loose mountings, physical impact damage and oil contamination. If an EFI engine, the ECM is scanned for fault or trouble codes and confirmation of the actual running time hours. If the customer wants a compression and/or leakdown test of the engine, it is available at extra cost as is an oil analysis. It is recommended that a sea trial also be performed, as some problems do not lend themselves to detection at the dock or on the trailer.

Does this help or do you want more detail? I am happy to answer any questions and can be reached at (954) 895-4633 or email.

[email protected]

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

It is basically a piece of paper that says the boat is "real". Most surveyors are not mechanics, so they don't know squat about engines or outdrives.

It is a nice thing to have, and most banks require one for a loan, but that's about it.

Just my two-cents...

BTW... I am loving my Bullet! :D

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

Sorry your experience with surveyors has been less than positive.
Over the years I have found and diagnosed hundreds of problems with hulls, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, outdrives, V-drives, transmissions, electrical systems, plumbing systems, generators and engines...many of which have kept the buyer from making a giant financial investment that would certainly have been a disaster.

I found a failing transom in a big motoryacht that probably saved an entire family from doom on a proposed trip tp Puerto Rico.

Many of the things I find during a survey even the owner is unaware of and is very grateful to know the impending failure.

I feel that my mechanical background is an asset to my survey business and I've saved deals by making repairs DURING a sea trial!

Sorry to disagree, but a survey is MUCH more than a piece of paper.

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

:D Ed,,, not all surveyors have your skills ,, charming personalty and quite demeaner,,, Oh what a differance!!!! :D :D ,,,, some times ,, its just a piece of paper.

RHC

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

Ed, I don't mean to doubt your skills in the least - from reading your posts, you sound like you do a thorough job, and definitely know your stuff.
However...not all surveyors do, and you've said it yourself. How about those dealers who won't use you anymore, since your surveys cause them to actually have to FIX stuff on their boats? You think the surveys they are getting done now are any more than a piece of paper? I think not.

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

No insult intended, Ed. I'm sure that your survey includes many things that most surveyors skip over.

The surveyor of the Bullet I just bought didn't even bother to open the engine hatch! :eek: Due to the tarp covered with snow the engine compartment could not be opened at the time of the survey.

He did notice that one of the cabin cushions had some wear and tear. :rolleyes:

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

As with anything you have your good and your bad.

Ed did a survey for me and it was very thorough and very professional. Maybe check with someone like Ed (he's not local to you) and find out the proper questions to ask a prospect surveyor.
If spending the kind of money most of do on boats, your nutz if you dont get an inspection by a qualified professional. JMO

Good luck with your purchase.

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

Clay:
I did not feel insulted at all. I know there are clowns that survey boats and I'm sorry you caught one of them. I wish I could fly all over the country and protect my OSO family, but it's just not practical.
Ed

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

You have to do your research and find a qualified surveyor--One that has credentials and has a good reputation like Ed Cozzi.
Just like everything else guys, there are good one and bad ones. Finding the the right surveyor is definately imperative when you buy a boat, there are so many things that they can find that you wouldn't know what to look for. Also getting the engines checked out is very important also.
You can look up surveyors through the Accredited Marine Surveyors society (AMS) or other club/societies/assoc. like that.
I personally think it's stupid to not get a survey when you buy a boat. Unless you are somebody who is extremely knowlegdeable about boats, engines, etc....and you can do what a good surveyor is capable of doing. I rather pay the surveyor now that the piper later :D

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

You should have said something. If that was me, and I was paying him, I'd tell him to get his lazy A$$ to look under the hatch and inspect the boat.
Maybe the owner had something to hide by not having the boat totally accessable for the surveyor?? HMMMMM :evilb:

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

He would have to sue me to get his money ! The 2 biggest things to me are the stringers & the transom. He didnt check either !

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

With all of this being said, and me shpping for my first boat, how can I interview prospective surveyors? Survey the surveyor so to speak. This would probably be more directed towards Ed.

What questions do I need to ask? Any signs to look for when talking to a qualified quality surveyor? Lingo to listen for? Things to make me run the other way?

Sorry if I'm Hijacking! :rolleyes:

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

I knew that the survey was only a piece of paper for the bank. The Bullet is now with my mechanic and everything is looking good. I am happy. :cool:

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

Find out his credentials. Get a list of what he will do during the inspection. Check with the Accredited Marine Surveyors society (AMS) or other organizations that (usually) the good ones will be members. The association they belong to will hold them accountable if you have a problem. That's what they are there for.

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

Unless i missed it somewhere in this thread, have a moisture test done on the hull. Sometimes they are included and other times are not

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

references!!!!!!!!

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

I got burned on a supposed survey by Charles Bullock, do not use him. The basic idea is a very good one, but unless I knew someone such as Ed C. on the board, I would not depend on it to make an important decision. If the bank doesn't require it pay your mechanic to go with you and look at the boat!

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

As with anything you have your good and your bad.

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

send me private e-mail and I will fax one over tomorrow -

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

look around your marina and find someone who had one done, then ask to see it. I can fax one over I had done, 37 pages, he did a good job.

remind me with an e-mail, [email protected]

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

Well, the first order of business is to find out if the surveyor is familiar with our kind of boat. A sportfish or sailboat guy is almost always clueless about a high performance boat. If you hear, "A boat is a boat", or anything like it, scratch this guy off your list. Some guys are so hungry, they'll never turn away business and figure they can BS their way through the survey. Several bigger houses in my area are using me to do their HP rather than embarrass themselves and their surveyors. I respect that and am happy to do a great job for them.

Ask about a non-invasive moisture meter, an ECM scanner and a compression test. These are necessary things needed to check things out properly. A leak-down test on blower motors is a must also. You may have to hire a separate mechanic to do those tests.

Re: Boat Survey, what do they actually include
 

These are really good questions to ask and your not Hijacking at all.