Survey

[newsailor0193]

Question: Should I get a survey on a brand new catamaran? It was delivered from France to USA.

[JPA Cate]

Yes, absolutely, because otherwise, how will you know it is all okay?

There's an old saying, "trust in Allah, but hobble your camel or tie it to a tree."

It is only for your protection (and your family's, if applicable).

Ann

[Snore]

Absolutely!

To start with many new boats have electronics wired incorrectly. The “Nav Inst” breaker may—— or may not control the instruments. If she came across on her own bottom or as deck cargo, there are all sorts of issues a new boat can have.

Doing a survey increases the odds that the problems are found before you write that big check or wire the funds. Just be sure to get a good and fully independence surveyor.

[danielamartindm]

Yes. You need to address all of the vessel's "bugs" before the warranties run out, and while a "short haul" and a survey are an expense, it will be more than worth it to have a marine expert look over the vessel with a magnifying glass and perhaps see things that you might have missed. Then, put it all into one squawk sheet, and deal with the manufacturer and/or seller from a position of knowledge.

[Shrew]

About 10 years ago a friend bought a brand new 38 rampage. At the time he spent about 600K on it. He didn't see the need to spend almost $3k to have the hull and both diesel engines along with the generator surveyed.

He took possession of the boat in the water. That fall when he hauled the boat, he found a large repair to the keel.

Apparently, the manufacturer was showcasing that model on a boating TV show. They arranged for the show to demo a boat from a local dealer. During filming, they ran the boat aground.

after the shoot, the dealer hauled the boat, had the keel repaired, then bottom painted the entire thing. He then sold the boat wihtout disclosing the damage and repair. The repair was done incorrectly and allowed water to ingress and soak the foam cored hull.

Several law suits and an extensive repair followed. They had to first drill about 30+ holes into the hull and let it sit and slowly drain, then dry out. This took months. Then the failed repair had to be fixed, then the drain holes had to be fixed.

My buddy completely lost faith in the boat and sold it at a massive loss.

Short Answer: Yes, get a hull and systems survey.