Marine Survey 101

[SimonV]

I have seen a number of seller survey reports over the years, as David mentioned it gives the buyer a heads up as to the condition of the boat. But what it also does is take away some of the buyers leverage on Items needing attention as the seller has already disclosed these faults and would have adjusted his selling price to account. You will still need to have your own survey.

[macanudo]

Great article Wallace & much appreciated...looking forward to your next scary chapter!

[FloridaWriter]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

"Marine Survey 101" I just posted this article on my website with over 90 photos on how to weed out the junk in order to avoid hiring a surveyor more than once.... think you guys might enjoy it.

The article on propane installations is truly amazing. I've seen some scary things on boats but nothing like the bucket of propane!

[Kit_L]

I know this is an old thread, in internet terms, but this information just will not go out of fashion, and is just as necessary today as when it was first written.

I will be relying on BoatPoker's insight before I buy my next boat (getting closer; I can feel it).

I agree with FW: the "custom" propane storage locker inside a gasoline engine compartment" is something special!

[WingRyder]

This is probably one of the most informative links I've seen... IMO, this should be stickied somewhere! This is a must-read for any potential boat buyer, like me!

Boatpoker, you posted this a few months ago on one of my threads, and I have been reviewing it quite a bit, as I get closer to buying. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[Kit_L]

And Wallace's handle here: "BoatPoker"—is this the best, or what?

[richlikestosurf]

Second time i've come across this site. What a treasure-trove of information. Looking to buy a boat in the next year or two and this has me in a confident yet partially panicked state of mind right now..

[longjonsilver]

Question for the esteemed Boat Poker: Should a boat be surveyed only out of the water? What risks would one take by attempting a survey in the water?
thanks
jon

[boatpoker]

98% percent of the survey can be done out of water.

I strongly recommend against a vessel purchase without a very close look at the part that holds the rest of it up.


through hulls, shaft log, shaft, cutless bearing, propeller, rudder bearings/bushings. blisters, hydrolysis, corrosion

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by longjonsilver

What risks would one take by attempting a survey in the water? thanks jon

How would you know if there is a keel still attached:

https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/spec...t-a-keel-30486

[Manateeman]

Five star. Simply perfect.
Our sincere appreciation for such a teriffic post.
The manatee crew.

[goboatingnow]

As a seller I would never commission a survey. Nor do I offer previous surveys.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by longjonsilver

Should a boat be surveyed only out of the water? What risks would one take by attempting a survey in the water

If the boat is currently in the water, would haul it out to look at it. Overall it somewhat relatively inexpensive to do the haul out for the piece of mind it provides. The bonus is the hull will get a power wash and will perform better for a sea trial.

Interesting article about the missing keel. Never would have thought it was possible to really sail a boat w/o a keel. It happened not once, but 3 times. Another part of the inspection would be to determine if the boat ever was run aground. It becoming more evident that even a "minor" grounding can do significant damage to some hulls w/structural grids.

If an owner doesn't want their boat hauled out (for whatever reason) to do an inspection, would walk to find another boat.