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Jd1 · 07-06-2014, 08:11

It's funny how views differ ..... I was not impressed by Ken. Having said that, it was my one and only survey so maybe I don't know what is considered 'normal'.
Ken did an excellent job checking the hull but beyond that he pretty much just recorded serial numbers.
Although I paid extra to have him present on the sea trial, he did not catch the fact that the boat was very slow (prop needed re-pitching) or that there was a tremendous racket under power (cutlass bearing was worn to the point of not being there any more)
I am not saying "don't use Ken" but I am saying to be present with eyes and ears open and use him only as an additional set of eyes and ears.
YOU will need to check the operation of all included bits of gear as he doesn't cover that in his survey!!
Good luck with your potential purchase!

Edit: I should add that there is no such thing as too tough. You want to know as much as possible about what you are getting into. There is no such thing as a 'failed survey' - Ken will give you his findings and possibly his recommendations but it is up to you to decide if you like what you hear and if you still want to proceed with the deal.
I would not worry about insurance implications - anything serious enough to cause them to pause should be fixed by you prior to putting the boat into service.

Cheechako · 07-06-2014, 11:10

You don't have to act upon everything the surveyor points out, but it will be nice to know everything you can! Insurance will require all the usual bs stuff like double clamping, and new fire extinguishers.

Cheechako · 07-06-2014, 11:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jd1

It's funny how views differ ..... I was not impressed by Ken. Having said that, it was my one and only survey so maybe I don't know what is considered 'normal'.
Ken did an excellent job checking the hull but beyond that he pretty much just recorded serial numbers.
Although I paid extra to have him present on the sea trial, he did not catch the fact that the boat was very slow (prop needed re-pitching) or that there was a tremendous racket under power (cutlass bearing was worn to the point of not being there any more)
I am not saying "don't use Ken" but I am saying to be present with eyes and ears open and use him only as an additional set of eyes and ears.
YOU will need to check the operation of all included bits of gear as he doesn't cover that in his survey!!
Good luck with your potential purchase!

Edit: I should add that there is no such thing as too tough. You want to know as much as possible about what you are getting into. There is no such thing as a 'failed survey' - Ken will give you his findings and possibly his recommendations but it is up to you to decide if you like what you hear and if you still want to proceed with the deal.
I would not worry about insurance implications - anything serious enough to cause them to pause should be fixed by you prior to putting the boat into service.

Sounds like he did a poor job to me. Every surveyor I've ever had tried to move the shaft in the cutlass bearing and tried every appliance aboard unless I said not to worry about it. If he didn't check it he noted it wasn't.

capn_mark · 07-06-2014, 11:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by IslandAnne

Hello! I'm sorry to dredge up an old thread. I'm new here and jumping in with a question right away. I have an accepted offer on a boat (my first one) and I have been told that Ken is the best surveyor for pre-purchase. This thread reinforced what I was told. The seller's broker is strongly discouraging me from using him because he said the boat will never pass inspection if Ken does the survey. Is there such a thing as being too tough for a pre-purchase survey? It is an older boat, so you can't expect everything to be perfect right? Will this have serious implications for insurance? Or is it more likely that the broker just doesn't want the surveyor to find issues that would cause the deal to fall through? Thanks for any advice - I'm new to all of this!

Yeah, agree with the other folks that there is no such thing as a survey that is too tough. The broker wants the deal to pass so he can get his commish. In this market, don't be afraid to bid low, I know you have an accepted offer, so don't be worried about knocking off $$ to cover any deficiencies found in the survey.
Good luck!

IslandAnne · 07-06-2014, 12:17

Thanks everyone! It sounds like the broker was just trying to scare me into using an "easier" surveyor. I appreciate the advice. Now I just hope that Ken is available.

I'm also getting a mechanic to look over the engine, and am bringing a knowledgeable friend along for the sea trial and inspection. I'm not worried about the wiring/electrical and gadgets since they are all old and will be replaced anyhow.

Ian McD · 08-06-2014, 06:51

Ken does a good job. He did my yacht and three years later I still have not found anything he missed. Better to know than not to know.

cwyckham · 08-06-2014, 08:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian McD

Ken does a good job. He did my yacht and three years later I still have not found anything he missed. Better to know than not to know.

Wow! Considering the dozen major systems I found with problems after my survey, that's high praise indeed.

davefromoregon · 08-06-2014, 10:35

It might be a bit far away, but Allison Mason in Portland is also very good. Her partner did my boat and I was happy with the results. She reviewed his work.

paralog · 08-06-2014, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitiempo

There is no such thing as too tough of a surveyor when buying. Ken Rorison the best choice.

There is nothing worse when buying a boat then finding all he surveyor did is an inventory of the boat. Its sounds like he is the guy to go with when buying and not when selling. I was pissed when i received a survey report that did not include the engine or rigging. My fault should have asked first.
I can recommend mainstay for rigging inspection.

mitiempo · 08-06-2014, 16:36

Most surveys do not include rigging or engine.

I agree Serge at Mainstay/Yachtech is a good choice for rigging inspection.

robert sailor · 09-06-2014, 10:39

Its a good idea to have a separate diesel guy go over the engine, prudent!

cwyckham · 09-06-2014, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by robert sailor

Its a good idea to have a separate diesel guy go over the engine, prudent!

I'd get a compression check done on the engine. A typical engine survey doesn't do that.

IslandAnne · 09-06-2014, 13:00

Thanks everyone! I've made notes from your suggestions - much appreciated. Still waiting to hear back from Ken but it sounds like he's very busy and booking into July. My closing date is set for June 30th.

A friend suggested Kelly Thody from Total Boat Marine Surveyors or Martin Enright from Nautica Marine Survey. Any thoughts on these if I can't get Ken? Also, this boat is a cold-molded woodie - not sure if that factors in to selecting a surveyor?

I don't think I'm going to bother with a rigging survey. I had a friend look it over already and it looks good. I'm not too worried about replacing the rigging, as it has to be done eventually.