Quote:
Tigerlily once whispered in the wind:
What kind of survey do i need to have done at the minimum?
Will the surveyor check the electronic equipment?
How do I go about finding a reasonable surveyor in the area?
What is a reasonable amount to pay for all of this?
If someone else recently had a survey done, and they rejected the boat, can I find out and use that surveyor's findings?
Obviously I am new to this whole process, can anyone help me out?
|
At a minimum, you want a buyer's pre-purchase survey. Your surveyor will check the hull and structure, and check all the boat's systems. As for the electronic equipment, this basically means turning them on to see if they "light up." It does not typically involve testing them for accuracy or anything like that.
You may also want to commission an engine survey from a qualified mechanic, a rig survey from a qualified rigger, and have the sails checked out by a qualified sailmaker. Most marine surveyors will provide only general observations of these three areas. All of this, of course, does cost money so you have to balance that against the cost of the boat, its size and complexity, and your intended use of the boat and your own capabilities to make judgements about these things.
Survey Reports are the property of the person who commissioned and paid for the survey. What makes you suspect that a previous prospective buyer may have surveyed the boat and then rejected it? A recent reduction in the asking price might be an indicator.
As to finding a surveyor, I recommend (in addition to checking the SAMS and NAMS membership directories) asking boatyard repair managers.
You can read about my recent experience with the purchase and survey process
here.
Regards,