Would you arrange a survey without being there (re: borders are closed)?

[FreeRide]

First of all let me say "Hello" to everyone on Cruisers Forum. This is my first post. Great information shared here and friendly, helpful replies.

We are buying a 1992 Lagoon TPI that appears to be very well maintained. It has new engines (300 hr), sail drives, folding props, standing rigging, tramps, etc. I've owned smaller fishing boats my whole life but this is our first "yacht" (I use the term loosely).

Due to the border closure (coronavirus), I doesn't look like I will be able to travel to Florida any time soon (we live in Canada). So I have two choices: cancel the survey until I can get down there but possibly risk voiding the offer to purchase, or have the survey conducted in my absence.

As first time buyers, I believe that being there for the survey represents a huge learning opportunity for me. The surveyor has vastly more experience than I do. I will be seriously disappointed if I cannot be there for the survey.

I'm interested in hearing what would you do? In particular, the pros/cons of having a survey done in my absence.

Thanks and Cheers!

[letsgetsailing3]

If you want the deal, get the survey done on schedule.

You being there doesn't change the results.

If the purchase goes through, you'll have plenty of time to poke around on the boat.

[DanCan]

Can you still find surveyors willing to go out for the job under current circumstances or are they going to find the marina or shipyard open? Just curious. I’m in Canada too but my sister who lives in Fort Lauderdale tells me it is a mix, still lots of people carelessly mingling....

[JPA Cate]

@FreeRide,

If you like the survey, and buy the boat, are you going to be happy to have others move it to its new berth? With marinas mostly closed, how do you think that might work out? Do you think it possible that you might be scammed and wind up buying a stranger a boat?

Seriously, mate, these are troubled times, and I think you would be better off to go forward with this after 6 to 18 months. Plus, how would you feel about paying slip fees (if a slip can be found) for 6-18 months for a boat you can't use? Don't let boat lust cloud your vision.

Ann

[FreeRide]

DanCan - The surveyors that I've spoken with are still working but they want as few people as possible on the boat. Basically the owner, the buyer and a broker.

[FreeRide]

@Ann

Thank you for looking beyond just the survey. You are correct, there are lots of things to consider after the survey is completed. And who knows how long this dreaded lurgy will last.

Thanks!

[letsgetsailing3]

Oh, I thought this was about a survey.


If you aren't 1,000% sure, this is no time to be buying a boat remotely.

[FreeRide]

@letsgetsailing3,

You are correct! Original question was focused on the survey and we are very committed to this boat. But, in hindsight, I was being a little too focused on the survey.

We have no problem buying the boat if the survey comes back good. But as Ann correctly pointed out, there are a whole host of other issues that we should be considering over and above the survey.

I think that’s one of the great things about posting on this forum. Fresh eyes give fresh perspective.

Cheers!

[rabbi]

Originally Posted by FreeRide

@letsgetsailing3,

You are correct! Original question was focused on the survey and we are very committed to this boat. But, in hindsight, I was being a little too focused on the survey.

We have no problem buying the boat if the survey comes back good. But as Ann correctly pointed out, there are a whole host of other issues that we should be considering over and above the survey.

I think that’s one of the great things about posting on this forum. Fresh eyes give fresh perspective.

Cheers!

The boat will likely still be there in 3 or 6 months when the travel bans are lifted.
Plus a good handful of new hot firesale deals.

[Montanan]

Depending on where the boat is the surveyor may or may not be permitted to travel for work due to a hodgepodge of city and county lockdowns in Florida.

The Governor has not yet implemented a Statewide lockdown, I suspect that will be coming, albeit later than he should have.

[Vasco]

Take a pass on this. No time to make decisions right now.

[FreeRide]

Thanks everyone for all the rational advice. It’s all good advice and I think we’ll be postponing our offer at this time.

White sands and palm-lined beaches will have to wait.

See you out there some day!

[Time2Go]

Hi Freeride,
I just moved to Florida
and could possibly be “eyes & ears”
for you during a survey. We could facetime the whole
look see. Like working remotely.
I’m waiting to see if my passage from Antigua to the UK
via the Azores is gonna be a go.
Got a few more weeks till the call
departure around May 10th.
Fingers crossed
Cheers
Neil
PS: I’m in Palm Beach County, East coast
Anybody else need a remote look see
give me a shout

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by FreeRide

Thanks everyone for all the rational advice. It’s all good advice and I think we’ll be postponing our offer at this time.

White sands and palm-lined beaches will have to wait.

See you out there some day!

Good decision I think. Personally I would never buy a boat without being there to observe the survey and indeed to be hands on in the entire process.

[valhalla360]

Have you considered talking to the seller and asking for a delay due to the situation? I'm betting a lot of reasonable people will do that to keep the deal alive.

It would need to be confirmed by a lawyer but you could probably make an argument that you couldn't comply with the contract due to force major (Canadian Border is shut down).