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Offshore74 · 02-10-2019, 09:26

Hi there,

I'm headed to Charleston SC next week to view a sailboat and I'm looking for a surveyor for engine and boat inspection in the area. Does anyone have any recommendations?

For the boat inspection, I'm fully aware there are insurance surveyors and surveyors that go over a boat with a fine tooth comb. Open to both.

Thank you

Lowcountry · 02-10-2019, 10:19

There are a lot of surveyors here. I'm a broker and have worked with most of them. I think that if you want a good, thorough survey, David Hill would be a good choice: https://abycinc.org/members/?id=17074151 He's a little bit salty/curmudgeonly, but he's a good guy and a competent surveyor.
As far as engine survey goes, what in particular are you looking for? In a regular marine survey, there will be a sea trial in which the surveyor will put the engine through its paces, running it up to full throttle, checking the operating temperature and performance, engine mounts, etc. Anything more detailed than that is going to require a diesel engine technician and oil samples. I'd say that for a sailboat engine, the second option might be overkill.

Offshore74 · 02-10-2019, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowcountry

As far as engine survey goes, what in particular are you looking for? In a regular marine survey, there will be a sea trial in which the surveyor will put the engine through its paces, running it up to full throttle, checking the operating temperature and performance, engine mounts, etc. Anything more detailed than that is going to require a diesel engine technician and oil samples. I'd say that for a sailboat engine, the second option might be overkill.

Thanks for the lead. I suppose testing engine oil samples would also suffice. I've had a full engine survey done before actually surveying the boat in the past, so a Yanmar mechanic in this case.

Lowcountry · 02-10-2019, 11:45

Do you have this boat under contract? Listing broker will probably be reluctant to do sea trial and survey without a contract and a 10% deposit, but your mileage may vary.

Offshore74 · 02-10-2019, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowcountry

Do you have this boat under contract? Listing broker will probably be reluctant to do sea trial and survey without a contract and a 10% deposit, but your mileage may vary.

Still have to see the boat. If it checks out (which I believe it will) that'll be next. Do you know if the surveyor you mention does surveys without the buyer present?

Lowcountry · 03-10-2019, 07:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Offshore74

Still have to see the boat. If it checks out (which I believe it will) that'll be next. Do you know if the surveyor you mention does surveys without the buyer present?

Yes, I'm certain that any surveyor here will do a survey without the buyer present.

Offshore74 · 03-10-2019, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowcountry

Yes, I'm certain that any surveyor here will do a survey without the buyer present.

Thanks for the tips! Fingers crossed it's a good boat.

MicHughV · 03-10-2019, 09:03

try this guy:

I have used him twice and he is extremely diligent and knowledgeable.
You will get a 50 page survey report with photo's detailing everything and anything as he will dig into everything.

Besides the sea trial, the boat will also need to be hauled out. The boat can stay in the slings, but this allows the surveyor to check out the hull, rudder, prop, etc.
The haul out will be at your expense.

He is a Florida surveyor, but I know that he will travel out of State.

Suenos Azules Marine Surveying and Consulting - Palm ...

Suenos Azules Marine Surveying and Consulting - Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

sainted · 03-10-2019, 09:20

Neil Haines is as good a surveyor as you’ll find: http://www.boatsurveyor.com/

David Hill is also a good guy. I’ve worked with them both.

Scott

lucygw322 · 03-10-2019, 10:27

we have also used Neil Haines for several sailboats and cant say enough about Neil being the best. The only surveyor we know that goes up the mast as well as thoroughly checks everything and provides an extensive report.

Lucy