Pros and Cons of Using the Same Surveyor

[gallatin1988]

Just looked at a boat I'm pretty sure I will ultimately put on offer in on. This is private non-brokered sale. The current owner is making available to me the past 3 surveys on this boat. His pre-purchase survey from when he brought the in 2009. The pre-purchase survey of the owner previous to him from 2006. Thirdly, an insurance survey that contains both the damage and resulting repair work from an accident resulting for a SeaTow towing mishap. All of the surveys were done by the same surveyor who is well known and well respected in the area. He is considered one of the go to guys in the Houston area. I am familiar with him by reputation.

So I have what might be a stupid question (or not), what are some of the pros and cons using the same surveyor?

My initial thought is to use him since with any luck he will remember the boat and have a basis of comparison to help judge current condition of the boat.

Any thoughts or input is greatly appreciated.

[Tortuga's Lie]

If 2009 is the most recent survey, you will want (need) a new one! If the new survey is conducted by the same surveyor, it should be fine if he is an accredited surveyor as they have a creed that they Have (should) to live by.

[gallatin1988]

Yes I definitely do plan getting a new survey. And yes the surveyor in question is professionally certified and is very experienced.

I know of a couple of other very well respected and experienced surveyors (again by reputation only) I could call.

So I guess my question put another way would be: is there any advantage to getting a fresh set of eyes on the boat (assuming both surveyors are equally good)?

I really just trying to make sure I do my best due diligence

[Fore and Aft]

That’s 11 years ago and if his survey average is similar to mine then that’s over 2000 boats ago. So there is a fair chance he has forgotten it unless the owner did something unique while surveying it. By unique I mean leaving a bucket of pee in the cockpit or having a full on domestic with your Mrs while the surveyor is conducting the survey. Days like that stick in your brain forever!
Cheers

[Jim Cate]

By unique I mean leaving a bucket of pee in the cockpit

Another thing to add to the list of problems they don't tell you about in "surveyor school"! A hard job made harder...

For the OP: I'd think getting a fresh viewpoint might be of greater benefit than relying on antique memories aiding the original surveyor. However, if you are happy with the reports that you have seen (in terms of completeness, etc), the original chap will doubtless do a similar job once again.

Jim

Jim

[gallatin1988]

I spent 4 hours looking at the boat yesterday. I also leafed through all 3 surveys. They seemed complete and of high quality. ATM, I am waiting the the owner to email me the surveys.

[CSY Man]

Get a fresh survey by a fresh surveyor.
Really..

[sail sfbay]

Originally Posted by gallatin1988

................So I have what might be a stupid question (or not), what are some of the pros and cons using the same surveyor? My iinitial thought is to use him since with any luck he will remember the boat and have a basis of comparison to help judge current condition of the boat............

Pros: the surveyor knows the boat, has a good reputation, and you are familiar with him. GOOD PLAN.

[meirriba]

The surveys from 2006 & 2009 are not important.
In 11 years all systems are either in a different state or replaced (and possibly new items added)
So - get a new survey.
However, you may learn from the old documents, if the specific surveyor did a thorough job. If he did, you certainly can use him again for the new survey.
The insurance survey, on the other hand, is important - you may use it to follow the repairs and to check if the repairs still hold fine or there is a deterioration. It should be presented to the current surveyor as well.
All this is only my humble opinion (of an retired small craft surveyor...)

[lvictorlucas]

If you just want to pass an insurance survey use the same person and he may cut you a small price break. If you want a second opinion to catch something the first may have missed, go with another surveyor you fly in from another part of the country and tell him you want him to find EVERY problem. Most likely you will save money in the end by having the seller pay for the new found repairs. That way he will know you are serious about items like compression test and spray pattern for every cylinder, chemical test of engine, generator and transmission oil AFTER sea trial (you or he can send it out), shaft alignment, alternator diodes, all bearings (engine, generator, rudder, quadrant and shaft), update wiring diagrams, antenna vswr, coax loss,corrosion on all mast connectors, bonding, grounding, lightning protection, pressurizing the boat for deck, rub-rail and window leaks, air-conditioner and refrigerator Freon pressure and leak sniffer, test every bilge pump including the manual ones that the diagram and seals get hard, sample and boar scope the bottom of fuel and fresh water tanks, try to schedule the sea trial on a rough day to check for oil caning of the hull and flex before the bulkhead inspection, etc ... You get the idea and make sure you ask plenty of questions.