Hiring a Marine Surveyor
When buying a boat, it is always recommended that you hire a marine surveyor to inspect the boat thoroughly and a certified mechanic to inspect the engines. If you choose to forgo this measure, be sure to arm yourself with plenty of cash to deal with unexpected problems as they come up after purchase.
Q: Why do people hire a marine surveyor?
A: People mostly hire a marine surveyor to perform vessel condition and valuation surveys for pre-purchase and insurance. Pre-purchase is a lot more detailed and in-depth and is done when someone is looking to purchase a boat which is new to them.
Q: What is the role as a surveyor in the boat buying process?
A: Surveyors look at the structural integrity of the hull and underwater machinery when the boat is out of the water, such as the propeller, signs of groundings, evidence or repair work on the hull, etc. They inspect the deck for moisture issues by percussive sounding and taking moisture readings. They also look for evidence of major or minor repairs throughout the vessel, look over electrical systems, wiring and current protection and inspect the shore power and inspect electronics for power up only. They advise on the condition of the boat and look for any major issues or “deal breakers” and what can be done or not done to rectify them.
Q: What do you surveyors not look at when surveying a boat?
A: Surveyors do not do an in-depth mechanical inspection. They usually recommend hiring a mechanic for this—a gas or diesel tech—to inspect the engine.
Q: What are the responsibilities of the boat buyer in relation to a boat survey?
A: Do research on the boat you are looking to buy before you show up and let the surveyor know of any problems that they may not be aware of with this particular vessel. Especially if the boat is not super common, the surveyor may not be aware of some of the common issues with the boat being looked at.
Q: What are the responsibilities of a surveyor? What are they not responsible for?
A: Surveyors note things as serviceable or not serviceable, but do not note what kind of condition something is in. They look at components individually as opposed to just looking at the whole boat. They make note of safety issues that need to be dealt with immediately, things that should be done in the near future and things that are suggested as maintenance and upgrades as three different categories.
Q: What questions should a buyer bring when looking at buying a boat?
A: Have an idea of what kind of boat you are looking for and for what purpose. Surveyors are there to answer direct questions about systems and structural integrity, maintenance, etc. Have things narrowed down to what type of boat you are looking for, and then have questions about systems and physically what is currently there. Buyers can also ask questions about the background of the surveyor and what makes them a marine surveyor. You can also request a sample survey to review a surveyor’s work.
Q: What should people should know about marine surveyors?
A: Surveyors aren’t required to be members of an association in Canada. Anyone can become a surveyor. Basically, a surveyor just needs to be on the underwriter’s list. Ask yards and brokers who they would recommend for a surveyor if you are wondering who to hire.