Pre-offer surveyor walkthrough?

meridian · Nov 29, 2011

I know the normal process is:* Make an offer, contingent on acceptable survey and sea trial.* Has anyone used a surveyor*for a short walkthrough prior to making an offer?* While I have had boats for the last 40 years, I would think a second set of experienced eyes could point out some significant issues that would be a deal breaker in the end.

sunchaser · Nov 29, 2011

Yes, it is OK to use a surveyor on a walk through. For that matter your mother-in-law, dentist or anyone else is OK too. But, best you take someone who is really on top of the issues that concern you the most such as FRP, electrical or engines. If you can't decide what the issues are on your inital inspection, you may want to do some more homework and gain experience*to raise your skill levels.

I'm currently going through this exact set of issues and internalizing new stuff on glitzier vessels.

KJ · Nov 29, 2011

I used surveyors to do walk-through inspections twice this past year.* On both occasions they found*significant problems that had not been disclosed by the owners/brokers that warranted walking away from the*vessels.* The cost*of the inspections were $150 each of which*the surveyors offered to give 50% credit if you used them for a full survey.** Money well spent, however, for the next boat*I will do my own*walk-through.*** ************ KJ****

-- Edited by KJ on Tuesday 29th of November 2011 11:46:07 PM

Daddyo · Nov 30, 2011

What's the point of a pre-offer survey? Your offer is contingent on a proper/complete survey anyway so what is achieved by this additional expense? You need to be knowledgeable enough on your own to make the initial inspection, surveyors are like doctors, you still have to be an informed patient.

KJ · Nov 30, 2011

Walk through surveys come in handy when you are 3,000 miles from where the boat is located.*Between airfare, hotel, and*car rental, it can get pretty costly to go cross country*to do a preliminary inspection.*

The two walk through's that I've*had done have already saved*me a chunk of money.

I will be doing my own visual on a vessel in two weeks.********* KJ*

marinetrader · Dec 1, 2011

When I am assisting buyers with a purchase of another brokers boat, I do a pre-survey of the boat myself. I am looking for the not so obvious things like fuel tanks issues, rudder post corrosion, deck soft spots, window leakage just to name a few.

yachtbrokerguy · Dec 1, 2011

A full survey with seperate engine surveyor on a boat over 45 feet gets expensive. Having a nearby surveyor check the boat prior to having all parties on board for a haul out and sea trial is a great way for a buyer to obtain a comfort level sufficient to make an offer to start the process. I would think of it as more of a "deal maker" rather than a "deal breaker."

Baker · Dec 1, 2011

I have a surveyor here that will embark on the "main" survey with the conditions that if he sees any red flags to discuss with me and call off the survey if I believe it to be an issue. He will charge a small amount for his time but not the full price and we walk away. Let's just say I have never heard of a broker that has recommend this guy....;-)

Pre-offer surveyor walkthrough?

meridian

Guru

sunchaser

Guru

KJ

El Capitan

Daddyo

Guru

KJ

El Capitan

marinetrader

Senior Member

yachtbrokerguy

Senior Member

Baker

TF Site Team/Forum Founder

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