Most boaters think that marine surveys are limited to larger, offshore-type yachts.
"Not true," says our boating guru, Tony Liecester, of Ft. Lauderdale, a former R.A.F. pilot who knows as much about boats and boating as anyone alive. "Part of the problem comes from a misunderstanding of what a marine survey is, and what a surveyor does," says Liecester (pronounced Lester) in his delightful English accent.
"There are three types of marine surveys," he continues. "First is the insurance survey, followed by the condition and value (C&V) survey, and, finally, a buyer's survey."
Essentially a report on a boat's condition, a survey does not give "passing" or "failing" grades. When an owner puts a boat up for sale he usually lists the boat's equipment and lauds its condition in such glowing terms as "cream puff," "like new," "well maintained," "clean." As a neutral agent, hired by a potential buyer, it's the surveyor's function to determine if that boat is as the seller describes it.
To overcome deficiencies brought to light by a surveyor, the seller may make the necessary repairs or renegotiate the boat's selling price to reflect the buyer's cost for repairs. In other instances, a boat survey may be required by an insurance company with a need to know a boat's condition before insuring it; before paying a claim for damages in an accident; before or after a boat is shipped by road, rail, or sea; or by a boat owner questioning the necessity for, or the quality of, work done or not done by a boat yard.
"New boats should be surveyed as well," Liecester stresses.
"For example, if a manufacturer is commissioned to custom build a boat, the buyer's surveyor follows the craft's construction through its various stages to assure that items specified in a contract are completed or installed."
Because a surveyor is trained and repeatedly examines and compares components of hundreds of boats, he can usually spot faults that a majority of boat owners might overlook.
A survey itself may call for a careful examination of a boat's hull; its machinery and other on-board equipment; a sea trial to determine the boat's performance; a detailed inventory of electronics and other items on board; or an assessment of the craft's engine(s).
Boat buyers are warned that anybody can advertise themselves as being a boat surveyor after purchasing a business license. But, as in any profession, some surveyors are more professional than others. To find a good one, Liecester recommends that a buyer ask a bank or an insurance company that handles boat loans or marine insurance for recommendations. Or, buyers can contact the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, P.O. Box 16172, Jacksonville, FL 32245; call toll-free by dialing 1-800-344-9077.
Surveyor fees may range anywhere from $25 to $85 per hour, depending upon the size and nature of the job, and most surveys can be completed by a pro in just a few hours.
Considering that most of today's boats (even those sleek bass boats) are high-ticket items, doesn't it make sense to hire an expert for a couple of hundred bucks or so to make absolutely sure that you're getting full value?