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Multiple boat surveys?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Bcstexas, Oct 21, 2020.

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  1. Bcstexas

    Bcstexas New Member

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    I'm a first-time buyer of a 43' boat and using a broker for help and guidance. Found the boat I wanted and started the steps in post-offer, broker recommended make offer and if accepted start the survey work. So, this is my question how many surveys are required to be done to buy a boat, Broker recommended:
    Standard Mairne survey average $850 to $1000
    Mechanic survey (both engines and gen-set) average $850 to $1100
    Hull filberglass inspection survey average $300
    The Broker gave me a list of people he recommends.
    Is this normal This is a Motoryacht
  2. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Seems a bit excessive: I would ask for the maintenance records first of all before I spend a dime on surveys.
    If maintained well, and runs good with no smoke, I would just do the regular survey with oil samples to be analyzed from each engine/generator.
    Never heard of a separate hull/fiberglass inspection survey..:(
    Make, model and year of boat and motors and you should get more help and guidance right here.
  3. Soulstice

    Soulstice Member

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    The two separate standard marine and mechanicals surveys are pretty standard On most purchases and the prices seen normal with the boat size. The “hull” survey is normally part of the standard marine survey and not a separate line item. This is done when the boat is hauled and inspected during the seatrial. Don’t skimp on mechanical surveys unless you want a surprise re-power in your future.
  4. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    First question is whether this is your broker or the sellers? Are you paying him a flat fee as your rep or is he getting part of the commission? I recommend having the boat looked over by a captain or other knowledgeable in boats either on the initial look or a 2nd look before any surveys or offers. The marine survey should cover the hull, The surveyor will look for blisters and repairs and tap the hull looking for soft spots. Not a bad idea to bring your own moisture meter and test a few spots. So no need for that 3rd survey. The prices for the surveys don't look out of line, but where did you get the surveyors. Hopefully not from the broker if he has a piece of the deal. Call a large marina, not involved with this boat or the sale, and they should be able to recommend surveyors.
  5. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Yeah, if the boat has been sitting for a while with no running and no maintenance, a mechanical survey is a must.
  6. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    It's a must regardless.
  7. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Let’s agree to disagree: I never had an engine survey done, never had a problem. (Pure luck perhaps)
    Oil analysis for sure, maintenace records for sure, common sense for sure.
  8. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Fair enough. I have to say I don't think I've ever had a surveyor pick up on something I hadn't picked up on, but I'm not a mechanic. So the surveyor at least gives me confidence that I've crossed my T's and dotted my i's. In my experience oil analysis is seldom back by the time a deal is made following survey and isn't all that meaningful by itself except to establish a baseline. Rubbing the oil between my fingers generally tells me about serious problems, but as a baseline it does warn of up coming issues. Of course it's nice if previous owners have their previous analysis available, but I've seldom seen that. I'm thrilled if I can get maintenance records.
  9. Bcstexas

    Bcstexas New Member

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    Thanks for the relies, Had the surveys done, engines were good but Gen-set shut down after 10 minutes overheating engine. That survivor said probability the heat exchanger or thermostat not working, but nothing major and it sounded good running without smoke and produced plenty of power. So all that was in the reports. My broker wants me to pay for that survivor to come back and tell me exactly what the problem is so we can bargain on the price with the seller, but he charges 125 an hour and he said it would take maybe 2 hours($250) and that is not fixing the problem. I feel I could hire a mechanic just come repair it for under $300.
  10. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Or you could pay a few thousand for a new gen. I'd use that as my base line in negotiations unless the owner would prefer to bring it up to working standards the way I'd think he would have before putting it up for sale if it's not something serious. Who doesn't fix a gen that overheats and shuts down after 10 minutes, and why. A non-working gen is no gen in a purchase.
  11. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Was it moving any raw water? Could be a simple impeller failure.
  12. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Could be or could be..... Why would someone put a boat on the market without first repairing something as important and expensive as a gen if it's a cheap fix? If it doesn't work it doesn't exist.
  13. Bcstexas

    Bcstexas New Member

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    Yes it was moving plenty of water, I have worked in the industrial field my whole life and very mechanically inclined and have work on many gen-sets. I feel this is not a major problem and the generator part is working fine. Thanks for your help
  14. Bcstexas

    Bcstexas New Member

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    The owner lives several states away and this boat has been on the market since Feb this year, the covid thing has been an issue with them traveling to the boat from out of state.
  15. Bcstexas

    Bcstexas New Member

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    My first offer was $9000 off asking price and he excepted that offer and then the surveys started, I feel the price I'm at right now is well below the market of this boat and don't want to lose this deal. Is it normal to ask for more off the price after a survey.
  16. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Yes, Discoveries from a survey can change the contract.
    The seller may agree to fix any issues to keep your offer good, you can ask a lower price and take as is, or walk.
    Is there an on-line ad? Can you tell us more about the boat?

    I hate it when people compare to market value.
    Comparisons are IMO, a poor & crude guide at best.
    How well maintained, Records kept up (with receipts), cleaned and operated are where you may find more value than a crude guide.
    Just was reminded the other day of a phrase - No receipts; never happened..
    There are reasons that people want to sell and many excuses are never divulged.

    The real market value is what you are willing to pay for it.
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2020
  17. Brian G

    Brian G Member

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    I wouldn't go any further until I knew what was going on with the generator. A new one for my boat (Johnson 70') costs $25k plus installation which is no small potatoes in my book. It sounds like you're pretty attached to the boat but this is an important piece of information you need. It's very common to renegotiate the purchase price based on the work that needs to be done to make the boat seaworthy.
  18. 993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    (I am a broker) Occasionally I get a buyer who does not want to spend the money on a engine survey. We have a form for the buyer to sign acknowledging that we highly recommended the mechanical inspection and they declined. The language in the form typically motivates them to a full engine survey.
  19. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    It would be good to have the Engine/ Generator surveyor to give you what will be done during the survey. Some think hooking up a computer to take readings plus just taking the oil samples is a complete survey.
  20. d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    +1