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Boat Buying Tips by a Surveyor/Naval Engineer 2023

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by JC DeSurveyor, Jan 10, 2023.

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  1. JC DeSurveyor

    JC DeSurveyor New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2023
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    New York
    BOAT BUYING TIPS 2023


    Due to the Covid Boat Sales Boom, In the past few years many boats have changed hands. We have seen more and more unskilled boaters owning new and used boats. They do not understand the maintenance and care that is necessary to maintain a vessel. There are many boats that Will Not Pass Survey Inspection that the yacht brokers are listing as Great Condition. It is truly “Buyer Beware” ( Don’t Get Stuck With Someone Else’s Headache)

    Purchasing a Used boat has a few unique challenges. Due to the lack of maintenance, salt air, salt water, fresh water challenges, corrosion and hull structural issues need to be carefully viewed.

    Before you purchase any used boat we highly recommend that you try to find the common issues with that make, model and year boat and have a knowledgeable marine surveyor/repair person check over the boat. People who repair boats every day are the best people to spot HIDDEN or STORM damage that someone else may miss. Boats are subject to the elements and harsh winter storms. In addition, galvanic corrosion and gelcoat blisters, structural cracks and water intrusion are becoming more common and are difficult to spot. Taking boats in and out of the water for winterization also puts unique stress on the hull and the hull to deck joints.

    However, due to all these issues, USED boats can be purchased at a great discount and you can end up with a fantastic boat at a great price!! Knowing what to look for is the KEY!!!


    Types of Professional Inspections

    Eyes On SURVEY Inspections-

    Less expensive than a full pre-purchase inspection survey, but if performed by a Marine Surveyor/ Repair Professional, this will provide an overall review of the vessel to see if it is worth moving forward.

    FULL PRE-PURCHASE SURVEY Inspection-

    Typically 1-2 times the price of an Eyes On inspection. Provides comprehensive review of the vessel for you, your bank and insurance company. Also this type of inspection provides a detailed written report with the Condition and Value of vessel with a list of recommendations for items to be repaired or replaced.

    INSURANCE SURVEY-

    Less than a full Pre-Purchase inspection, does not go through all the system and mechanicals in detail, but does provide an overall Condition and Value of vessel.




    Some of the main Items to Be Aware of:


    BOAT HULL

    Excessive corrosion

    Stress cracks by cleats or in transom corners

    Stress cracks on stringers/frames

    Waves down hull sides


    BOAT PAINT/FINISH

    Blisters

    Paint or gelcoat chips

    Dull spots in finish

    Worn paint/gelcoat by cleats

    Stress cracks in finish


    BOAT ENGINE

    Worn belts, belt dust around engine.

    Smoke at start-up

    Rust by exhaust manifold attachment points

    Rust stains under motor in bilge


    BOAT ELECTRICAL

    Dirty or discolored wires

    Loose wires

    Sloppy wire groups

    Non-working lights or switches

    Wire discoloration by connections

    Load not consistent when tested








    TIPS For YOU to Look Over the Boat


    Basic CHECKLIST

    1) Check out floor walk on it; bounce, does it flex? Spongy or Soft spots, are not good.

    2) Check hatches, doors for stains/water drips.

    3) Check transom for cracks/ look for movement.

    4) Look in bilge for cracks in stringers/frames of boat.

    5) Check hull to deck joints for gaps, damage.

    6) Check screws around rub rail for loose screws.

    7) Check service records on motor, generator, ac/heat systems.

    8) Pull dipstick, check oil for water or metal.

    9) Check Belts, look for belt dust.

    10) Check lower unit/transmission oil for water in it.

    11) Check steering for full rotation and leaks

    12) Check shift/throttles for full movement.

    13) Start motor, listen for knocks, pings etc.

    14) Check motor temp when warm.

    15) Check over wiring for damage, stains.

    16) Check that all switches/electronics work.

    17) Ask owner for previous survey.

    18) Verify all paperwork, title, registration, check HIN.

    19) Go for sea trial, do load tests during sea trial.


    A boat with an issue with any of the above should have a full Pre-Purchase Inspection. or if you feel the boat has been damaged or has had any type of repair.










    Below are some additional tips for the used boat buyer –

    1. Identify what boat you want, with as much detail as you can: type, length, power and brand

    2. Decide how much you can comfortably afford as a down payment, annual operation budget and monthly carrying cost for the boat you want.

    3. Determine the range, both in years and engine hours of the boats you can afford that meets the criteria established in #1 and #2. Use Internet classified websites such as **************, Boattest.com, and Boattrader.com, to determine about how much your dream boat is selling for.

    4. Now, determine the condition of the boats that fall into this group. Obviously, you should be looking for the newest boat in the best condition with the lowest engine hours


    5. Are there any transferrable warranties left on any of the boats offered for sale? If so, what are they worth? If not, you generally can buy service contracts on boats built during the last six years. You can investigate this yourself. (Go to the internet to find out how much a service contract will cost.)

    6. Why is this boat being sold and what is its history? It is important that you know the “provenance” (list of owners and its relevant history since it was first sold) of the boat you buy. There are many apparently “good deals” – even “steals” – on the market. “Apparently” is the key word here. Some are, in fact, stolen. Some have gone through a hurricane, been bought as salvage, fixed and offered for sale. Some have been repossessed from owners who neglected the boats for years and finally stopped making payments. Generally, boats owned by a single owner are more desirable than those which have been passed through several hands.

    a. Check the HIN, (Hull Identification Number), and make sure it has not been tampered with.

    b. Get copies of the title, registration or documentation and bills of sale.

    c. Try to get maintenance records. Owners of well-maintained boats will often have them.

    d. Make sure the seller owns the boat. Check I.D.

    7. How is the boat equipped? First, make sure all required and necessary equipment is on the boat and in good working order. Second, with so many boats on the market you can generally find boats that have not only everything required, but also virtually everything you will need or want.


    8. Make a detailed and careful inspection. (Hire a Marine Surveryor/Repair Expert to look it over). You are looking for clues of neglect, damage, poor construction, and harsh use and abuse. Examine obvious features such as the gel-coat, woodwork and upholstery. If these haven't been maintained then there's a good chance the rest of the boat has not had much care either. Is there gel coat cracking and “spiders” or “cobwebs” at corners? Look for rust in the engine room, oil under the engine, old or soft hoses. Look for water lines inside the boat or on the engine. These indicate that the boat has flooded in the past.

    Check that all the control cables (for steering, throttle, etc.) are in good working order.

    Open and close all the hatches and sea cocks to ensure they're in good working order. Water marks inside the hatches would indicate that they are no longer water-tight.

    You should test all the systems such as bilge pump, winches, freshwater system, lights, heater and air conditioning, generator, stove etc.

    Check that all hardware is attached firmly and that electrical items and connections are free from rust and corrosion.

    10. Now its Time for a professional inspection. (HOW TO CHOOSE A MARINE SURVEYOR) Once you have found a boat you want to buy, you have done your own inspection, and you have negotiated a satisfactory price, then you need to have the boat and engine inspected by an expert. Hiring a professional is worth the money. A Marine Surveyor/Repair professional is your best bet. Get someone who repairs boats on a regular basis and is also a Certified Marine Surveyor. They know what to look for.



    NOTE: You may want to stay away from broker or marina provided surveyors. There is usually a reason they give u a list of 10 or more surveyors, This is a true conflict of interest. Remember, they want to Sell the boat……DO YOUR OWN SEARCH for Marine Surveyors who work on boats Everyday, Not Used to, Or a Technician who Used to work on them. Make sure they Repair Full Boats and Systems and are also a Marine Surveyor. Even a recommendation from a friend could help you buy someone else’s headache!!!!. Do a search online for Certified Marine Surveyors who also Work On Boats. Its Time Well Spent!!!






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