simond
13.06.2021 1:58:54
Know the ins and outs of that "proven" yacht, before you buy. [links]
See full version: How to Pick a Marine Surveyor
Know the ins and outs of that "proven" yacht, before you buy. [links]
In this market, yacht prices are in a state of flux. Buyers may find bargains that, in the recent past, would have made them wonder what could be wrong with the boat. "Too good to be true" may have become today's good deal, but buyers still need to protect themselves. That's where surveyors come in. Marine surveyors are the industry professionals that look over boats and identify areas with problems or potential issues-things that buyers and sellers want to know about before the transaction is completed. So what are the most important things that surveyors look for? "Hidden things," laughs Tom Price of Price Marine Services [(800) 546-0928] in Hobe Sound, Florida. "When we survey boats, keep in mind that we survey what's accessible. We don't disassemble the boat, and we don't do any destructive testing." That means that surveyors are limited in their inspection to the same things you are able to look at, were you to take your boat for a sea trial and haul it out of the water. But they're tuned in on what to look for, and check out pretty much everything, from the hull structure to the engines to the electrical system to helm electronics. If a surveyor has cause for concern about the engines, he can call in a specialist. "The engines may be worn out, but they will run okay during a sea trial, thanks to products like STP or Motor Medic," says Price. "You may need a separate engine surveyor to really test the engines." Price has plenty of tales, ranging from icemakers filled with store-bought ice to pulling a spare shaft from its receptacle only to find it was just a foot long. Buying from a reputable broker helps you avoid such private-sale shenanigans. "I have my brokers suggest three or four different surveyors to a potential buyer," says Steve Gale, general manager of MarineMax in Stuart, Florida, and vice president of Hatteras Yacht sales there. "The broker can be there for the buyer, to facilitate the survey and negotiate the issues that come up with the seller." The broker knows which surveyors specialize in certain aspects of yachts. If a yacht was built overseas or has mechanical concerns, or a complex electronics array, there is a surveyor with that specific skill set. The broker can point the buyer in the right direction to get an accurate survey. A wise buyer will always have a survey done. Get references for each surveyor-and check them all. Good brokers will also encourage the seller to get a boat surveyed. "Prior to listing a boat for sale, a seller can have a survey done," says Gale. "It's a good practice to find problems and either fix them or disclose them-get it all out on the table. The seller can take care of issues and it also speeds the sales process." And when the deals are this good, that's good for everyone.
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To finance or insure a boat, you’ll need a current survey. But how can you find a reputable marine surveyor whose advice you’d trust with your investment and your family’s safety? “There are no requirements that say a surveyor needs to know anything more about a boat than what you may know,” says Dwight Escalera, principle surveyor at Executive Marine Services in Wakefield, Rhode Island. To complicate matters, your yacht broker can’t ethically recommend a surveyor to you; doing so could invite collusion. [links]
How can you find a reputable marine surveyor whose advice you’d trust with your investment and your family’s safety?
Where to look? Three organizations—the National Association of Marine Surveyors, the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors and the American Boat & Yacht Council—can help you find the expert you need. First, compile a short list of surveyors to interview. While your broker can't give you a single name, he or she can provide a list of half a dozen names. Alternatively, go to the NAMS or SAMS website and enter the boat's location for a list of certified local surveyors. SAMS accredited marine surveyors have demonstrated basic knowledge, including an exam. SAMS surveyor associates haven't yet qualified as an accredited marine surveyor, but they've agreed to abide by SAMS ethics and standards. Membership in NAMS or SAMS doesn't tell you about a surveyor's knowledge of boat systems and construction. But the ABYC does, in eight areas: marine electricity, diesel engines, gasoline engines, marine systems, composite boatbuilding, marine A/C and refrigeration, marine corrosion, and general standards. "Knowledge of the ABYC Standards would demonstrate that a surveyor knows how a boat needs to be constructed in order to be safe," says Escalera. ABYC deems someone who's earned at least three certifications a master technician. Cross-reference these lists, then interview several candidates about their particular experience. If your boat has particularly complex systems, look for experience in those areas or call in an additional specialist.
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Also, does the surveyor follow Universal Practice of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP) guidelines when determining value. This is becoming very important to lenders and underwriters.
Two professional organizations, the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) and the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) have rigorous testing, experience, and continuing education requirements for certified and accredited surveyors. Generally NAMS-CMS or SAMS-AMS designations are a good indicator of professional standing. To be classified as a “Professional Organization” you must have Continuing Education and Ethics Programs. SAMS and NAMS are the only two Professional Marine Surveyor organizations in North America that meet these requirements. You will find other organizations with impressive sounding acronyms, but these have no requirements for membership and are virtually meaningless. more
Often recommendations from other boat owners, yard managers, and others in the boating industry can be useful. But, you have to consider the perspective of those making the recommendation. An example would be a broker who has a favorite Marine Surveyor who will accidentally overlook some defects and will write in the value that the broker wants to sell the vessel- BUYER BEWARE. here
A very few excellent and well experienced Marine Surveyors chose not to belong to NAMS or SAMS and some surveyor “apprentices” or “associates” working toward the NAMS-CMS or AMS designations may also have extensive experience in the boating industry and be good choices. In both cases, it is necessary to verify the surveyor’s experience and qualifications. more
The work product will include the physical inspection and verbal reporting to you, as well as a written survey report that contains a description of the scope of the survey, detailed description of the vessel along with any deficiencies, recommendations for remediating deficiencies, an estimated Current Market Value and Replacement Value, based on current research.
Unfortunately, Certification or Accreditation in any field does not guarantee conscientious, competent, professional performance. So, it is necessary to investigate further. more
Remember to check the access to helm wiring and controls. The access hatches on the Regulator and Contender are big enough to get two hands into the compartment to work. Look for tinned (or tin-coated) wiring, which resists corrosion. The installation should be organized and neat. Any electrical terminals should be covered. Also, find out whether there are built-in wiring chases for auxiliary equipment you might add, such as a depth sounder or a windlass.
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A vinylester skin coat will protect against blistering better than polyester, although polyester resins are of high quality these days. High-end builders often use epoxy resin. [links]
I use the engine gauges to determine the most economical speed. Modern engines may provide miles-per-gallon readouts. If not, they usually calculate fuel use in gallons per hour. Divide your speed by the gph number to come up with mileage.
The Contender is built with a flush foredeck, but many big center consoles, including the Regulator, incorporate a raised foredeck for storage and some bow seating. Foredeck and helm deck steps can be tripping hazards, so it’s wise to point out areas such as this to guests. That goes for the T-top framework that may be high enough for you to pass under, but not for someone taller.
Boston Whaler 405 Conquest Interior Cabin. Photo: Boston Whaler. [links]