See full version: Understanding Boat Surveys: What is Pre-Purchase
This is the toughest question of all. Some surveyors use a flat rate based on the length the boat, while others use an hourly rate. Either way, a pre-purchase survey will cost somewhere around $20 per foot, but it will be higher on large and complex (or older) boats. In some cases, it may be less. Remember, boats get large quickly—a boat that’s twice the length could have up to four times the surface area and eight times the volume. [links]
Additional standards that surveyors cite come from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), and in some specific cases, the surveyor might use other sources. For instance, it may be appropriate for a surveyor to judge the lifelines on a racing sailboat based on the Offshore Special Regulations, which set rules for offshore sailboat racing. more
The key point is that the survey is a limited inspection. This is the level of inspection that the market has become accustomed to paying for, which is also accepted by insurance companies. In general, the surveyor will not disassemble permanent parts of the boat to access areas they can’t see, so some areas won’t be inspected. And it’s a snapshot of the boat at that particular moment – there’s no guarantee that an electrical component that powered up during the survey won’t suddenly reach the end of its life the next week. here
The location or time of year may have an effect on survey pricing as well. A “short haul” during the survey to powerwash the bottom and inspect the hull could add another $14 to $19 per foot, and an engine surveyor might add approximately $500 per engine.
Say you’ve found the right boat and made an offer contingent upon a survey. Or you’re selling your boat and finally found a buyer at the right price. Now all you need to do is get past the dreaded survey. No matter which side of the negotiation you're on, it helps to understand the overall situation.
The pre-purchase boat survey can make or break a deal, so you'll want to completely understand what's going on.
Yes, they will provide a detailed report on the boat's condition and any safety or regulation issues.
Go to the NAMS or SAMS web sites to look for certified surveyors in your area.
Im gonna take that course, like you said its always good idea. im sure ill learn a lot. [links]
A marine survey can be performed on a ship, barge, yacht or boat. They are also commonly referred to as a boat survey or a yacht survey. The difference being the scope of work required for each specific hull. A marine surveyor conducts the survey, examining and reporting on the condition of all the different components of the vessel. A complete marine survey on a ship would include corrosion testing, bulkhead integrity, fuel bunker inspection and many other items that are similar to a yacht survey or a boat survey. Marine surveys are generally associated with marine insurance, financing, damage from an accident, as well as investigation of potentially fraudulent claims. Insurance companies generally do not have experts on hand to evaluate all of the above situations, so a qualified marine surveyor will do the job.
A marine survey is generally required anytime modifications are made to a ship or larger yacht. The marine surveyor is checking for adherence to all Coast Guard Regulations, American Boat and Yachting Council guidelines, The National Fire Protection Associations guidelines, as well any special requirements, such as equipment for use or operation of the vessel that are required by regulations such as the FCC, EPA or in the applicable Code of Federal Regulations.
While the above list may be short is some regards, there can be much more expansion needed for a complete marine survey. The items listed above comply with the requirements of most banks and insurance companies. [links]
We believe our fees are commensurate with other truly qualified and Accredited Marine Surveyors ( AMS® ) in Ontario but there are non-accredited surveyors who will work for $8, $9 or even $11.95 per ft. You can find some of them on Kijiji.ca
At one time we actually measured boats for pricing purposes but my numbers never came out to what the manufacturer claimed and we had occasional disagreements over what length we were charging for. Consider the boats listed below. here
If the vessel has been sitting in water long enough to acquire slime or marine growth on the bottom a thorough assessment of bottom condition is not possible without a power wash at haulout for survey.
3. Who gets the results of the Survey?
For all surveys, the Client gets the only copy of the report. We do not reveal our opinion of the condition or fair market value of the vessel to any other party, until, and unless “The Client“ authorizes disclosure, and only to those parties so designated. Exception; where there are survey discoveries that may represent a imminent safety issue(s), the seller or marina operator will normally be notified. more
2. How quickly will I get the results of the Survey?
Usually you will be given an oral summation of the survey on the same day of the survey, however, we need time to review our photographs and survey notes prior to completion of the final report. In most cases the final written report will be delivered electronically within 48 hours from completion of the survey. Hard copies of the report, and/or copies of surveyor's photos will be made available to the client(s) for an additional charge, based on our hourly labor rate at that time.
4. Can I be present for the Survey?
We encourage buyers to attend on the survey, although it is not always necessary. Often observations and recommendations in the written report will be more meaningful to you if we are able to point out the item in question while you are present. We can also answer questions and make comments during the survey which might not be significant enough to include in the report. We do ask all persons present during the survey to allow the surveyor time to focus on the task at hand, and not look over his shoulder or constantly engage in conversation during all aspects of the survey. We also ask that friends and family not attend during the in-water portion of the survey, or the sea trial. more
6. Should I have the boat hauled out for the Survey?
Absolutely! Even if the boat was recently hauled for maintenance or bottom painting, you have no way of knowing the condition of the wetted surface of the hull or below the water line machinery without seeing it. What if the boat was damaged when it was put back in the water, or run aground on the way back to the dock. How can you be sure the reported repairs were done properly (if at all). In so many cases, we find u-reported machinery damage, collision or grounding damage, and/or hull bottom blistering. Don“t let a seller or broker discourage you from having the bottom inspection done as part of your survey.