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Facts Your Marine Surveyor Cape Coral Wants You to Remember

Buying a boat is a significant investment thus the reason you should keep an experienced marine surveyor Cape Coralclose. A surveyor will perform a condition and valuation survey which will let you know if the investment you are about to make makes sense. But what should you expect during the survey and how do you prepare for it? The following are facts every boat surveyor wishes you knew.

There are many types of surveys

The type of survey you choose will depend on what you want at the end of the day. Your marine surveyor Cape Coral may be able to help with condition & valuation surveys, mechanical surveys, and rig surveys. Your insurance company will request an out-of-water survey which insects the bottom of a boat and the running gears as well as the interior of the boat. If you need a cargo damage survey, the surveyor you hire should be able to offer the type of survey you need.

  • Condition & valuation survey. This includes the inspection of the onboard systems to ensure they are working properly. The hull will also be inspected, all electronics, running gear, plumbing, HVAC and other items. The engine and mechanical systems will also be looked at.
  • Mechanical survey. This involves an in-depth look of the engine, generator, and mechanical systems. The surveyor will also take oil samples to help understand the interior condition of an engine.
  • Rig survey. An experienced rigger looks at the entire rig including the standing rigging, mast, running rig, structural integrity of the rig and sails.

The lifetime of a survey is lifetime

A boat survey is simply a snapshot in time. It is good for the day it is performed. Water excursions, weather and dry dock damage can all change the condition of a vessel. Never rely on old surveys to make a decision.

A surveyor works for you alone

When you hire a marine surveyor Cape Coral, the surveyor will be working solely for you. This means the reports will come to you only. If you want the surveyor to share any information with a buyer or broker, you have to instruct him to do so. You also need to inform a surveyor ahead of time if you wish to involve him in the sale or purchase of a boat.

Build a relationship with your surveyor

When a surveyor is hired to inspect a boat, he puts his reputation on the line when reporting on the condition of a vessel. That is why you must always treat your boat surveyor with respect. Building a relationship with a surveyor will help you enjoy great deals as well as make use of their extensive network when buying or selling a used boat.

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Boat Surveyor Cape Coral – How to Prepare for a Marine Survey

Getting a comprehensive inspection from a reputable boat surveyor Cape Coralis advised before agreeing to buy a used boat. Many boat owners also want to get a pre-purchase condition as well as value survey before they sell their old vessels. A survey helps identify any issues a boat has and also helps with pricing. Whether you are getting ready to sell your boat or planning on buying a used one, there are a few guidelines you must follow when getting ready for a marine survey.

Guidelines

Once you settle on a boat surveyor Cape Coral, there are a few things you will need to do in order to get the best experience during a survey. Here are a few guidelines you should follow.

  1. The boat will be hauled out to inspect both the hull and the running gear. You must, therefore arrange for this before the surveyor arrives. You can leave the boat hanging in the slings overnight so that the surveyor inspects the hull first before you relaunch the boat. If hanging in the slings overnight is not possible, you can get the boat hang in the slings while people go for lunch.
  2. Clean the bottom of the boat first. When it is dirty, the surveyor will not be able to understand the precise condition of the boat. Needless to say, the work of the surveyor is simply to observe and listen. It is not his job to clean the boat for you or open things up to get a better look.
  3. Ensure all compartments and storage areas are empty. This will allow the marine surveyor to perform a more thorough inspection. If the compartments are locked or not emptied, the survey will take long since the surveyor will have to wait for you to open and empty the compartments. The general rule is to remove all the unnecessary items out of the boat before the surveyor arrives.
  4. Make sure there is plenty of room around the bottom. A clearance of 2 inches is needed around each side of the boat to make it easy for the surveyor to inspect the freeboard of the boat.
  5. Empty the bilge and sponge it out if possible. This is crucial during sea-trials.
  6. Make all the documentation and paperwork on the boat available. The boat surveyor Cape Coral will ask for them. Include engine and maintenance logs.

Marine surveys are usually both non-intrusive and non-destructive. The surveyor will not examine any area that requires to be dissembled. Getting the boat ready for the evaluation is the job of the boat owner.

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4 Things a Marine Surveyor Cape Coral Highly Recommends You Do

Boating can be an expensive pastime or sport. This is more so if you purchase a used boat that has pre-existing problems. A marine surveyor Cape Coralcan help highlight any problems that a boat may have and the ones that may occur in the future. The assessment will give you the much deserved peace of mind whether you are buying a new boat, a used one or trying to learn more about your current boat. Away from that, there are a couple of things every surveyor would love for you to do.

Insure your investment

The mistake most people make after buying a boat is waiting too long to get an insurance cover. They end up ramming into something or their boat getting damaged by unavoidable things like storms. Immediately after buying a boat, it is imperative that you get an insurance cover. The purpose of an insurance cover is to keep your investment safe. In this case you will need an insurance survey.

Insurance companies have unique requirements regarding what needs to be looked at in a boat survey. Prior to hiring a marine surveyor Cape Coral, you need to consult with your insurance company to understand what should be covered in the survey. The last thing you want is to get a survey that ends up being tossed out by your insurer.

Get a professional opinion

If your boat is damaged in any way, out in the sea or by a storm, it is imperative that you get a professional opinion. A marine surveyor will be able to assess the extent of the damage and help you calculate how much the necessary repairs will cost. It is better to have minor problems fixed before they turn into major ones.

Don’t set a selling price before getting a survey

There comes a time when you want to sell your boat or trade it in for another one. When this time comes, you should bring in a professional for a condition and value survey. If you are buying a used boat, you still need this survey. The survey involves a comprehensive inspection which includes checking everything from the propulsion systems and onboard electronics to the hull. If it is a large boat, rigging surveys may be done.

Surveyors can help monitor new builds

The job of a marine surveyor is not just to evaluate a used boat that is being sold. They can help monitor a new build. If you are having a boat being built, you can bring in a marine surveyor Cape Coral to check the overall quality of workmanship as well as ensure all the installations comply with the specifications. Surveyors can also help with a pre-delivery inspection as well as snagging.

Whether you are in the market for a used boat or need help understanding your current boat, a marine surveyor can give you the insight you need. You simply need to hire a surveyor that has experience evaluating boats similar to yours.

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Boat Surveyor Cape Coral – Various Types of Marine Surveys

If you are considering buying a used boat, boat surveys are something that will definitely come up. When buying a boat or trying to choose between a used and a new boat, a boat surveyor Cape Coralwill be the best professional to talk to. The surveyor will perform a thorough evaluation of your target boat and help you know if you are making a sound decision or not. There are several types of surveys that a marine surveyor can perform.

Condition and Value Surveys

Most people consider the help of a boat surveyorCape Coral so as to get either a condition or a value survey. These are the two most common types of surveys performed. These boat surveys will help you find the perfect boat to buy. The surveys involve a comprehensive inspection which includes checking the whole boat, its propulsion systems, electronics and everything that is on board. For large sailboats, rigging surveys may be performed.

It is important to note that a marine surveyor will not take components a part to see if they are working properly. A surveyor simply inspects the components visually and listens to determine their condition. If there is a serious issue, you may be advised to bring in a mechanic to evaluate a component further.

Insurance Surveys

Insurance surveys are a lot like condition and value surveys. The only difference is that these surveys are done solely for insurance purposes. They are also less comprehensive and only focus on a list of specific items that the insurance company wants to be checked. In this case, you should contact the insurance company for a list of the items that will have to be examined and also to know if the boat surveyorCape Coral you plan on using is approved by the insurance company.

Appraisal Surveys

These surveys are exactly what they sound like. They are surveys performed to identify the fair market value of a boat. In most cases, these surveys are needed in estate settlements and in cases of divorce. When financing a boat, a lender may also require an appraisal survey to be performed.

Damage Surveys

These are surveys performed to determine the extent of damage to a boat. They are usually necessary after a storm or accident. The surveys also help calculate the cost of repairs. Insurance companies often request these surveys after an accident.

New Yacht Surveys 

These types of surveys are necessary for large, expensive marine vessels. They can be performed for a custom-built yacht and can take place over a period of time with the marine surveyor visiting the manufacturer at different stages of the boat construction.

The above are the main types of surveys performed by a boat surveyor Cape Coral. It is always good to find a surveyor that has experience offering the services that you need.

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Boat Surveyor Cape Coral – Guide on How to Hire a Boat Surveyor

After finding the perfect used boat, the first thing you should do is find a reliable boat surveyor Cape Coral. This is for the simple fact that there are so many structural and mechanical components that a vessel has. Involving a surveyor will help you be more confident when considering a used boat. A boat surveyor will offer you and your bank an extra layer of protection before purchasing a secondhand boat. Let’s take a look at how a boat surveyor works.

A boat surveyor Cape Coral is a professional trained and experienced in performing certain inspections on a boat. They have a strong boating and/or mechanical background and better understand a boat than an average boater.

Bearing in mind buying a boat is a huge investment, hiring a marine surveyor will give you peace of mind before moving forward. Surveyors use special tools like moisture meters to get a better look at the mechanics of the boat. They will also be able to uncover issues you would otherwise not notice. Moreover, if you plan on financing the purchase, lenders will be more inclined to give you a loan if you have a survey report from a reputable surveyor. Here are some of the most important things you should do when getting ready to hire a surveyor.

Know the type of survey you need

Marine surveys fall into four categories depending on what you need. The most common type of survey is a pre-purchase survey. This survey is meant to help you understand the condition of a boat before purchasing. Other types of surveys include insurance surveys, damage inspection, and appraisal inspection. When hiring a boat surveyor Cape Coral you must ensure the surveyor you consider offers the type of boat survey you need.

How much will the service cost

Another important thing to do is consider the cost of the survey. On average, boat surveyors charge between $18 and $25 per foot. They may also include out-of-water inspections, sea trials, test all the systems, and perform a full survey report. The costs and range of services you get vary from one surveyor to the next. Make sure you find a surveyor whose service fees are within your budget and one that offers all the services you need.

Consider the reputation of the surveyor

Offering the services you need and at a price you are okay with is not enough. You still need to confirm that the marine surveyor can deliver on their promise. That is why you need to research the surveyor to ensure they have a good track record. Too many negative reviews are a red flag.

How thorough a marine survey is will depend on how competent a boat surveyor Cape Coral is. Don’t just hire any surveyor that comes your way. Find a surveyor you feel comfortable working with and one that offers excellent services.

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Boat Surveyor Cape Coral – How Do You Price a Boat for Sale?

While the input of a boat surveyor Cape Coralwill help you set an appropriate selling price for your boat, the price you set can make or break the deal. Setting an appropriate price requires more than setting an unbeatable price. There are many considerations you have to make including the current condition of the boat and the prevailing market climate.

A lot of people tend to overprice their secondhand boats. The common mistake made when setting a price for a boat is using the historical trends to determine the current value of a boat. At some time, a boat may maintain its cash value. However, as it ages and the market climate changes, the value will go down. Moreover, unlike real estate, chances of the value of a boat appreciating are close to zero. High inflation can, however, mask the depreciation of a boat price.

In the last 10 years or so, the demand for boats built in the 1970s and 1980s has dropped significantly. This is because these boats offer accommodation that is way too cramped for comfort. If you have an older boat, it is always a great idea to involve an experienced boat surveyor Cape Coral to help with both valuation and pricing.

Determining the asking price

When pricing your boat, taking a look at the prices set on boats that are similar to yours is the best guide you can use. There is, however, a major catch; how the boat has been maintained. A boat that is well prepared and hasn’t been advertised for long will get more attention than one that is poorly maintained. How you advertise your boat for sale will also matter. The more people see your advert the more offers you will get and the higher the chances of selling for a great price.

Working with a broker will also determine how much you manage to sell your used boat for. Brokers enjoy better advantage over private sellers. This is because they have better access to the data relating to boats and will already have potential buyers already in their contacts. Your boat surveyor Cape Coral can give you a few contacts of promising brokers in your area.

You have to consider your location when determining a selling price. If your boat is in an inaccessible harbor, you will have to give potential buyers a good reason for them to invest their time and money to view it. If the harbor is too inaccessible, you may have to lower the asking price in order to win potential buyers over. The case is the same if you are in an area where there are too many boats being sold.

Tips to help boost the value of your boat

  • Save all maintenance records
  • Wash and polish at least once per season
  • When not in use cover the boat up.
  • Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance schedules and winterization
  • Get a professional surveybefore setting a price.

Setting a selling price is not as straightforward as you may think. Involving the services of a boat surveyor Cape Coral will, however, give you a better chance of setting the best price.

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Boat Surveyor Cape Coral – Which Type of Boat Survey Should You Get?

If you are torn between buying a new or used boat, a boat surveyor Cape Coral can help you make the right choice. When purchasing a new boat, you don’t often need to have a survey done. However, if a used boat is under consideration, a survey is generally a must. Each survey is different, and at times the surveyor requires special training and special equipment to perform a thorough survey. In this post, we shall be looking at the various types of boat surveys you may have to get before buying a used boat.

Pre-purchase survey

Most people hire a boat surveyor for a pre-purchase survey. This is the most comprehensive type of inspection. This survey’s primary purpose is to gather as much information about the boat’s condition before purchasing. This information is provided to the potential buyers to help them make an informed purchase decision. The boat surveyor Cape Coral will typically get the boat inspected while it is in and out of water. The condition of the boat and the overall operation should be examined to ensure everything is functioning as required. A pre-purchase survey might also be used to satisfy insurance companies and loan requirements.

Condition and valuation survey

Condition and value surveys are the most common type of boat surveys. They are performed when you are buying a used boat. These are comprehensive inspections of all the systems on board to ensure they are all functioning properly. It is often done majorly for insurance purposes. Each insurance company has its own set of requirements regarding what size/age vessels need a survey. With huge and expensive boats, separate engine surveys are sometimes performed.

An off-the-water survey may be required. This helps with the inspection at the bottom of the boat for any gear issues and structural weakness. The insurance company generally wants to know the boat’s current market value and if it is a good risk.

Appraisal surveys

These are inspections performed to gather information to justify and determine the fair market value of the vessel. Appraisal surveys are used for financing, estate and divorce settlements and donations of vessels to charities. This survey’s focus is limited to setting a fair market value based on the vessel systems and overall condition.

Damage surveys

A boat surveyor Cape Coral may be brought in to perform a damage survey. These surveys may be done for insurance purposes. The boat owner may request this survey to understand the extent of the damages following an accident. Damage surveys are necessary after an accident or after a heavy storm. They determine the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs needed to bring the boat up to snuff aesthetically and make it safe.

To get the best results, you must hire a boat surveyor Cape Coral that is good at his work. Take time to review the surveyor’s track record. You also want to hire a surveyor whose service fees are within your reach.

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Boat Surveyor – What is a Pre-Purchase Boat Survey?

After finding an interesting boat to purchase or if you plan on selling your boat, the first thing you should do is hire an experienced boat surveyor Cape Coral. The purpose of this is to get a pre-purchase survey. In most cases, the surveyor is hired and works for the buyer. The broker may refer the buyer to a surveyor. The seller may also hire a surveyor to help understand the true value of their boat as well as identify areas that need to be repaired before selling. Whether the surveyor is working for the buyer or seller, the surveyor has to adhere to clear codes of ethics in order to avoid conflict of interest. 

The Process

When performing a survey, a marine surveyor Cape Coral pays attention to a boat’s work list. It is the job of the surveyor to define what is on the list as objectively as possible. It is not the duty of the surveyor to tell the buyer whether to buy or not to buy a boat. In a prepurchase survey, the surveyor will not overemphasize minor issues as doing so can mislead the buyer. It is the work of the broker to ensure the buyer does not purchase a bad boat. Sellers, on the other hand, are rarely surprised by marine survey findings because they already know their boat.

Buyers who try to pressure the surveyor to overemphasize on the issues in order to drive the price down only end up being disappointed. This is because the report compiled by the surveyor is the same one sent to the insurance company. If the figures are absurd, the insurance company may require expensive list of work to be done before a policy is issued.

Scope of a Pre-Purchase Survey

Although clients are free to make special arrangements with the marine surveyor Cape Coral serving as their consultant, market forces create a ‘normal’ pre-purchase ‘condition and value’ survey. A marine survey is a non-destructive inspection meant to inspect the condition of the boat, check the systems as well as adherence of the boat to the applicable standards and regulations. The surveyor further checks for warning signs that may require repairs and also determines the overall value of the boat.

The market has been accustomed to a limited inspection in marine surveys. The surveyor will not disassemble components but rather observe and listen to how the components work. To get in-depth information, the surveyor may recommend thermal imaging.

The Report

Once the survey is done, the surveyor will write a report that includes:

  • Description of the vessel and all the systems onboard
  • Statement of the overall condition of the boat
  • Findings as well as recommendations; categorized into levels of importance
  • Fair market and replacement value of the boat

A pre-purchase boat survey is a must when buying a boat. It will save you from a lot of trouble now and in the near future. The most important thing is to ensure you find a boat surveyor Cape Coral that is competent and fair.

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Marine Surveyor Cape Coral – What is a Marine Survey and Why Do You Need One?

Marine surveyor Cape Coral performs inspections of vessels of all types for pre-purchase evaluation, insurance eligibility, insurance claim resolution and regulation compliance. A marine survey is a comprehensive check-up of a boat. To get a reliable valuation, you first need a professional survey. This post will help you understand the key reasons why you need a boat survey.

Peace of Mind

Paying for a professional marine survey is investing in peace of mind. The open water can be a treacherous place, subject to the whims of weather and bad luck. A survey gives you a clear picture of what you are getting into before buying a used boat. The report from a boat surveyor Cape Coral will help you learn of what you will need to maintain to keep you and your family safe and your investments secure.

Know the Condition of the Boat

For the most part, the purpose of the survey report is to ascertain the marine vessel’s condition and its history. Marine surveyors inspect and report on damage to ships and boats. The surveyor assesses all aspects of the vessel from structural, rigging, plumbing, electrical and mechanical components when the boat is both on and off the water. The report’s details will also let you know the fair price you should pay for the vessel. A great marine surveyor Cape Coral must remain unbiased in every boat assessment. As a result of this, it is imperative to listen to a marine surveyor’s feedback carefully.

Required by Insurers

The majority of marine insurers require a complete survey to be done before they insure a pre-owned vessel. Different types and makes of boats have recurring problems and requirements. An experienced boat surveyor Cape Coral will be familiar with most models and advise you accordingly on your purchase’s long-term suitability. Once the marine survey is done, you will figure out whether there are any major or minor repairs to be done, how much it will cost to do the repairs, and, more importantly, the boat’s current market value.

After a comprehensive marine survey, a report will be generated for you. It will entail details of the current market value of the vessel and its present condition. This will help you with the insurance and help you know if you are making a sound investment. The survey can also help you secure funding if you plan on financing the purchase. For a reasonable valuation, you need the services of an experienced, qualified and reliable marine surveyor Cape Coral. You need a surveyor that will give you an ocean of advice and information that best suits your needs.

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Marine Surveyor Cape Coral – How to Prepare for a Marine Survey

If you are in the market to buy a used boat or sell yours, then hiring a marine surveyor Cape Coral is necessary. The role of a marine surveyor is to inspect the boat from top to bottom and inside out. The surveyor will then prepare a report that helps you know the boat’s exact condition, what repairs or upgrades will be necessary, and the actual value of the boat. The information will help avoid unpleasant surprises and expensive repairs. When getting ready for a marine survey, you will have to do a couple of things.

Determine if you need a survey

If you are buying a brand new boat, a marine survey may not be necessary. However, the survey may be crucial when buying a big and very expensive boat to help you monitor a new build and get pre-delivery inspections. On the other hand, if you plan on buying a used boat, hiring a boat surveyor Cape Coral will be extremely important. To answer the question on Yahoo Answers on the reasons why you need a professional survey on a used boat, here are the main reasons:

  • The surveyor knows the systems and components of a boat and will see problems that your untrained eye will easily miss.
  • The survey will help you know the upgrades and repairs necessary to make the boat safe.
  • You will know the exact condition and performance of the boat before spending money on it.
  • The surveyor will help you know if the boat is worth the listed price.
  • Insurers and lenders will require a survey report.
  • Getting a survey done will help you avoid making a bad investment.

Know the type of survey that you need

There are several types of marine surveys. The one you select will depend on your needs. The main types of surveys are:

  • Pre-purchase surveys
  • Insurance survey
  • Engine survey
  • Rigging survey
  • Appraisal survey
  • Damage survey

It is good to know which type of survey you need so that you can hire the right marine surveyor Cape Coral. Make sure the marine surveyor you are hiring has experience offering the types of surveys that you need.

Understand the survey costs

Knowing how much the survey will cost is very important. The cost of the survey will depend on the type of inspection that you want. Understanding the average cost of a marine survey will help with both budgeting and negotiating with the surveyor you hire. This knowledge will also keep you at ease, knowing your surveyor is not exploiting you.

You need to complete these three steps before you start searching for a boat surveyor Cape Coral. Always hire a surveyor with a good reputation and experience surveying vessels similar to what you are interested in.

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