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How Often Do I Need a Marine Survey in Estero?

More and more people are familiar with the importance of getting a marine survey. While most people only consider getting an Estero marine surveywhen buying a used vessel, there is a need for boat owners to get frequent surveys on their boats. This is because a thorough survey will help you understand the condition of your boat better and help you give it the best care. As for how often should you get a marine survey, there are several factors that come into play.

How often do you need a survey?

Typically, you should get a fresh marine survey at least once every five years. Even though it’s been less than five years since your last survey, it is highly recommended to get an updated survey that takes into account the new condition and worth if you’ve made any significant changes to your boat.

The type of boat you own will also dictate how often you get a survey done. For wooden vessels, surveys might need to be performed more frequently and out of the water. For wooden vessels, a survey is typically required every two to three years, while certain specialized insurers will increase this need to every ten to fifteen years.

At times, it is not you that needs the marine survey to be done. There are times when you are forced to get a survey done on your boat. This is more so when getting boat insurance or when you need to use your boat as collateral when getting financing. In this case, the answer to how often do I need a marine survey will depend on what you need the survey for.

Insurance companies have been more frequently seeking surveys and limiting the types and ages of vessels they will insure due to a tightening marine market over the past couple of years. Your best bet for ensuring that you get the best insurance coverage is to have a current marine survey. A current marine survey will also guarantee that you get the most protection in the event of a loss. Many marine insurers are okay with a survey report that is 4 to 5 years old. It is, however, ideal that you rely on a survey that has been done within the last 12 to 18 months when getting insurance.

There are many more factors that dictate the answer to the question of how often do I need a marine survey. The rule of thumb is to make sure you get the survey done by an experienced surveyor.

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How Do I Choose a Marine Surveyor in Naples FL?

Anyone buying an old boat should consider hiring a marine surveyor. Getting maritime services before buying a used boat will guide you through the process. In this post, we will be answering the question of how do I choose a marine surveyor. Our focus will be on what constitutes a high-quality surveyor.

Certification and accreditation

While there are no federal or state certifications, licensing, or sanctioning of marine surveyors, it is always good to focus on surveyors that are certified and accredited. There are numerous professional organizations that require rigorous testing, continuing education, and experience for accredited and certified surveyors. The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors and the National Association of Marine Surveyors are just some of those organizations. Getting a Naples FL marine survey from a boat surveyor that is certified and accredited guarantees you get the most thorough survey report. Ask your target surveyor if they belong to any organization and make sure their membership is up-to-date.

Get recommendations

It can be helpful to get suggestions from other boat owners, yard managers, and other people working in the boating business. However, you must take into account the viewpoint of the person giving the recommendation. As an illustration, consider a broker who has a preferred marine surveyor who might inadvertently ignore some flaws. It is up to you to verify the credibility of the recommendations you get. One way of doing this is by getting recommendations from multiple sources. The marine surveyor that comes highly recommended should be the one you consider. 

Ask the right questions

The most important step in hiring a marine surveyor is to ask the right questions. Start by going through their website and reading as many reviews about the surveyor as you can. Next, you need to ask questions that relate to you. Some important questions to ask include the following:

  • Do you work full-time as a boat surveyor?
  • What kind of boats have you surveyed?
  • Which technologies do you use when conducting marine surveys?
  • Can you provide a sample survey report?
  • Do you have any accreditation or certification?

The above questions are crucial as you strive to answer the question of how do I choose a marine surveyor. As you ask questions, make sure the responses the surveyor gives are clear and satisfactory. Be wary of any surveyor that is unwilling to share sample survey reports. Surveyors that don’t use any technology when conducting surveys will also not give the most comprehensive surveys.

Price

Last but not least, you need to know how much the surveyor charges for their services. The last thing you want is to be overcharged. Keep in mind that the price charged will mostly depend on the type, age, and size of the boat. Most surveyors charge per foot. Make sure their rates are within market standards.

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Who Typically Pays for a Boat Survey in Fort Myers?

If you have never bought a boat before, you will definitely have a lot of questions about the procedure. Do you need a deposit and for how much? Where can you find the right boat to buy? How do you inspect a boat? Who typically pays for a boat survey? In this post, our primary focus will be on who usually pays for a boat survey.

If you are targeting a used vessel, you will definitely require a Fort Myers marine survey. The reason for this is you need to understand the exact condition the boat you are after is in. You need to know if it requires major repairs if it is seaworthy, and how much you should pay for it. You can get these and more questions answered by working with a marine surveyor in Fort Myers. It is, however, good to note that the survey is not free. But who pays for a boat survey?

Who Pays for a Boat Survey?

The answer is the person who hires a surveyor. A marine surveyor can be hired not just as a prospective buyer but also as a boat owner. This is because marine surveys are not only beneficial to potential buyers but also to boat owners. A marine survey can be requested for any of the following reasons:

  • To get an unbiased assessment of the boat
  • For insurance valuation
  • To determine the fair market value of the boat
  • Determine the suitability of a boat for your desired activity

There are so many reasons why you may need to hire a marine surveyor. In most cases, the surveyor is hired by a boat buyer. The purpose is to get a pre-purchase survey. A pre-purchase survey involves the inspection of the entire boat from top to bottom. The surveyor may also use specialized equipment such as moisture meters to get a better understanding of malfunctioning components. If the surveyor suspects a serious problem, they will not take components apart. Instead, they will ask you to hire a mechanic or an electrician to take components apart and take a closer look. At the end of the survey, you will be provided with a survey report that includes all the findings of the surveyor, the fair market value of the boat as well as images of issues.

As you get ready for a survey, you may need to slip and clean the hull. Slipping is the process of removing a boat from the water for repairs or an inspection. It is often needed in a pre-purchase survey. If you request this inspection, you will pay to organize and pay for slipping. The case is the same for a sea trial.

Now that you understand who typically pays for a boat survey, it is good to note that the type of services you get will depend on the competence of the surveyor you hire. Always stick to boat surveyors in Fort Myers that have an impeccable track records.

Who Typically Pays for a Boat Survey

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Is a Marine Survey Worth It and What Do Marine Surveyors Look for?

The question most aspiring boat owners ask is this; is a marine survey worth it? The answer is yes. This is more so when going after a used boat. With the help of a marine surveyor in Estero, you will be able to know the exact condition of the vessel as well as its fair market value. The surveyor will also help you know if the boat you are after is a good fit for your intended use. These are the main reasons why working with a marine surveyor is important. But what exactly will a surveyor look at?

You have probably done your research on what to look at when buying a used boat. Some of the top things you have to consider are signs of water damage, engine hours, and the condition of the onboard equipment. While doing this is important, you will not be able to get the exact condition of these areas. This is because you lack the experience and specialized equipment to perform a thorough marine survey. This is where the need for a professional Estero marine survey comes in. Here are the top things a surveyor will do.

Cracks and blisters

The first thing a marine surveyor will do is check the bottom and the transom for blisters and cracks. Cracks and blisters indicate there is water intrusion. If there are cracks and blisters, the surveyor will use specialized equipment such as a moisture meter to examine the extent of water intrusion. What the surveyor finds in the bottom and the transom will help him know where to look and what to look for on the boat. The findings of the surveyor can help you know whether to proceed with the purchase or pull out.

Compression and leak-down tests

The purpose of this test is to determine the ability of the engine to generate cylinder pressure. A leak-down test helps determine the engine’s ability to hold that pressure. This test is important when buying a pre-owned boat.

Leaks

The surveyor will also check for leaking fuel tanks. These are some of the most expensive repairs. This is because fuel tanks are hard to get to since they are among the first components that are installed on a boat. In most cases, repairing a fuel tank involves cutting through the cockpit. If there is a fuel leak problem, the boat will be a lot more expensive to repair.

There are many more areas that are looked at by a surveyor. The surveyor will further compile a report with all their findings. You can use the report to negotiate a better deal with the seller or avoid buying a doomed vessel. As for the question of is a marine survey worth it, you can see why the answer is a resounding yes.

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Boat Surveyors Fort Myers – Why You Need to Beware of Grimy Engines

Hiring boat surveyors Fort Myers trusts is the most important thing to do when buying a boat. The surveyor will not only help you understand the exact condition of the vessel you are after but also enlighten you on the fair market value and whether the boat is a good fit for your intended use. However, considering it costs money to hire a marine surveyor, you have to be certain that the vessel you are considering is a good candidate before you bring in a surveyor. One way of checking if the boat is worth buying is by taking a look at the engine.

When inspecting a boat, the main area boat surveyors Fort Myers focus on is the engine. The engine is the heart of the boat. If it is faulty, the boat will not perform well. Long before you bring in a surveyor, you need to beware of grimy engines and bilges.

The appearance of a boat’s engine says a lot about the condition of the vessel. This is why you should pay close attention to the outward appearance of the engine. If it is grimy with oil, this may indicate a problem. You also need to take a lot at the exhaust outlet or the heat exchanger. The pan under the engine should also be inspected for oil spills and rust. If the engine is grimy, dirty, or has worn belts, chances are the boat will have more issues than you would want. It may also simply mean that the engine was not cleaned.

You should ask the seller to get the engine cleaned before an inspection. Here are the three reasons why a clean engine is important.

  • Safety. Accumulated oil and fuel spills create toxic sheens, and fumes, as well as flammable conditions. This leads to safety problems. Oil in the bilge will also attract and clump with dirt, dust, hair, and all manner of dirt.
  • Dirt hides secrets. It is obvious that inspecting a dirty engine will be a lot harder even for the most experienced marine surveyor in Fort Myers. This is for the simple fact that dirt will hide problems. It will be harder for the surveyor to spot leaks when the engine is dirty. Getting it cleaned prior to the inspection will save a lot of time as well as guarantee an accurate inspection.
  • Pollution. Even if the engine runs well with all the dirt, it will throw most of the spills into the water thus causing pollution.

The rule of thumb is a clean engine and bilge indicate the boat has been taken good care of. Be careful when buying a boat with an untidy engine.

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Boat Surveyors Fort Myers – How Do You Buy a Classic Boat?

A classic boat is a vessel that was built between 1943 and 1975. These vessels are also referred to as vintage boats. As you may have already guessed, the process of buying a classic boat is not the same as that of buying a modern boat. While there are some similarities such as having to involve a boat surveyor Fort Myerstrusts, there are special considerations you will have to make.

Choose a boat

The first thing you need to do is decide on the type of boat you want to buy. Do you need a power or a sailboat? How big of a boat are you looking for? Deciding on a boat to buy is the easy part. The real work starts when finding, evaluating, and buying a boat. Involving a boat surveyor Fort Myers throughout the purchase process will ensure you don’t end up with a doomed vessel.

The project, restored, or replica boat

It is obvious most of the boats that were built more than four decades ago will not all be in perfect condition. This is why you have to decide on whether to buy a project, restored or replica boat. A project boat is not for the faint-hearted or newbies. This is a boat that requires a lot of work to make it seaworthy. The best thing about project boats is that they are inexpensive. Make sure you understand how much money and time it will cost for you to restore the boat.

Restored classic boats are those that have been fixed up and are seaworthy. In most cases, these boats are sold by people who bought project boats, fixed them up, and are selling them as restored boats for a profit. The best thing about these vessels is that they are ready for sailing. The drawback, on the other hand, is they can be very expensive. Always involve a marine surveyor to inspect the condition of the boat.

The third option is that of a replica boat. Just as the name implies, these are not original classic boats. They are modern boats that have been built to mimic the aesthetics and feel of a classic boat. They are built using the same materials of a classic boat but may include modern equipment. The best thing about these vessels is they require less care since they are built using modern materials.

True classic boats are a special breed. There are boat brokers that are dedicated to offering vessels in this category. However, before you buy a true classic boat, you need to bring in a boat surveyor that has experience inspecting classic boats. 

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Marine Surveyor Estero – Guide for Buying Vintage and Classic Boats

Just like some cars, there are some boats that withstand the test of time despite being classified as depreciating assets. All the same, you must never go ahead with the purchase of the so-called classic boats without getting the input of a marine surveyor Esterotrusts. This is for the simple fact that not every old boat is a classic boat. You don’t want to be swindled, do you? In this post, we will be using the term vintage and classic interchangeably.

Understanding the terms

Prior to getting started on the purchase of a classic boat, it is good to start by learning about the terms used. Yes, an experienced marine surveyor Estero will be able to help you understand these terms but it doesn’t hurt to learn about them on your own. Here are the most common terms you will come across.

  • Historic boats: Boats built before 1918.
  • Antique boats: Boats built between 1919 and 1942
  • Classic boats: Boats built between 1943 and 1975
  • Late Classic Boats: Boats built between 1976 and 1995

When shopping for a boat, it is good to note that the term vintage boats are used to describe vessels under the classic boat era. These are often boats that have been restored. There are also some new replicas built with actual old-school equipment. After a marine survey, a boat surveyor will help you know if you are dealing with a real vintage boat or a replica boat.

Examples of classic boats

Classic boats are made either of fiberglass or wood. The first fiberglass boats are more than 60 years old. Some good examples of classic powerboat brands are:

  • Wheeler
  • Chris Craft
  • Century
  • Gar Wood
  • Trumpy
  • Hacker-Craft
  • Riva
  • Lyman

Classic sailboat builders include:

  • Sparkman & Stephens
  • Hinckley
  • Kettenburg
  • Alden
  • Crosby Catboat
  • Herreshoff

Whether you are searching for a streamlined rowing boat, runabout, day sailor, or open wooden dinghy, you might be lucky enough to find one that is still afloat. It is good to start by being specific about what you want in a classic boat. Do you want a project, replica, or restored classic boat? What do you need the boat for? The answer to these questions will keep you from making the wrong choice.

All things considered, to make sure the vessel is in good condition and has been priced well, you will need the services of a marine surveyor in Estero. The surveyor will comb through every inch of the boat and help you know if anything is amiss. You can use the survey report to make a better choice.

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Marine surveyors Naples FL – Why a Survey is Necessary for a Used Boat

Buying a used boat offers you the chance to get the boat you want at a fraction of the cost. However, this does not mean any used boat is worth buying. There are many vessels that are in terrible conditions. As you prepare to buy a boat, you should be ready to work with marine surveyors Naples FL. But why is that important?

Most of the boats you find on the market are not being sold by good-hearted sellers. Some boat owners simply want to get rid of a piece of junk that has been lying in the boatyard for years. To make the vessel attractive to buyers, they do some cosmetic work to make the boat look seaworthy. Many buyers have fallen victim to this. If you don’t want to spend money on a vessel that ends up stuck in the boat yard, you need the services of experienced marine surveyors Naples FL. Here are the top reasons you need the services of a marine surveyor.

Damage inspection

One of the duties of a marine surveyor is to document the damages that a boat has. This is done by performing a number of tests. The surveyor will also use specialized equipment to assess the extent of damage to a boat. A sea trial may also be done. At the end of the survey, you will be provided with a detailed survey report that includes all the damages the vessel has as well as any major repairs that were done in the past. The surveyor will also give details on the estimated cost of fixing up the boat. You can then use this report to determine if the vessel is a good fit for you or not.

Determine the actual value of the boat

If you are new to boating, you may be exploited more so when it comes to the cost. Sellers expect you to negotiate. That is why they set higher selling prices to allow room for negotiations. If you have no idea how much a boat should cost, you may end up paying too much for it. One of the duties of a boat surveyor is to determine the fair market value of the boat. This is done by looking at how much similar boats are going for and the extent of repairs that have to be done. Understanding the fair market value of a boat gives you a better position during negotiations.

These two are the main reasons you should involve a marine surveyor when buying a used boat. There are many more reasons. The key is to involve a surveyor that has experience surveying boats that are similar to the one you are after.

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Boat Surveyors Fort Myers – Documentation to Ask for When Buying a Boat

There are many things to consider when buying a boat. From assessing its condition to making sure the seller is the real owner. To avoid problems during and after the sale, it is highly recommended to engage the services of experienced boat surveyors Fort Myers. A surveyor is skilled and equipped to assess the condition of a boat and provide you with a detailed survey report. You can use this report to determine if the boat is a good fit for you and to negotiate better terms. In this post, however, our primary focus will be the documentation you should ask for from the seller.

Bill of Sale

The bill of sale is a document that outlines the terms of the transaction between the buyer and the seller. It is also what legally transfers the boat’s ownership to you. It is one of the most important documents you should ask for when buying a boat. Each state has its requirements on what should be included in a bill of sale. Boat surveyors Fort Myers trusts will be able to help you know if everything has been covered. Keep in mind that a bill of sale is meant to protect you and the seller in case of future disputes. Make sure you understand every detail of this document before signing.

Warranty Documentation

The purpose of a warranty on a sale is to prove that there are no outstanding claims against a vessel. For brand-new boats, you will get a manufacturer’s guarantee. For a pre-owned boat, the warranty is given by the seller. If a seller is offering a warranty to potential buyers, make sure you go through the terms they are providing. You will also need the input of a marine surveyor to help you ensure the warranty is not inadequate. 

Boat Title

Who is the outright owner of the boat you are buying? This question is answered by the boat title. This is a crucial document that provides proof of ownership. It guarantees that the boat is legal and hasn’t been stolen. In some cases, the seller may provide you with other proof of ownership documents rather than a boat title. In this case, consult your boat surveyor in Fort Myers to make sure the provided documents are acceptable.

Maintenance Records

Last but not least, you need the maintenance records. These are what tell you if the boat has been maintained well or not. The records should include general maintenance, cleaning, repainting and other major repairs that have been done over the years. The bigger a boat is the more maintenance it will need.

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Boat Surveyor Fort Myers – Which Boat is Ideal for You?

When looking for a boat to buy, it pays to know the various types of boats that are available. This is because even with the input of the best boat surveyor Fort Myers, the final decision on the right boat to buy rests on you. The boat surveyor cannot dictate the boat to buy. All they can do is make you aware of the condition of the boat you are considering, its fair market value and if it matches your intended purpose.

You will be spoilt for choice when looking at boats for sale. In this post, we will be looking at the most popular boats to help you give an idea on what might be perfect for you. We cannot stress enough how important it is to involve a boat surveyor Fort Myers trusts when evaluating a boat. While it will cost you money to hire a boat surveyor, their input will keep you from making the wrong investment.

Bass boat

Are you interested in fishing but are not as experienced or do you want to do boating and fishing as a part-time activity? If you answered yes, the bass boat might be what you need. This is a small boat that is commonly used in fishing. It is, however, good to note that these types of boats are freshwater boats. They are lake fishing boats.

Bowrider

Is your vision to take your family out on weekends for some bonding time? The bowrider is a perfect choice. This type of boat is a family favorite. The boat has traditional seating in the back as well as extra forward seating in the bow. You should note that it is infamous for its open bow.

Center console

This boat gets its name from the fact that the steering station is located in the middle. The best thing about this setup is you can circle the boat. The boat is preferred by fishing enthusiasts more so those interested in sports fishing.

Cuddy cabin

If you want the perfect balance between sailing, fishing and cruising, the cuddy cabin will make a great choice. This is a very family-friendly boat with a small enclosure located below the deck. It is ideal if you plan on overnight stays on your boat.

Cruiser

For a boat with luxurious features, the cruiser will be perfect. You can find this boat in sizes of 7.7 to 13.7 meters. The boat has a bathroom, kitchen, dining area and many other features. It offers luxurious accommodation and the advantages of a small-scale yacht. 

Yacht

When you have more cash to spend on a boat, you can go for a yacht. These are luxurious vessels that are used for leisure, racing and cruising. They are perfect for travelling with both family and friends. You can find a used yacht for a very competitive price.

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