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Marine Surveyor Estero – What is the Cost of Owning a Boat

In 2019, there was a total of 11.8 million boats registered to private owners in the United States. With the rise of social distanced leisure and outdoor activities, the interest in boat ownership has gone up. If you are a first-time boat owner, one thing you must never do is underestimate the cost of owning a boat. Most people only look at the price tag. The truth, however, is there are many more costs associated with owning a boat. While not a major cost, the first expense you must think about is the cost of working with a marine surveyor Esterotrusts.

Cost of hiring a boat surveyor

When buying a used boat, you have to make sure that the vessel is in perfect shape. Unless you are interested in a project boat, the vessel you consider has to be safe for the sea. Needless to say, there is a lot to be inspected. There is also the fact that sellers do minor upgrades to mask the main issues. To understand the exact condition of a boat, you need the input of an experienced marine surveyor Estero trusts. Boat surveyors offer varying rates for their services. For a small boat, you can land at a fixed rate. However, if the boat you are after is large, you will be charged per foot. The average rate charged by boat surveyors is between $20 and $25 per foot of boat.

Fuel and operating costs

The next cost you have to think about is fuel and operating costs. When you buy a motorized boat, you have to be prepared for the cost of fuel. You also have to think about the cost of maintaining, repairing and replacing pumps, batteries, lights, oil and other equipment. These costs vary depending on the type and size of the boat you own.

Cost of boat insurance

While it is not mandatory to have boat insurance, it is always good to protect your investment with a suitable insurance cover. This is more so if you use your boat often and in high-traffic areas. Basic boat insurance covers certain repairs. Compare the policies offered by various insurance companies and select the one that best suits your needs.

Certification costs

Getting proper boating certification will help you get better rates on insurance. It also makes you a better boater. If you enjoy boating over state lines with your boat, you should consider getting certification from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. The cost of getting relevant certification is pretty low but worth considering.

Storage costs

When not in use, you will have to store your boat somewhere. The cost of storage is the biggest expense boat owners deal with. The cost is calculated based on how big your boat is. Marinas can charge thousands of dollars a month to store your boat in exchange for quick access to the water and an exclusive club.

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Marine Surveyors Naples FL – How to Get a Good Deal on a Used Boat

In Canada and the United States, 17 million boats are in use. While most of these boats are owned by people that enjoy boating, thousands of these boats are for sale. This makes it easy to find the right boat provided you are willing to put in the work. In this post, we will be looking at how you can get an amazing deal on a fishing boat and why you need to involve marine surveyors Naples FL in the purchase.

Know the fair market value of a boat before you start shopping

A common mistake most buyers make is of paying for a boat without first knowing how much that boat should cost in the current market. At the end of the day, such buyers end up overpaying for a boat. Needless to say, this is a mistake that can be very haunting. Before you commit to a boat, it is good to know how much that boat is going for in the current market. You can research other similar boats that were recently sold or work with marine surveyors Naples FL to get a boat survey.

The best thing about a boat survey is that it not only reveals issues on a boat but also helps you know the fair market value of the boat you are after. You can use the details in the survey report to negotiate a better deal with the seller.

See the boat in person

Most photos that are used in marketing are usually touched up. Sellers know that buyers are interested in perfect products that make them feel they are getting a great deal. With that in mind, you must never commit to a boat without first seeing it in person. Contact the sellers and schedule a meeting. Ask all the questions you may have about the boat and assess it from top to bottom. If you are still satisfied that this is the boat for you, you can go ahead and pay a deposit then call in a boat surveyor in Naples FL for a more thorough assessment.

Shop in the offseason

To get the best deal on a secondhand boat, the best thing you can do is to start shopping in winter. This is a time when most people keep their boats docked. There are also so many boats for sale during this time. Shopping in the offseason helps you find more boats to review and also helps you get an amazing deal because the demand for boats is low and more sellers are struggling to close a deal.

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Boat Surveyors Fort Myers – Questions to Answer When Choosing a Boat

Buying a boat can be exciting. It is a chance for you to get a vessel that gives you the freedom you have always wanted when fishing, vacationing or doing anything you want out at sea. No more filling lease forms or working around the schedule of your friend whenever you need their boat. However, to avoid making the wrong choice, there are a couple of questions you must answer. You also need to work closely with boat surveyors Fort Myers trusts. The role of the surveyor is to help you get a better understanding of the boat you are about to buy. Let’s take a look at the top questions you should answer before settling on a boat.

New or pre-owned?

The first decision you have to make is whether to buy a new or a used boat. If you have been saving for some time and don’t mind the rapid depreciation, buying a new boat will be a better choice. New boats come with a warranty and they have modern equipment. However, if you are on a tight budget, a pre-owned boat will give you a great bargain. You will also be able to get a bigger pre-owned boat even on a tight budget. Even so, you have to get a pre-owned boat inspected by boat surveyors Fort Myers. The boat surveyors will help you understand if the purchase will be a good investment or not. 

Which size is best for you?

When deciding on the size, there are many factors you have to think about. The main factors include:

  • Where you will be operating the boat. For lakes and rivers, a boat that is between 18 and 40 feet will be ideal.
  • How long do you plan on staying on the boat? For an overnight stay, you will need a boat with a spacious cabin, galley and other amenities.
  • The number of passengers you will carry.
  • Your budget. The bigger the boat is the more expensive it will be to buy and maintain.

Do you need a sailing or motorized boat?

The choice here boils down to personal preferences. The easiest boats to drive are motor-powered ones. They are the most common among first-time boat owners. Sailing boats, on the other hand, rely on the wind to move. The type of boat you end up picking will depend on the activities you plan on using the boat for.

How do you plan on using the boat?

What you need the boat for is an important consideration when buying a boat. This is because boats have different uses. You cannot use a fishing boat for sporting activities.

How will you finance the purchase?

Last but not least, how you plan on paying for the boat has to be considered. If you plan on using marine lenders, make sure you understand the interest rates and payment terms. You also need to ensure that you can sustain the long-term loan payment based on your cash flow.

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Boat Surveyors Fort Myers – Questions to Help Pick the Right Size of Boat

Buying a boat can change your lifestyle. This is irrespective of whether you are going after a new or a pre-owned vessel. However, to avoid spending money on a boat that is doomed, consider enlisting the help of a boat surveyor Fort Myers trusts. The boat surveyor will comb through every inch of the pre-owned boat and compile a comprehensive report that helps you understand the exact condition your preferred boat is in. Surveyors can also help survey a brand new boat. For this, the boat survey will help you know if the boat meets all the quality standards and if it is a good fit for your preferred use.

While the input of a boat surveyor Fort Myers is important, when it comes to the size of the boat, it is up to you to pick the size that is right for you. Needless to say, there are many factors to consider when deciding on the size of the boat to buy. Here are a couple of questions to help with decision-making.

Where will you be operating the boat?

Where you intend on using the boat will determine the size that is right for you. For example, if you plan on using the vessel on lakes and rivers and plan on only using the boat in the daytime, a boat that is between 18 and 40 feet will be ideal. Such a boat will offer all the basic amenities you need for a comfortable day of boating.

How many passengers will you carry?

This is yet another important consideration that will help with deciding on the size of the boat to buy. If you plan on carrying a large group of friends for weekend getaways, you will need room for cocktail hour. This means you need a boat with larger cabins and a bigger passenger capacity. However, if you only need a boat that offers space for you to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet on your own, a smaller fishing boat will be sufficient.

What is your budget?

Your budget has a major part to play when deciding on the size of the boat to buy. Keep in mind that it is not just the initial cost of buying the boat you should think about. There are many other expenses that come with boat ownership. They include:

  • Maintenance
  • Moorage
  • Gasoline
  • Cleaning
  • Dry docking
  • Winter storage
  • Boat insurance

As you can see, there are many factors that have to be considered when deciding on the size of the boat to buy. Working with an experienced boat surveyor in Fort Myers will keep you from making goofy mistakes both on the type and size of the boat to buy.

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Marine Surveyor Estero – How to Buy a Fishing Boat

If you love fishing, your dream is probably to own a fishing boat. The boat will allow you to travel the waters searching for fish without being confined to the edge of a lake or pond. But which boat should you buy? Is every fishing boat a good fit for you? In this post, we shall be looking at the key considerations you must make before settling on a boat. We will also be looking at why it is important to involve a marine surveyor Estero trusts in the buying process.

Decide on the type of boat you want

The first step in buying a fishing boat is deciding on the type of boat you want. There are several variations available in the category of fishing boats. To narrow down your search, you need to decide if you want a freshwater or a saltwater fishing boat.

When fishing on a lake or pond, the specific type of boat to choose is the freshwater fishing boat. The best types of boats in this category are the bass boats, cuddy cabin boats and side console boats. For saltwater fishing, you will be doing your fishing in the ocean. The best boats in this category are convertibles, center console boats and bay boats.

You should consult a marine surveyor Estero before settling on a boat. The surveyor will help you understand the exact condition of the boat you are targeting. The surveyor will also help you know if the boat you are after is a good fit for your desired activity or type of fishing. Keep in mind that buying a boat is a big investment so make sure you get the professional input of an experienced boat surveyor in Estero.

Gather as much information as you can

Just because you are certain you need a bass boat doesn’t mean you commit to the first bass boat that comes your way. The internet has lots of information on various types of boats. Pay attention to what fishermen are saying about your preferred type of boat. boating publications, magazines and brochures will also give you some idea on whether the boat you want to buy is a good fit. You also need to be honest with your boat surveyor on what you plan on using the boat for. A smaller boat will not be ideal if you want to live on a fishing boat or take long boating trips.

Keep your budget in mind

Last but not least, you need to remember your budget. This will help narrow down to the boat that is perfect for you. Your budget will also keep you from going for unnecessary extras. With your budget in mind, you also need to think about the cost of maintenance, insurance, registration and storage for the boat. Can you afford it?

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Marine Surveyors Naples FL – What is the Cost of Owning a Boat?

Buying a boat is all about fun and recreation. This is an investment that you, your family and your friends will enjoy for years to come. However, boating comes at a price and it is good to understand the costs that are associated with the purchase. You also need to note that the cost of boating will significantly be influenced by the type of boat you purchase. For example, if you go for a worn-out boat, you will spend a lot of money on repairs. Some vessels also have higher maintenance needs than others. To avoid surprises, enlist the help of marine surveyors Naples FLtrusts from the very start. The surveyor will help you understand the condition the boat is in and if it is suited for your desired activities.

Initial cost

When shopping for a boat, the area most buyers focus on is the initial cost. What you must keep in mind is that the price tag is just the beginning. You will get the most from your boat if it doesn’t force you to live outside your financial reach. Before you hire marine surveyors Naples FL for a detailed survey, you need to do your research to understand the maintenance cost of your target boat. The research will help you know the costs you will have to deal with. These costs include:

If you are on a tight budget, you should consider going for a smaller boat. Smaller boats that are in good condition are easier to run and maintain.

Running costs

Mooring is a major consideration you must make before buying a boat. smaller boats will have more options when it comes to mooring and storage. If you are going for a bigger boat, know in advance how much the storage and mooring costs will be. You also have to think about what you will do with your boat in the winter months or for those months you will not be using it.

Fuel is a vital consideration you must make. Your new motorized boat will not run without fuel. If you go for a boat that consumes a lot of fuel, you have to make sure you can afford the fueling costs.

Other things you must consider are the safety and navigation equipment. You need this for smooth sailing. Make sure your boat has a serviceable life raft, signaling equipment, life jackets and ship-to-shore communication radios.

Maintenance and repairs

Last but not least, you should only go for a boat that you can afford to repair and handle all its maintenance needs. Maintenance is the key to making your boat serve you longer.

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Boat Surveyors Fort Myers – Which Fishing Boat Should You Buy?

You are probably reading this post because you are in the market for a fishing boat. You are not the only one asking this question and the good news is there is help available. However, before you make any decision on any promising fishing vessel, you need to involve experienced boat surveyors Fort Myers trusts. The role of a boat surveyor is to perform a thorough inspection of a boat and determine if it is a good fit for the intended purpose. In this post, however, we will be looking at the best boats for fishing.

Displacement and a semi-displacement hull

This type of hull is designed to push through the water as the boat powers forward. The design creates a huge amount of drag and as a result limits speed. The equation used to calculate maximum speed is 1.34 multiplied by the square root of the waterline length. If you go for a boat that has a 16-foot hull and a square root of 4, the maximum speed will be 4 multiplied by 1.34 which leads to a maximum speed of 5.36 knots. A bigger engine will not do much in increasing the top speed but rather reduces stability. You should, however, let boat surveyors Fort Myers trusts make sure the engine and hull are in perfect condition.

If what you need is a slow-moving fishing boat, the displacement and semi-displacement hull will be a good choice. The main boats in this category are the trawlers and tugs. These boats are fuel efficient and able to cope in rough waters. Semi-displacement hulls are more modern boat designs. The increase boat speed by flattening the rear section of the hull.

Planing Hull

These types of fishing boats rise up and skim or ‘plane’ over the water after attaining enough speed. They need a powerful engine and the hull is made of lightweight materials. The boat design has a V-shaped section at the bow which helps the hull to cut easily through the water. These boats can attain speeds of up to 15 knots. The shallow draft makes these boat ideal for fishing in rivers and small lakes. They offer a smooth ride on rough waters. They can, however, bank or roll in sharp turns.

Cathedral or Semi-Cathedral Hulls 

This is a variation of the planing hull design. They have a deep V-shape that runs along the center with smaller V-shaped sections on either side. This design creates three keels. The design is ideal if you need a stable boat that can move at great speeds. The boats are ideal for beach launching because they sit upright when they are grounded. The main drawback is these boats are quite fuel-thirsty when driven slowly. They are also not perfect on rough waters. The semi-cathedral hull counters the flaws of the cathedral hull fishing boat. It is, however, important to note that semi-cathedral hulls are less stable than cathedral hulls.

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Boat Surveyor Fort Myers – What is Covered in a Boat Survey

When you need the input of a boat surveyor Fort Myers trusts, the first thing you will want to do is know what is covered in the survey. That way you will be prepared for their services and be able to tell when you are being shortchanged. It is, however, not easy to know exactly what will be covered. This is because the focus of the marine surveyor will depend on the purpose of the survey. Surveyors also use varying methods when doing their work. In this post, we shall be looking at the basic things you can expect.

There are standards a boat surveyor Fort Myers trusts has to adhere to. This means the survey report you get from one surveyor will not be too different from that of another surveyor. For example, when performing an insurance survey, surveyors are provided with a list of items that they have to inspect. This list is provided by the insurer. Sticking to this list means the results will be the same for all surveyors. The only difference will be how thorough the report will be.

When performing a boat inspection, a good majority of marine surveyors say that they always sound the boat using a hammer in order to detect voids and delamination. They will also test the electronics to make sure they are all operable. Only a small number of surveyors will use advanced equipment such as a moisture meter. Most only observe and tap to record their findings.

It is also good to note that unless you insist, most boat inspectors will not request a sea trial. This is irrespective of how thorough you need the survey to be. Needless to say, a sea trial is very important because it helps understand how a vessel performs. It is hard to detect issues with the engine if you only power it on and listen to how it sounds. To get a more in-depth understanding, the engine has to be put in various real-life scenarios. That way the surveyor will know in which areas it lacks.

Hiring a surveyor that is a former boat mechanic will give you better results. The experience of the surveyor will help identify issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. This is more so when it comes to the engine and the structural integrity of the boat.

Working with a surveyor that comes highly recommended and has experience surveying your type of boat is the key to getting a thorough boat inspection. Refrain from hiring just any boat surveyor in Fort Myers. Hire a surveyor before you have confidence they will provide an all-rounded survey.

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Marine Surveyor Estero – Questions to Ask a Boat Seller

Working with an experienced marine surveyor Esterotrusts is the key to avoiding disappointment when buying a used boat. This is because the surveyor will help you know how much the boat is really worth, possible issues it has or issues you can expect in the near future, missing equipment, and so on. However, even with the input of a boat surveyor, you have a part to play. Part of your role is to ask the seller the right questions. Here are the questions you should be prepared to ask.

What condition is the boat in? Is there anything that needs to be replaced?

The ad listing and amazing photos of the boat might sweep you off your feet. This does not, however, mean that the boat has no problems. The first two questions you must ask are what condition the boat is in and if it has anything that needs to be replaced. It is good to ask this because the seller will not allow you to perform a marine survey until you show commitment. Asking these questions further helps you understand if the boat will be a project boat or not. It is obvious that sellers will not be as honest about the condition of the boat. They may conceal some problems so as not to scare you off. Once the negotiations start, make sure you hire your own marine surveyor Estero trusts to perform a thorough inspection on the boat. The inspection will give you a clear idea on the exact condition of the boat. Never take the seller’s word for it.

Was the boat used in salt or fresh water?

This is yet another important question you must ask. Boats that were used in salt water have more rust problems than those used on fresh water. If you plan on using the boat on salt water, you also want to make sure the boat can withstand salt water. Knowing where a boat has been used will help you know what to focus on during an inspection.

Are you the original owner?

As a buyer, you want to get a complete history of the boat. A good seller will provide you with all the ownership paperwork. This may include warranties, major repairs that were done, and paperwork on the purchase of the boat.

Which payment methods do you accept?

Last but not least, ask about the payment method that the seller accepts. If you plan on paying for the boat in installments, you need to check if the seller accepts that payment method. Knowing the acceptable payment method will keep you from going through the motions of surveying a boat only for the seller to turn you down because they don’t accept your preferred payment method.

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Marine Surveyors Naples FL – Why Would You Need a Boat Survey?

More often than not, boat buyers are blown away by how good the deal is or how amazing a boat looks. This causes them to commit to buying a boat without getting a professional inspection. The fact all marine surveyors Naples FL trusts, knows is most boat issues are hidden. You need an experienced professional to help you understand the flaws that your target boat has. But what are the exact reasons you should get a boat survey in Naples, Florida?

Understand all the issues

The main reason you need the help of marine surveyors Naples FL is to get a complete understanding of the current condition of your target boat. For this purpose, you will need a full condition survey; also referred to as a pre-purchase survey. It is the most comprehensive type of survey and is meant to delve deep into the condition of a vessel.

The marine surveyor will check everything from structural integrity, safety systems, and electronics to interior cosmetics and more. While boats have varying requirements, the full condition survey will focus on the transom, hull, mechanical, propulsion gear, engine, electronics, fittings, and communications equipment. The surveyor will report on such things as missing equipment, osmosis, cracks, water damage, and signs of accidents. At the end of the survey, you will get a comprehensive report on the general condition of the boat, age-related wear and tear as well as connections and deck fixtures.

For insurance purposes

In addition to understanding the condition of the boat, you may have to hire a marine surveyor for an insurance survey. While it is the most basic type of survey, an insurance survey helps the insurer understand the current condition and fair market value of the boat. In most cases, the insurance company will give you a list of items that have to be assessed during a survey. You will also need to find a boat surveyor that is approved by your insurance provider.

To get financing

Do you plan on using your boat as collateral or getting financing to buy the boat? If you do, lenders will require that you get a marine survey done. This is similar to an insurance survey. Financial institutions or marine mortgage lenders will require a survey to be done before they sign off on a loan. The goal is for them to understand the condition and value of your boat before accepting it as collateral.

All things considered, a marine survey in Naples is meant to give all the parties involved the much-deserved peace of mind. You, the insurance company, and lenders will know exactly what you are getting into before committing. The key, however, is to find the most competent marine surveyor in Naples, FL.

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