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.