Category: Marine Surveyors Naples Fl

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.

Marine Surveyors Naples FL

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.

Marine Surveyors Naples FL

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:

• Marine survey
• Boat insurance.
• Licensing
• Training

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.

Marine Surveyors Naples FL

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.

Marine Surveyors Naples FL

Are you ready to buy your first boat? If you are, most experts will recommend you look into used boats. They are cheaper and don’t depreciate as fast. You can upgrade to a new model once you gain boating experience. The thing with used boats is that even when they are in mint condition, they often have hidden issues. That is why it is important to always involve experienced marine surveyors Naples FL trusts. The role of the surveyors will be to help with the inspection and compile a comprehensive report that helps you understand the type of investment you are about to make.

Bringing in experienced marine surveyors Naples FL is not the only thing you need. Learning a few things about boat inspections will keep you from being shortchanged by a dishonest surveyor. Here are some of the key areas that must be looked at in a pre-purchase boat survey.

Exterior

A boat surveyor will start by inspecting the exterior of the boat to understand its condition, space, and layout. During this visual inspection, the surveyor will do the following:

• Check for signs of damage and major repairs that have been done
• Inspect the decks, transom, bilge as well as the fuel tank. The transom is the area where an outboard engine would be mounted.
• Make sure the stringers are connected properly to the hull
• If you are considering a sailing yacht, the rigging and sails must be checked

Engine and electrics

The next thing the surveyor will inspect is the engine and the electrics. The engine is the most important part of a boat. It is also very expensive to repair and replace. Making sure it is in good condition before buying a used boat is very important. The electrical systems must also be in good condition. During the inspection, the marine surveyor in Naples Florida will do the following:

• Check the condition of the oil and ensure there is no water leak
• Check for rust around the engine
• Inspect the belts, hoses, and all electrical connections. The surveyor will check such electrical connections as spark plugs to ensure they are not worn or cracked
• Check the propeller for cracks or major repairs
• Listen to the sound the engine makes
• Rewiring a boat is expensive. Your surveyor will inspect the electrics to ensure they are in good condition.

Interior

The interior of a boat shows you how well the boat was cared for. The surveyor will check for the following:

• Signs of mold and mildew
• Leaks
• Check the windshield, hatches, and doors
• Get an overall feel of the cabin

A lot goes into a boat inspection. The best thing you can do is work with experienced marine surveyors in Naples FL. Resist the urge to inspect the boat on your own.

Marine Surveyors Naples FL

If you are on a tight budget but still want to be a proud boat owner, the most viable option is to go for the used boats. There are so many boats across Florida that are in mint condition. Finding a boat that works for you will be easy. However, you must keep in mind that used boats tend to have a number of hidden problems. Working with marine surveyors Naples FL trusts will help you identify most of these problems and avoid spending money on a doomed vessel. Here are some of the key areas surveyors focus on when inspecting a used boat.

Engine

The engine is the heart of a boat. As a result, it is one of the most expensive parts to repair. With that in mind, you must always ensure the boat you are buying has an engine that is in good condition. Marine surveyors Naples FL endorses will conduct several tests to determine the condition of the engine. They start with the dipstick to check the condition of the oil. If the engine oil is milky, that is a sign of water ingress. An engine with water ingress will be a ticking time bomb. The boat surveyor will let you know whether the engine is salvageable or not.

Electrical systems

Modern boats are equipped with all manner of electrical systems. They range from the light switches to the navigation systems. These systems make operating the boat easy. The first thing the surveyor will do is ensure all the systems are working properly. He will then check for electrical surges and inspect the fuse box for wear and tear. If there have been lots of obvious repairs, that is a sign the electrical systems will be problematic.

Hull

The hull is the body of the boat. It is what keeps the water out and determines the aesthetics of the boat. An out-of-water inspection is recommended in a hull inspection. This helps the surveyor to inspect the underwater parts. Any major problem will be documented. You can use this information to determine if buying the boat is a good idea or not.

Pumps

A boat has many pumps that need to be investigated. They include water makers and freshwater pumps, air conditioning systems, and bilge pumps. Pumps are an expensive repair. Make sure all the pumps are working as they should.

Mast and rigging

With sailing boats, the mast and rigging must be considered. A small fault can render the mast and rigging useless. The surveyor will begin the inspection at the chain plate where the rig is affixed to the structure. The surveyor will check for cracks, corrosion, and correct fitting.

Finding problems in a used boat shouldn’t demoralize you. In most cases, you can use the findings to negotiate a lower price. Always make sure the damages are repairable before proceeding with the purchase of a used boat.

Marine Surveyors Naples FL

The question most prospective boat buyers ask is why they need a pre-purchase survey. The answer is to get a thorough assessment of the vessel they plan on buying. With the help of marine surveyors Naples FL believes in, you will be able to know if the boat you are about to buy will be a great investment or not. A boat survey is needed even on vessels that seem to be in good condition. In most cases, the problems you don’t see are the worst.

In addition to learning more about a used boat, a marine survey may be mandatory more so when it is requested by an insurance provider. It is common for insurance companies to ask for a marine survey report before issuing a cover. Experienced marine surveyors Naples FL trusts will inspect the vessel thoroughly, usually while it is in and out of water. The focus is to cover the list provided by the insurance provider and to ensure the vessel has good structural integrity.

A marine survey is typically requested by a buyer. This means the buyer is the one who pays for the service. For a seller to allow you to perform a survey on their vessel, the seller must accept your offer. Make sure the offer you provide is subject to the results of the survey. That way, if major issues are found, you can pull out of the deal. Keep in mind that most buyers will require that you show commitment. This means you may have to put down a sizeable deposit.

What is included in the report

The primary role of a marine surveyor is to undertake a thorough inspection of a boat; from the bottom up. The surveyor will inspect the vessel using official guidelines which cover the minimum requirements for engine, safety equipment, waste systems, electrical systems and navigation lights. It is the job of the surveyor to identify areas that are unsafe or may ultimately cost you a lot of money in the future.

A surveyor will not offer a personal opinion on whether to proceed with the purchase or not. They only compile a detailed and factual report. It is your job to use the survey report to make your decision on whether to buy the boat or not. The survey report includes descriptions of the boat, onboard systems and the surveyor’s findings in descending order. Photographs will also be included.

While getting a survey is important before buying a vessel, you must ensure that you get the survey from reputable marine surveyors in Naples. Keep in mind that the surveyor only listens and observes; he never takes components apart. If further examination is needed, he will recommend working with a mechanic or electrician.

Marine Surveyors Naples FL

When buying the first boat, most people prefer to go for the used ones. They are cheaper and have been verified to holdup in the region they are used and for the activity, they are used for. However, as you get in the market for a used boat, the most important thing you should do is work with marine surveyors Naples FL.

Common mistake buyers make is that of assuming they can inspect a vessel on their own. The truth is if you lack the experience, skills and specialized equipment, you will not be able to find every flaw in a boat. This is where the need for marine surveyors Naples FL comes in. In this post, we will be looking at the key things you should do to rip the most benefits from the input of a boat surveyor in Naples, Florida.

Never miss a survey

The best piece of advice you can get is to never miss a survey. You need to be present for the survey so as to ask the right questions and learn more about the boat buying process. The good thing is most surveyors are happy to answer your questions and share professional advice. Being present for the survey further means you will be around to help the surveyor in any way he wants.

Experience is more important than price

You definitely want to keep the costs of a marine survey down. That is the only way you will be able to have more money left for the boat purchase. This does not, however, mean that you go for the cheapest service provider in your area. Amateurs tend to charge less for their services in order to lure more clients in. Needless to say, working with an inexperienced surveyor will only result in missed issues on the boat. Choose a surveyor based on their experience and not how much they charge. The range of services they offer also matters. You don’t want to keep hopping from one surveyor to the next whenever your needs change, do you?

Use the survey to negotiate

The reason you need a pre-purchase survey done is so as to have an upper hand during negotiations. For example, if you notice there are systems that need to be replaced, you can use this information to force the seller to bring their price down. A marine surveyor in Florida will further include a fair market value of the boat. This information will help you know if the seller is overcharging you. If the seller’s price is way below the fair market value, don’t rush to close the deal. Find out why the price is that low.

Marine Surveyors Naples FL

While there are many marine surveyors Naples Fl you can work with, not all of them offer the services you need. That is why considering the experience, reputation and type of service a surveyor offers is very important before hiring. Second, you need to understand what the survey will involve in order to be relaxed as the surveyor does his or her work. Here are the common areas that are inspected in a survey.

Hull

In most cases, a boat survey usually starts with the inspection of the hull. This includes looking at the underwater, topsides and deck conditions. The marine surveyors Naples Fl will pay attention to the frame or matrix arrangement as well as the condition of the hull-to-keel joint. The focus here is identifying damage to the hull and determine if repairs will be enough.

Rudder

When it comes to used boats, rudder blades are a common problem. This is more so if the vessel is more than 20 years old. These blades can absorb moisture which leads to structural problems. The boat surveyor will perform basic inspections to confirm the condition of the rudder blades. The test may involve tapping the blades with a ball pein hammer or using a moisture meter.

Engine

The condition of the engine has to be reviewed in a pre-purchase survey. The whole purpose of a sea trial is to see how the engine holds up. At times, the survey may plug-in software to diagnose the condition of the engine. The surveyor will provide you with a list of faults after plugging the engine into the diagnostic computer. Keep in mind that most of the problems that can be detected by the diagnostic computer are harder to notice during a sea trial. The survey will also comment on oil leaks, condition of the engine beds, fuel tankage, engine mounts, fuel lines, filters, drive belts, cooling systems and exhaust systems. All the findings will be included in the survey report.

If the surveyor feels there are more serious engine issues that need a closer look before compiling a report, you may be required to work with a mechanic or electrician. The surveyor will only complete the report after getting feedback from any of these specialists. 

Systems

A pre-purchase survey is not complete until all the onboard systems are tested. Therefore, as you get ready for a survey, you need to make sure that the batteries are well charged in order to power all onboard systems. The surveyor will comment on the navigation lights, bilge pumps, water systems, water pumps, shower pump outs and more. Diesel heaters will also be inspected.

Other areas that may be inspected include the rigging and safety equipment. Always keep in mind that how thorough a survey is will depend on the surveyor you hire.

marine surveyors Naples Fl

Buying a boat is a process that shares some similarities to buying a car or home. There are, however, some important differences. While the process of purchasing a boat is somewhat straightforward, you must keep in mind that about 80% of boats sold today are pre-owned. Pre-owned vessels may have some hidden issues. It is your job to identify these issues early to avoid investing in a doomed vessel. This is where the services of marine surveyors Naples Fl come in.

The primary duty of marine surveyors Naples Fl is to perform a complete evaluation of a vessel in order to compile a report on required repairs, suitability of a vessel to the intended use and determine the fair market value of the vessel among other things. The question you may have at this point is this; what is involved in a marine inspection?

Registration

The first thing a surveyor will do is find and note the hull identification number (HIN). He also checks the state or federal registration marks. This will help you know if the vessel was acquired genuinely, what it was used for and for how long it has been in use.

Moisture readings

While they are designed to be on the water, issues can cause a boat to take in water. When this happens, so many problems follow. That is why one of the jobs of a surveyor is to take moisture readings in the hull and deck. He will also check for blistering or delamination. The structural integrity of the stringers, transom and bulkheads will also be inspected.

Electrical systems

Just like your car, a boat comes with a wide range of gadgets. These are meant to monitor the condition of the vessel and also make sailing easy. Your boat surveyor will check these systems and make sure they are all working properly. In addition to that, the surveyor will help you know the cost of repairing or replacing damaged electrical systems. You will also be informed if there are any missing systems.

Underwater gear

Part of the survey involves inspecting the condition of the underwater gear. This includes the propellers, struts, shafts and key fasteners like floorboards and structural bolts. The surveyor will also do a fuel system inspection. The surveyor will then make an inventory of the required safety gear. This will vary from one type of boat to the next.

A lot has to be looked at in a marine survey. Your biggest task is to find the most competent marine surveyors Naples Fl to help with the inspection. You also need to be present during the inspection, get the boat ready for the inspection and have the money ready to pay for the services rendered.

Marine Surveyors Naples Fl