Boat Surveyor Fort Myers – Pre-Inspection Checklist

After narrowing down your search to the second-hand boat that works for you, the next step is to hire an experienced boat surveyor Fort Myers depends on. The role of the surveyor is to help with the inspection of the boat in order to create a clear picture of the vessel’s exact condition. All in all, before you can get to this stage, there are a couple of things you will have to do before the inspection. Here is a pre-inspection checklist.

Servicing and maintenance records

In order for a boat surveyor Fort Myers trusts, to do their job well, they will have to take a look at your target boat’s servicing and maintenance records. Knowing if the boat has had regular maintenance and servicing helps the boat surveyor know what to focus on in a boat inspection. As a buyer, you want to buy a boat that has been taken good care of. Ideally, a well-maintained boat will be serviced at least once every year.

Know how the boat was being used

This is yet another important piece of information you should have. What the boat was used for will give insight into how well it was looked after. For example, if the boat was a charter boat, it will be well maintained in order to keep the passengers safe. Still on how the boat was used, if it was primarily used in salty water, it will most likely have more corrosion. In this case, the surveyor will pay more attention to corrosion. You also need to get information on how it was stored, any major damage it might have incurred, and so on. The more information you have the better.

Ask about damages

Finding an accident-free boat is almost impossible. This is because boats hit submerged items and the dock all the time. However, this doesn’t mean you go for a boat that has had a major accident. Minor damages to the boat are easy to repair and conceal. Major damages, on the other hand, are hard to hide. An experienced boat surveyor in Fort Myers will be able to identify major repairs that were done on a boat. Asking the seller about any damages to the boat will help test their transparency.

Know what the price includes

Last but not least, you need to know what is included in the selling price. It is common for sellers to stage their boats in order to attract more buyers. The issue is some of the gear on board might not be included in the price. Asking what is included will help you know if the vessel is worth the investment or not. Your marine surveyor will be able to give you a list of all the items that are missing. You can use this information to negotiate a better deal with the seller.

Boat Surveyor Fort Myers

Marine Surveyor – Tips to Help You Prepare for a Boat Insurance Survey

Every few years, your insurance will require a marine surveyor Estero to perform an in-the-water survey. This survey is also known as ‘condition and valuation’ survey. The purpose of the survey is to ensure the boat is in good condition and not at a high risk to the insurance company. If you are getting ready for a boat insurance survey, there are a couple of things you should do.

Find a competent surveyor

The first step when you want to buy a boat is obviously to find a competent and fair boat surveyor Estero. A bad surveyor may cite insignificant ‘recommendations’ which may have to be corrected before the insurance company renews the insurance cover.

A boat insurance survey evaluates the boat including the hull fittings and plumbing, exhaust, electrical systems, fuel, electronics and the systems installed among other things. You need a boat surveyor that will be thorough.

Make a good first impression

Whether you are working with your own marine surveyor or one sent by your insurance company, you need to make sure that you make a good first impression. The first thing you need to remember is that curb appeal is as important in marine surveys as it is in real estate. Days before the surveyor arrives you need to clean up and make the boat as appealing as it can be. You need to clean anything that may detract from that amazing first impression.

Get extraneous stuff away

The work of a boat surveyor Estero is to observe and listen in order to identify any problems with your boat. For him/her to be able to do this, the surveyor must be able to enjoy easy access to all the areas that need checking. At times you will have to remove things like side kayaks that live on the side rails. You will also need to remove anything that may be restricting access to the panels. Doing so will not only make the work of the marine surveyor easy but also save time.

Make a list of everything you want to insure

At times the surveyor will not specifically ask about the equipment that are aboard. To save time when the surveyor arrives and to ensure nothing is missed, you need to make a list of the important equipment aboard. You may have an extra genoa, storm sails stored, spinnaker or extra anchors. Make a list of these items. 

Mention recent upgrades

Have you made any upgrades to your boat? You need to mention that to the surveyor. You may have added new cockpit enclosures, made last winter’s head replacement, added a new anchor chain or rebuilt windlass.

Planning a head of time for the arrival of a boat surveyor Estero will help smooth things and make work easier. The above points will help you get started in the right direction.

Marine Surveyor Estero

Marine Surveyor Naples – What type of surveys do you need?

A marine surveyor Naplesis brought in to perform surveys for many reasons; to identify existing problems, highlight areas of weakness that could turn into future issues and give a generally detailed picture of the overall health of the boat/vessel. Surveyors provide you with a professionally prepared report that can be accepted by your bank and insurance company. This article will guide you through the man types of surveys you may need from a boat surveyor.

Pre-purchase survey

A pre-purchase survey tends to be the most thorough of all types of boat surveys. This inspection is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel.  In a pre-purchase survey, the boat surveyor Naples examines the overall condition and performance of the boat. This is done to ensure everything is functioning as required. The surveyor will inspect the structural integrity, the propulsion system, the fuel system, electrical systems, navigation equipment and other machinery both on and off the water. Surveying off the water helps inspect the bottom of the boat for any gear issues and structural weakness.

Insurance survey

A majority of marine insurers require a full survey to be done before they insure a pre-owned vessel. This survey is carried out so the insurance company can determine whether or not the vessel is an acceptable risk. You cannot accurately value a boat without first having it scrutinized. The insurance companies are majorly interested in the structural integrity and safety for its intended use. Once the marine survey is done, you will figure out whether there are any major or minor repairs to be made, how much the repairs will cost, and, more accurately, your vessel’s current market value. Insurance companies are interested in the vessel’s fair market value. This is what enables them to insure it accurately.

Appraisal inspection

Appraisal inspections are exactly what they sound like; inspections performed to justify or determine a boat’s fair market value. Usually, this occurs in divorce cases, estate settlement, donations and instances where a lender may require your boat to be appraised before they offer financing. Your marine surveyor Naples will be able to help with an appraisal.

Damage inspection

After an accident, a marine surveyor will be brought in to handle the marine damage survey for you. He will investigate the occurrence and document everything in a report. The marine damage report will include the recommended repairs and cost that will be needed to bring the vessel up to snuff aesthetically and make it safe. Often these are required by insurance companies after an unfortunate incident.

These are the main types of surveys you will need when buying or selling a boat. It is, however, a great idea to always involve an experienced boat surveyor Naples. Not every surveyor out there will give you the results you need. Take time to qualify a surveyor before you hire.

Marine Surveyor Naples

Marine Surveyor Estero – Best Tips for Choosing a Marine Surveyor

Choosing the right marine surveyor Estero is a crucial part of ensuring a vessel is seaworthy, compliant with relevant maritime standards and meets the insurance and finance requirements. The problem is choosing the right surveyor is not easy. The process of finding the right surveyor is filled with so many challenges. The good news, however, is that there are a couple of things you can consider to ensure you end up with the right surveyor for your needs.

Find someone that performs surveys regularly

The first thing you need to do is find a full time boat surveyor Estero. While there is nothing wrong with going with having a part-time job, when it comes to preparing a meticulously crafted survey, it is better off for you to work with someone that goes through the process day in and day out. Part-time surveyors will have limited experience working in the marine industry. As a result, working with a surveyor that is not involve in the industry on a daily basis may affect the thoroughness of the finished survey document. The simple truth is there is no substitute for experience in the marine surveying industry.

Ask for sample of their work

The mistake most people make is that of skipping the step of asking for samples of a marine surveyor’s work and references. What you need to bear in mind is that not all marine surveyors are created equal. You, therefore, need to request samples of their work to determine if they have done something similar to what you need. Professional surveyors should be able to provide you with ‘mockup’ surveys so that you know what to expect. Your job should be checking if the sample survey is thorough and clearly demonstrating profound attention to detail. If the work is lacking the basics, you should probably keep searching for a better marine surveyor Estero.

Asking for references

Asking for references is extremely important. A professional marine surveyor should have no problem providing several references that you can contact directly. While you will be talking to strangers, contacting the references will give you unbiased information about the surveyor. References give you a chance to get a sense of what it is like working with the marine surveyor.

Know their price

Last but not least, you must always ask about the cost of the marine survey. Surveyors charge differently for their services. While working with the cheapest surveyor may not be the best option since you get what you pay for, you need to choose a surveyor whose price you can afford.

These four tips will help you find the boat surveyor Estero that is equipped to meet your needs well. The rule of thumb is never to rush the process of hiring a surveyor. Due diligence is important. You also need to hire the professional you feel comfortable working with.

Marine Surveyor Estero

Marine Surveyor Fort Myers – Why You Must Not Rely on an Existing Marine Survey

On numerous occasions, clients purchase vessels based on existing surveys rather than hiring a marine surveyor Fort Myers to conduct a new assessment. The purpose of this post is to help you understand why you should not rely on existing surveys. It would be best if you had a current marine survey done before buying a boat.

Condition of the boat

While it is not free, the purpose of a marine survey is to ascertain the marine vessel’s condition on the day the survey is carried out. A marine surveyor inspects and reports on damages to ships, boats, and cargo. He 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 results also help determine if the price you are paying for the boat is fair. You must pay close attention to a boat surveyor Fort Myers’ report, and feedbackto avoid costly mistakes.

To get an insurance valuation

Most marine insurers require a full survey to be carried out before they insure a pre-owned vessel. This protects them if the boat has a defect hidden from the untrained eyed for some reason. The marine survey reveals information regarding any major or minor repairs, how much it will cost to get the boat fixed, and, more importantly, the boat’s current market value. An insurance company or financial institution requires the survey before approving and meeting the insurance policies and financial arrangements requirements.

A list of recommendations should be provided by the marine surveyor Fort Myers for the defects and damages in and around the vessel after a survey. This will include issues such as progressive paint deterioration problems and damaged rails. There are, however, some areas the marine survey will not be able to comment on. In this case, the surveyor needs to include any marine survey areas that are more difficult to access and add details to the final report.

While his primary role is to offer an unbiased, comprehensive review of a boat, choosing a marine surveyor can be quite tricky. Not every surveyor out there will provide the reliable services you need. However, hiring a boat surveyor Fort Myers is a must, especially when considering that buying a boat, even the smallest vessel, is a big deal. You want to be sure the investment is worth making. Never follow your heart blindly when buying a boat.

Marine Surveyor Fort Myers

Marine Surveyor Naples – What You Need to Know About a Marine Survey

Buying a boat is a significant investment thus the reason you should hire a marine surveyor Naples. This is because getting a condition valuation survey before purchasing is necessary. If you are not up to date, now is the best time to learn about marine surveys before you actually hire a marine surveyor. Away from that, here are 4 things you should consider before your next marine survey.

It’s a juggling act

A marine survey involves more than just the owner and the boat surveyorNaples. There are times during the inspection when a whole host of people need to be on site. They may include the owners’ representative, brokers, buyers, buyers’ family members and even friends. Trying to schedule everyone in sync can be really difficult. Be sure to get everyone there on time to avoid delays.

Prepare for the inspection

You need to be well prepared for the inspection before the due date and not just about the cost of the boat survey. Start by cleaning up the vessel. It is not easy to do an inspection on a dirty boat. Everything must be spic and span for the inspection to run smoothly. Remove any gear that isn’t absolutely necessary from the vessel. The marine surveyor cannot perform an effective survey if he is trying to move things around all by himself.

As the owner, it’s important to bring the tools necessary for removing panels and accessing various areas for the inspection. The marine surveyor Naples will not do this for you because of the liability involved in the event something breaks. Make sure your vessel is immaculate for the marine surveyor.

The sea trial

Most surveyors prefer it when their client is present at the survey. However, as convenient as this may seem, you have to be sure you give the surveyor enough room to work. This is not the time to see if this is the type of boat you want to buy. A sea trial is all about the operation of the vessel. Considering the hatches will be up and the marine surveyor will be all over the place, its best to have as few people as possible on board. The last thing you want is to slow down the surveyor by hovering too close.

Read the report carefully, consult with the surveyor and have patience

Generally, most surveyors tend to appreciate the owners understanding of the survey report and are always open for discussions. Immediately after getting a copy of the report, read it carefully and ask the boat surveyor Naples questions on things you don’t understand. Taking your time to read the report helps you understand what is needed and gives you reasons to consult with the surveyor. This will enable you to be informed on the general condition of the vessel.

Marine Surveyor Naples

Marine Surveyor – Key Duties of a Marine Surveyor

Hiring a marine surveyor Estero is important when you want to buy a boat or any marine vessel. But what exactly does a marine surveyor do? In this post we shall be taking a quick look at the key duties of a marine surveyor and what you can expect during a survey.

What does a marine surveyor do?

The primary role of a marine surveyor is to offer a comprehensive review of a boat. A marine survey is designed to identify any existing issues, highlight key areas of weakness as well as provide a detailed picture of the overall condition of a boat. A boat surveyor Estero provides expert consultations within the shipping industry on the extensive surveys and condition of a ship. They assess values for insurance claims, appraisals for sale and serve as impartial witnesses to let the ship owners know that their vessels are in the best condition. They generally have extensive firsthand experience in their field and this automatically creates trust with clients.

A condition survey focuses on the inspection of systems on board to ensure they are all functioning properly. A marine surveyor will inspect the structural, rigging, plumbing, electrical systems and the mechanical components while the boat is both on and off the water. Surveying off the water helps with the inspection of the bottom of the boat to identify any issues and structural weakness.

For the most part, the purpose of a marine survey report is to ascertain the condition of the marine vessel and its history. Marine surveyors inspect and report on damages to ships, boats and other marine vessels.

Another responsibility of a boat surveyor Estero is to get an insurance valuation done. Most marine insurers require a full survey to be carried out before they insure a pre-owned vessel. A marine surveyor will inform you of any major or minor repairs, how much it will cost and more accurately the current market value of your boat. This information is vital and will most definitely help you determine the value of the boat even in years ahead.

The need for the survey will generally be required by an insurance company or financial institution prior to approving and meeting the requirements of the insurance policies or financial arrangements. When buying or selling a vessel, boat surveyors provide realistic figures for the market value of the ship. The fair market value is evaluated from unbiased analysis.

In cases of an accident, a marine surveyor will be needed to handle the marine damage survey for you. He will investigate the occurrence and document everything in a report. The marine damage report will include the recommended repairs that will be needed to bring the vessel up to snuff aesthetically and make it safe.

All things considered, a marine surveyor Estero is a very important professional to bring onboard when buying or selling a boat. Hire someone that has lots of experience and one whose service fees are within your reach.

Marine Surveyor Estero

Marine Surveyor Fort Myers – What You Should Know About Boat Surveyors

Finding a marine surveyor Fort Myers will come in handy when evaluating a boat. You wouldn’t buy a house or car without having proper valuations done, would you? Well, just like buying a home or a car, purchasing a boat takes the same process but with a few major differences. When buying a new boat, you need to inspect the condition of the used boat so that you get a fair market value. In this post, we shall be taking a quick look at some important points you should understand about boat surveyors.

Services covered by a boat surveyor

Aboat surveyor Fort Myers is a professional certified to conduct inspections, surveys and examine marine vessels. They asses, monitor and report on the general condition of the boat. Boat surveyors schedule a number of surveys including in water surveys, bottom survey, engine surveys and also perform a test drive.  They utilize specials tools such as moisture meters to examine more than just the on/off mechanics of the vessel. They primarily inspect the equipment intended for the new boat to ensure compliance with various specifications and standards.

The most common boat survey is the condition and value survey which is performed when buying a used boat. Here the boat surveyor inspects the entire boat and its propulsion system. During the pre-purchase survey, the inspection of the condition and operation of the boat is important though not a guarantee that the vessel will not develop problems in the future.

The main purpose of an appraisal is to identify a boats approximate value. There are also damage surveys which are carried out in case of accidents, or extreme weather for insurance purposes.

Why you should hire a boat surveyor

Purchasing a boat is a big financial decision. Hiring a skilled and experienced marine surveyor Fort Myers can give you the much deserved peace of mind before proceeding. When searching for a boat surveyor, you should consider whether the surveyors has surveyed similar makes/models to your chosen vessel or not. This guarantees that the surveyor knows what problems similar boats have and how to identify them. You also need to hire a surveyor that operates within your locality. This way if there are legal problems or issues, you can go through your local legal system. Moreover, it’s important for a surveyor to have indemnity insurance just in case he misses something during the survey.

As you can see, hiring a boat surveyor Fort Myers is one of the best decisions you can make when buying a boat. The surveyor will ensure there is no guesswork and guarantee that you make the most informed choice. All in all, you should not just hire the first surveyor that comes your way. Take time to dig deeper into a surveyor’s background and only hire the professional you feel comfortable working with.

Marine Surveyor Fort Myers

Marine Surveyor Cape Coral – What Makes Marine Surveys So Important?

The primary role of a marine surveyor Cape Coral is to offer a comprehensive review of a boat. A marine survey is designed to identify any existing issues, highlight key areas of weakness as well as provide a detailed picture of the overall condition of a boat. Getting a marine survey is often a requirement for insurers.

For you to get a reliable valuation, you must first hire the right boat surveyor Cape Coral. The focus of this post is to help you understand the key reasons why you need a boat survey.

To get an unbiased assessment

For the most part the purpose of survey report is to ascertain the condition of the marine vessel and its history. Marine surveyors inspect and report on damages to a vessel. They assess all aspects of the vessel from structural, rigging, plumbing, electrical and mechanical components. This is done when both on and off the water. The final report does not just include the noted problems but also the fair market value of the vessel.

A marine surveyor Cape Coral must remain unbiased in any assessment and not influence the actual purchase decision. It is very important to carefully listen to their feedback before making any purchase decision.

To get an insurance valuation

Most marine insurers require a full survey to be carried out before they insure a pre-owned vessel. While insurers will bring their own surveyor, it doesn’t hurt to bring your own surveyor. The marine surveyor will inform you of any major or minor repairs required, how much it will cost and most importantly the current market value of the boat. This information is vital and will help determine if the boat is a good value and what you may expect to pay in premiums a few years from now. A pre-owned boat is not a new boat. Consequently, several issues may be raised by a boat surveyor Cape Coral.

To protect your investment                   

Purchasing a boat, even the smallest vessel, is a great deal. Just like buying a house, you wouldn’t invest without a thorough inspection, would you? You want to ensure your investment is in good condition. When looking for a boat to buy, always think with your head first not your heart. Buying a boat requires research, preparations and planning. It is a huge investment and should be well thought through. A boat surveyor will not only help you know if you are buying a valuable asset but also perform a valuation on the boat you own to help you understand its current value.

The services of a marine surveyor Cape Coral should never be overlooked. The most important thing you need to do, however, is to ensure that you are hiring a reliable surveyor that will not give biased reports.

Marine Surveyor Cape Coral

Boat Surveyor Fort Myers – 5 Crucial Things a Marine Surveyor Wants You to Know

Retaining the services of a boat surveyor Fort Myers is without a doubt the best decision you can make before buying a boat. This is for the simple fact that this purchase is often as significant as buying a home. Getting a boat valuation before purchasing ensures that you are making the most informed choice. It is also good to note that a boat survey may be a requirement when you need financing or insurance on your vessel. In this post we shall look at a few tips you should know about working with a marine surveyor.

Know the Charges

The first thing you should do is know how much a marine surveyor Fort Myers charges for their services. You will want to choose a surveyor that will do an accurate survey for a reasonable price. Always make sure the price is agreed prior to the day of the inspection. That way you will be able to avoid surprises once the work is done.

Surveyors work for you

When getting a boat surveyed, it is very important to know that the surveyor reports and works only for you. He must under no circumstances share any reports or findings with anyone without your authorization. You also need to keep in mind that old surveys are unreliable for they tend to have old information that does not reflect the boats current condition. You need to get a new survey to better understand the vessel.

Prepare the boat

You need to make work easier for the boat surveyor Fort Myers before work starts. That way you will make work easier for him and save time. Start by making sure you have emptied out lockers, sails bag and boxes of spare parts before the surveyor comes in. This gives the surveyor access to mechanical parts or machinery and minimize delays during the process. You might as well ask the surveyor what might be needed for the survey to make things much smoother.

Never get in the surveyor’s way

Most surveyors would like for you to be present during the survey. This is because you get to answer any question the surveyor may have without delays as well as discuss new findings. But as convenient as it is for you to be present during the survey, you must give the surveyor room to work. Avoid having unnecessary guests or friends at the sea trial or during the survey. The last thing you want is to slow down the surveyor by hovering too close.

Make good use of your surveyor

Generally, most surveyors tend to appreciate the buyer’s or owner’s understanding of the survey report and are always open for discussions. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you have any questions before or after the survey. If it is your first time getting a marine survey, let the surveyor know and they will be able to explain the process to you and keep you at ease.

A lot goes into a marine survey. The rule of thumb is to hire a boat surveyor Fort Myers you have confidence in. You don’t want to work with someone you will keep second-guessing, do you?

Boat Surveyor Fort Myers