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.