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.