If you have never bought a boat before, you will definitely have a lot of questions about the procedure. Do you need a deposit and for how much? Where can you find the right boat to buy? How do you inspect a boat? Who typically pays for a boat survey? In this post, our primary focus will be on who usually pays for a boat survey.
If you are targeting a used vessel, you will definitely require a Fort Myers marine survey. The reason for this is you need to understand the exact condition the boat you are after is in. You need to know if it requires major repairs if it is seaworthy, and how much you should pay for it. You can get these and more questions answered by working with a marine surveyor in Fort Myers. It is, however, good to note that the survey is not free. But who pays for a boat survey?
Who Pays for a Boat Survey?
The answer is the person who hires a surveyor. A marine surveyor can be hired not just as a prospective buyer but also as a boat owner. This is because marine surveys are not only beneficial to potential buyers but also to boat owners. A marine survey can be requested for any of the following reasons:
- To get an unbiased assessment of the boat
- For insurance valuation
- To determine the fair market value of the boat
- Determine the suitability of a boat for your desired activity
There are so many reasons why you may need to hire a marine surveyor. In most cases, the surveyor is hired by a boat buyer. The purpose is to get a pre-purchase survey. A pre-purchase survey involves the inspection of the entire boat from top to bottom. The surveyor may also use specialized equipment such as moisture meters to get a better understanding of malfunctioning components. If the surveyor suspects a serious problem, they will not take components apart. Instead, they will ask you to hire a mechanic or an electrician to take components apart and take a closer look. At the end of the survey, you will be provided with a survey report that includes all the findings of the surveyor, the fair market value of the boat as well as images of issues.
As you get ready for a survey, you may need to slip and clean the hull. Slipping is the process of removing a boat from the water for repairs or an inspection. It is often needed in a pre-purchase survey. If you request this inspection, you will pay to organize and pay for slipping. The case is the same for a sea trial.
Now that you understand who typically pays for a boat survey, it is good to note that the type of services you get will depend on the competence of the surveyor you hire. Always stick to boat surveyors in Fort Myers that have an impeccable track records.