Boating forums are filled with horror stories of people who laid their money down on a dream, only to find later that they were on the hook for thousands of dollars in repairs. Most of us probably don't even need a forum to hear tales like this. We have some friend or acquaintance with a poisonous story to tell.
A survey is at least one line of defense, and so we decided to ask our resident professional to write a story about what to expect in the survey process. Many people balk at the cost, and it is true that it adds to the expense. It is also true that many of us can recognize common problems, such as a neglected engine or a spongy foredeck. But what about hull delamination below the waterline? Or a rotting stringer in the bilge?
On any cruising-length boat, a survey is not only a good idea, it is good business. It gives the buyer information, and information is the best edge in any negotiation, whether you are buying a car, a house or a boat. Any large problem spotted by a surveyor will warrant the cost of the survey. And if there are no large problems, you'll feel immeasurably better about the purchase.
That kind of peace of mind is important when you are spending this kind of money. If you just bought a boat that "sleeps six," you want to be able to sleep.
Joined: 2007-06-05