IS IT REALLY NECESSARY TO HIRE A MARINE SURVEYOR when buying a second-hand sailboat? After carrying out our own inspection, many of us wonder if it is worth spending money on a professional to inspect the boat. Especially if we know examples of people who, despite seeking a “professional opinion”, had unpleasant surprises shortly after starting to sail.
Mark Nicholas tells his experience in The essentials of living aboard (a help book for anyone thinking about living on a sailboat):
«You may think I didn’t inspect my boat properly before I bought it. In any case, I didn’t shop around for the cheapest surveyor. He told me that certain repairs would cost me $750; in the end they cost me more than $2,000. I also had some problems that put my life and the safety of my sailboat at risk. As a novice boater, I suffered a major flood because the bilge pump cables were rusted, something the surveyor hadn’t detected. This is just one example of the long list of defects that he overlooked or incorrectly assessed, and that left us in a rather precarious situation while we were sailing.
After the flood, which damaged the floor and other elements of my new floating home, I had to replace the bilge pump and its wiring, and install a hand pump in the cockpit. What made this process particularly frustrating was that I was sure that I had purchased a boat in perfect condition.»
Reasons to hire a naval expert
Let us start by saying that we have no special interest in fattening the client portfolio of marine surveyors. We only present the situation as we see it.
There are many reasons to go to an expert, but the first and most important is that, in theory, he should be able to evaluate the condition of a vessel and determine the extent of any problem. Even if we have followed everything we have explained in this inspection guide to the letter, it is likely that we will miss many defects in the vessel we are examining.
We must also consider that:
- The surveyor’s report will give us arguments to negotiate a possible reduction, which can mean much more money than the cost of the survey itself.
- The insurer is likely to ask for a recent survey to insure a boat more than 10 years old (and they will probably ask for a new survey every 10 years thereafter). The bank may also ask for the same report if we need to finance the purchase.
- A surveyor is in an excellent position to tell us what the value of the boat we are looking at is compared to others on the market. If we choose to buy a boat that has been built many times and has a good reputation, it is likely that the surveyor has examined the same model more than once and knows its weak points.
- It is also likely that a surveyor will be able to give us an estimate of the financial cost of repairing any problems we have found and, if we are thinking of doing the work ourselves, an idea of the skills and number of hours that may be required to complete it.
The survey process
A survey covers much more than just a visual inspection. The surveyor will review the structural condition of the hull, sails, engine, electronics, electrical system and all critical systems of the boat. Some surveys even include water tests, allowing the performance of the boat to be assessed in real-life conditions.
To get the most out of this process, here are some important points you should consider before hiring a surveyor:
- What does the report cover? Every surveyor works differently, so it’s important to ask for a sample report before hiring. It’s also a good idea to ask if the surveyor has previously inspected the same model of sailboat you’re interested in. Their previous experience can be valuable.
- Ask any questions If during your own inspection you’ve found something you’re unsure about, such as the condition of the deck or rigging, be sure to mention it to the surveyor and ask him to pay special attention to those aspects.
- Be present during the inspection Although most surveyors prefer to work alone, some allow you to accompany them during the inspection. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your future boat and better understand any potential problems. Don’t hesitate to ask if you can be present during the inspection.
Selecting the right expert
Choosing the right expert is just as important as the inspection itself. Here are some tips for making a good selection:
- Clarify the cost of the survey in advance to avoid surprises.
- Research the surveyor’s credentials and experience. Look for certifications or professional associations that support his or her work.
- Ask for recommendations or references from previous clients.
- Ask specifically if he or she has experience with the type of boat you plan to buy.
The value of the investment
Although hiring a marine surveyor may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, it is probably a smart investment. You will avoid surprises in the long run and you will have (or should have) the peace of mind that you will not be out of pocket when purchasing your boat. Remember that hidden problems on a sailboat can lead to repairs that easily exceed thousands of euros.
INSPECTING A SECOND-HAND SAILBOAT: A COMPLETE GUIDE