Best Guess on cost of a survey for 310

[c130king]

Researching the purchase of 2002 Catalina 310. Has anyone purchased one recently and can give me some best guesses of how much to have a 310 pulled and then surveyed?

Assuming no real issues with the boat if that matters.

I have never had this done before and just want to get a feel for the cost before I jump into this.

Thanks for any assistance.

Cheers,
Jim King

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

$14- $20/ft for the surveyor depending on how popular (read - good) he is. It's their busy season now in your area so be prepared to wait. A short haul varies depending on yard and could cost up to $300.

 

[c130king]

Don,

Thanks. I found a surveyor down there and your numbers are right in line with what he told me. $18/ft for the survey and he thinks the yard is about $10/ft to haul-out.

It's only money...right?

Cheers,
Jim King

 

[Tom J]

You're right, Jim, it's only money, and it's well worth it. Most likely the survey is required by any insurance company, but it is also worth it for you own peace of mind. Besides, the list of defects the surveyor gives you is a great starting place for all those projects you'll be looking forward to! Good luck with your 310. You'll love her.

 

[c130king]

You're right, Jim, it's only money, and it's well worth it. Most likely the survey is required by any insurance company, but it is also worth it for you own peace of mind. Besides, the list of defects the surveyor gives you is a great starting place for all those projects you'll be looking forward to! Good luck with your 310. You'll love her.

When I called the surveyor to ask about this process...I have never done this before...he knew the boat and the owner. He did a bottom survey on it in January 2011 when the owner pulled out for a bottom paint.

Surveyor told me that the seller takes good care of the boat and that it is in very good condition. But it has been over a year and a survey may still be required. I am going to call BoatUS today and ask them if 1) a survey is indeed required and 2) will they accept a survey done in January 2011.

But this purchase is a little more complicated. The seller is selling his "business"...he runs a sailing instruction/charter business...one man, one boat. So I am trying to determine the "value" of the things beyond the value of the Catalina 310.

This would be my "post-USAF" career...not sure how this will work out. But time will tell.

Thanks for all the kind words.

Cheers,
Jim

 

[CCHer]

Jim, you may have well researched this and know the answer, but the "business" side of the deal may be of little value to you unless you have the requisite USCG licensing to take people onboard for hire. To add to the insurance cost answers, I'm at 500 at BoatUS with full hull coverage and the dinghy endorsement for an '05-that's with a longevity and no claims discount. I recommend the full survey for your own benefit regardless of what the insurance company may require. BoatUS did not require one with mine when I bought her in '10-maybe a relatively new boat had something to do with it?

 

[Scott B]

But this purchase is a little more complicated. The seller is selling his "business"...he runs a sailing instruction/charter business...one man, one boat. So I am trying to determine the "value" of the things beyond the value of the Catalina 310.

This would be my "post-USAF" career...not sure how this will work out. But time will tell.

Thanks for all the kind words.

Cheers,
Jim

That part you need to contact an accountant. Don't do this on your own, it's only setting yourself up to fail. You will need an accountant once you have set up the business side, so get him involved now. They will know how to value a current business.

 

[c130king]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the advice. If we come to terms a boat survey is set up. I have contacted a lawyer for creating a contract. And I will have an accountant for tax purposes. Don't need one for "value" determination (of the business) purposes...the financial risk/cost is just not that high.

I am aware of CG requirements. Not there yet but I will be. I get to be a "sailing bum" for the first several months of my "retirement" as I take all the ASA instructor courses and the CG OUPV course and sail as much as possible to finish up my "360 day" requirement.

Financially the risk is pretty low...assuming the boat is sound and a good investment (and I think it is). The wife and I have discussed and we can afford to have me bum around a few years seeing if I can get this to work to my satisfaction. If I can't then I close the business and find a "real" job...but I will still have the boat.

Cheers,
Jim