Do people still get a "survey" done on a boat ?

[Stu]

Hi there again Its me again ... just one more question for every one (I promise it will be my last as a "soon to be MacGregor owner" -- the next post will be of my owning one Does any one get a survey done on a MacGregor or is this just for the big boats ? the reason for asking is the dealer has asked if we are going to a survey done and we just dont know at all what the done thing is -- What are the possible things that could go wrong if you dont get a survey done ? looking at the boat it "looks" like its in pretty good condition but this is to an untrained eye -- show me a Laser or a 12ft skiff and I'll point out all its floors but a boat like this was a bit over wealming .. anyway sorry for the dumb questions but I just have to ask cheers Stu...

 

[Timm Miller]

Survey

Getting a survey done?.........Well, how deep are your pockets? 250-300 dollars is cheap insurance considering what you may be getting into....your call

 

[John Dawson]

Agree with Timm

lots of factors in deciding about a survey; the age of the boat, the make, the apparent condition, the apparent amount of use (or miles), the cost, the size (more hidden components), the experience of the buyer, the amount of care and maintenance, the accessibility (good for trailer boats), insurance, etc. A used boat at a broker's is a good candidate; don't feel bashful if a survey turns up nothing useful. A quick crash course is the book "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat" by Don Casey. Its a bit overkill and won't help you weigh the overall decision, but it will make you more expert as a boat buyer and owner.

 

[Stu]

The reason for asking

Thanks for that -- the reason for asking is becuase I have no experience in these matters, I'm from a different country (Australia)and to be honest its like being turned upside down as the rules are all different over here -- the paper work is mind boggling compared to back home. Its almost as bad as buying a house -- So from the replies it sounds like most people would spend the 300 bucks to get a survey done if they can afford it -- The boat is 10 years old and on a trailer in the brokers storage, it looks to be in pretty good condition for a 10 year old boat, but does have alot of added extras, meaning lost more that could be wrong too I suppose ... Anyway thanks again for the replies cheers Stu..

 

[73mensailed]

Survey

It's not that big a deal as you may think. Look the boat over carefully. Very carefully. If something seems amiss then for sure have it looked at. Otherwise, (I think in another post you said the boat was owned by the brokerages owner?) What kind of warrenty, if any, is the brokerage going to give you. A 26s is not a hard boat to maintain of repair. Heck, just show them the check for the deposit or good faith money, and tell them to take you out for a few hours. Or if you know someone that has a Mac 26s in your area, have them go out too. Keep in touch. You might have a great deal there.