Hazardous Ghosts of PO's Past?

[Maine Sail]

It is just too easy to get what it takes to hang a shingle out and call yourself a surveyor. Here in North Alabama there just isn't that many surveyors to choose from. I'd have much better luck relying on my own abilities; however, banks and insurance companies would rather take the word of a surveyor, no matter what his credentials are. On a more positive note--American Modern Home just renewed my insurance. The cost for renewal: $815 and no survey. I've never ever made a claim on any of my boat policies. I hope I never have to.

If you look for a full blown NAMS or SAMS surveyor you will have much better luck. Neither are easy to get fully accredited by and it takes considerable time to get a full accreditation. Anyone can hang a shingle but NAMS or SAMS guys have invested a lot to get where they are..

 

[Snotter]

If you look for a full blown NAMS or SAMS surveyor you will have much better luck. Neither are easy to get fully accredited by and it takes considerable time to get a full accreditation. Anyone can hang a shingle but NAMS or SAMS guys have invested a lot to get where they are..

I did that when I purchased my last boat. I erred on the other extreme. I got a surveyor that was so experienced that he should have retired years ago. Also, his abilities at organization were terrible and he was digitally challenged. When I complained to his girl in his office because he was so behind his schedule, his girl said I yelled at her (I didn't). After he called me and vented his outrage, I told him where to stick it.

 

[4arch]

Most surprises have involved fresh water and electrical systems. The freshwater issues have all been corrected. The water issues were not hazardous, but would have been a nuisance. Electrical issues I’ll work on this summer/fall.

Corrected to date:
- On the old port/starboard tank selector valves, the port valve handle moved but the valve was seized 75% shut. Replaced with a new Y valve, which I also relocated out of the engine room.
- Water heater sacrificial anode had never been touched and was completely gone. Replaced.
- There was no way to drain water heater for winterization. PO filled it with antifreeze. I added a bypass drain.
- Cheap hose clamps on fresh water tubing rusted and some broke. Replaced with good quality SS clamps.
- Removed some abandoned and redundant wiring including a lead off a battery positive terminal going nowhere.
- Electrical cables were hanging loose under cockpit sole near steering gear. Secured with cable ties.

To be corrected:
- AC outlet added by a PO has no outlet box and is wired using outdoor grade romex.
- AC battery charger connections made with wire nuts.
- 12v A/B fridge, stereo, VHF, GPS, 12v lighter plug all connected to a bus bar with no fuse or circuit breaker between it and the battery.
- Several crimp connections were done poorly.

My PO also rebedded virtually all deck hardware, stanchions, etc. but unfortunately he used silicone . Beyond those things, most of the "ghosts" of the PO are things that I would have done differently and will either live with or re-do when the time comes.

 

[Vegas]

Ghosts of PO's past....

On my previous sailboat, with gas Atomic 4, bilge blower vent fan was installed backward, blowing air into the engine compartment, rather than sucking it out.