Help on what to look for when buying

[Roger]

I am purchasing a 1989 37' hunter is there any thing I should look out fore, I am coming over to the USA in late November to inspect her, I am having her surveyed.If any one could give me their opionion I would be grateful.

 

[Terry]

Roger, rely on your surveyor to uncover any...

structural issues then address any of them with the seller. If the propulsion engine has a lot of hours (over 3,000) have the engine surveyed... usually a different person. If it has the original holding tank, and it's aluminum, it will most likely need replacing. Check the H37 archives on this site. Lots of good tips. I've never owned an H37 so I'm not aware of any issues specific to this model. Good luck.Terry

 

[Kevin]

The Surveyor

Your best bet is to hire the most competent surveyor you can find to go over the boat with a fine tooth comb - inside and out. You might want to ask other forum members that might be in the area where the boat is located whether they would recommend a surveyor. As with any profession, some are very good and some just get by...you want the best!

 

[Terry]

Roger, boat surveyors usually specialize...

in certain areas. Around here most focus on structure. In other words they look for things that affect the boat's integrity, e.g., water damage aove and below the water line, blisters, inoperative through hulls. If you want your engine checked out, your rigging inspected, etc., these usually require a different surveyor specialized in that area.Insurance companies normally do not worry about engines that are reaching the end of life, or worn sails. They want to know whether the boat is going to stay afloat and is it a good insurance risk.Terry

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

That's not true in most areas, Terry

Some may focus on powerboats, others on sailboats...but the really good surveyors are thoroughly knowledgable about all the ABYC, NFPA, UL and CG standards pertaining to wiring, piping, systems, rigging etc in addition to structural issues and known problems pertaining to various makes/"vintages." The only thing that should require a second surveyor is the engine and/or genset.The most important thing is that the survey be a full pre-purchase survey, and not just the cursory "condition and value" survey required by lenders and insurance companies. They only want to know whether the boat is worth the amount THEY'RE putting at risk and whether any condition exists that could THEM money. As a buyer, you want that information too...but you also want to know about anything else that could cost YOU money.