Marine Surveyor Recommendation

[Ted]

I have some interest in an out of state boat but unfortunately the broker handling the boat is not responding to my questions. The photos posted on their website aren't sufficient enough for me to to determine whether it's worth making the long trip to view it. It appears that the only way I will be able to get some additional information about this boat before making the trip to see it in person is to hire a surveyor. This is sort of a backward way a doing things. Can anybody recommend a good marine surveyor in the Chicago area?

 

[Nereussailor]

Hiring a surveyor would probably be cheaper than the flight and hotel stay if you're serious about buying. You will need the survey done before buying anyways.

 

[Sumner]

Possibly there might be someone on here that could take a look that would be non-binding, just see if the boat appears somewhat like the add for it.

We had a friend in Phoenix do that for us with the Mac we bought and then I found out that he actually use to sail and had a captain's license. He was impressed with the boat...a Mac is pretty simple so we bought it without even going there ourselves and our friend and his wife actually delivered it to us up in Utah as they had wanted to visit for some time. I'm not saying to buy a boat after someone on here looks at it but it could save you a trip and some expense. Give them some gas and/or beer money or whatever.

When we were looking for a larger boat we found a 32' Endeavour in Alabama and drove about 300 miles out of the way going from PA to FL to see it. It looked great on the internet add but was really in bad shape up close. Someone could of saved us a lot of miles and an extra night in a motel at the time,

Sumner

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Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

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[Ted]

Possibly there might be someone on here that could take a look that would be non-binding, just see if the boat appears somewhat like the add for it.

Sumner, Having a local forum member take a look at the boat would be a big help. I had asked the broker some pretty basic questions and got no response. I thought they were retained to help MAKE a deal and not BREAK it. Very frustrating! That being said, anyone want to practice being marine surveyor in Chicago? No sick, vacation, or personal time, no medical insurance and no chance of a promotion. Beer, brandy or other liquid compensation is a very real possibility.

Nereussailor: I definitely agree with the cost issues involved in travel and lodging. A surveyor would make more sense hence my question for a recommendation. I suspect that many of the sailors on this forum have the ability to recognize a poorly maintained boat so Sumners suggestion has merit.

 

[dziedzicmj]

One of the easiest ways of finding a surveyor is to contact their association: http://www.marinesurvey.org/us-regions.html . I think you have to have some experience to be accredited.

 

[Gunni]

The sellers broker works for the seller and has very vested interest in getting you to the boat. Then the sales pitch meets your desire to not have wasted your time. Bad way to go. You do not need a surveyor, you need a buyer's broker to make inquiries. Retain the right broker and he/she will suss out the details via connections and other local brokers. It always surprises me when buyers of these expensive purchases try to go it alone. It costs you no more to retain a pro. Call a surveyor and he goes on the clock immediately.