This question will probably have an obvious answer but just wanted to make sure. I am looking at a 2002 Catalina 28 that is currently for sale. It is being sold through a broker and the owner lives outside the US. In regards to a survey, does the prospective buyer always pay the whole amount? The boat is listed for $27,900.00 and the survey, including a haulout will run me between $800 and $1000 (it is in Alaska, where nothing comes cheap). Just wanted to get some thoughts as this would be the first sailboat I've purchased that would need the survey. As always seems the case, the boat looks to be in good shape, but would definitely want a survey.
Paying for a Survey
- Thread starter TJM8187
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I'd be skeptical of any survey paid for by a seller (or even partially paid). Your due diligence, not his. Think of it this way - the survey is the best investment you can make in the boat.
Yup, it's your responsibility. And frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way. You want the surveyor working for you and looking out for your best interests.
I looked at it as an insurance policy. A thousand bucks is cheap compared to getting saddled with a mountain of unseen issues that require your attention (and checkbook) after you have already purchased the boat.
Good luck!
I looked at it as an insurance policy. A thousand bucks is cheap compared to getting saddled with a mountain of unseen issues that require your attention (and checkbook) after you have already purchased the boat.
Good luck!
Be there. Go with the surveyor every step of the way. Ask all the questions you can think of.
When we bought our 310 we hired a surveyor and we checked his references and asked for a sample of a survey he had done. He cost a little more than $600 but he more than paid for himself in items he found that needed to be fixed and he also went out on the sea trial with us and we were there for the whole process. when it came time to insure the boat we insured it for more than what we paid for it and it was justifiable.
I am fiscally conservative (CHEAP) but it was money WELL SPENT and I would do it again in a minute.
I am fiscally conservative (CHEAP) but it was money WELL SPENT and I would do it again in a minute.
28 k is a lot of $$ to invest, so a surveyor is justified in price.
But if you want to save that 1 k & do it yourself, I recommend the
very useful book "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat" by Don Casey, a well
respected sail boat maintenance authority & boat repair expert.
It gives a straightforward, thorough & methodical description & check lists to
run through a boat's hull, standing & running rigging, engine & systems.
I work as a building inspector, so I may be a little more qualified to inspect
houses & boats more then the average sailor. But with a full day committed to a thorough inspection, a moisture meter & a good flashlight, most sailors can perform a good inspection. It helps to follow up with a pro rigger & diesel marine mechanic for advice, if you find problem areas, to determine a cost to cure. But most surveyors do not go up the mast to inspect the standing rigging, & they are not mechanics & do not perform
compression tests of the engine cylinders. That leaves about half of the boat un-inspected. I hired a diesel marine mechanic to perform a compression test for $100.
A pro rigger charges about $100. per hour & can tell you pretty quickly if the rigging is still sound. Save your money & hire specific experts, if you want detailed analysis. In my opinion, a surveyor only performs a genral, educated guess as to overall condition.
But if you want to save that 1 k & do it yourself, I recommend the
very useful book "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat" by Don Casey, a well
respected sail boat maintenance authority & boat repair expert.
It gives a straightforward, thorough & methodical description & check lists to
run through a boat's hull, standing & running rigging, engine & systems.
I work as a building inspector, so I may be a little more qualified to inspect
houses & boats more then the average sailor. But with a full day committed to a thorough inspection, a moisture meter & a good flashlight, most sailors can perform a good inspection. It helps to follow up with a pro rigger & diesel marine mechanic for advice, if you find problem areas, to determine a cost to cure. But most surveyors do not go up the mast to inspect the standing rigging, & they are not mechanics & do not perform
compression tests of the engine cylinders. That leaves about half of the boat un-inspected. I hired a diesel marine mechanic to perform a compression test for $100.
A pro rigger charges about $100. per hour & can tell you pretty quickly if the rigging is still sound. Save your money & hire specific experts, if you want detailed analysis. In my opinion, a surveyor only performs a genral, educated guess as to overall condition.
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I believe that only certain insurance companies require a marine surveyor, such as Boat US. I use All State, as they were cheaper then Boat US & do not require a survey. I only comment on alternatives to spending $600 - to 1k for a survey on a boat that may be a dud. That's a lot of $$ to spend with nothing for an outcome. Educating yourself on how to perform a basic survey is something all sailors should know. There's nothing like getting into the bowels of the hull & nooks to learn how a boat is built & its weaknesses. You can save a lot of $$ by doing things yourself, or consulting specific experts, such as a marine mechanic & rigger. By the way its Don Casey, not Dan.