I am purchasing a Catalina 36 mkII, but will be attending during the survey. Questions: The survey contract mentions that NO compression testing will be done - should I accept this? Is it normal NOT to check compression? Also, does anyone have any experience in NC with Eberle Marine Surveys. The Broker suggested this company - should I be concerned? Thanks
- Status
A couple of questions:
Did you make your offer "subject to survey & sea trial," or is the survey only a C&V ("condition and value") survey after the fact to satisfy the lender/insurer? If it's the former, I'd be very leery of any surveyor recommended by the broker...because sellers aren't obligated to reveal ANYthing they may know about a boat, and the whole purpose of a full pre-purchase survey is find any problems that could cost you--the buyer--money later. If it's the latter, as long as the lender and insurance company are happy with that surveyor, that's fine...although you have to pay him, he's really working for them, and all they care about is whether the boat is worth what you want to insure it for and whether it's likely to stay afloat...if the toilet quits or the fresh water pump fails or you find a soft spot in the deck or the boat has blisters, that's your problem, not theirs. A survey rarely includes any more than a cursory inspection of the engine--just to make sure it's actually there, runs, and is or isn't spewing fuel or leaking oil. The surveyor will also inspect the fuel system--hoses, hose clamps etc--to make sure it meets all the standards, but that's about all. You'll have to hire a mechanic to do any deeper evaluation of the engine and/or genset .
Did you make your offer "subject to survey & sea trial," or is the survey only a C&V ("condition and value") survey after the fact to satisfy the lender/insurer? If it's the former, I'd be very leery of any surveyor recommended by the broker...because sellers aren't obligated to reveal ANYthing they may know about a boat, and the whole purpose of a full pre-purchase survey is find any problems that could cost you--the buyer--money later. If it's the latter, as long as the lender and insurance company are happy with that surveyor, that's fine...although you have to pay him, he's really working for them, and all they care about is whether the boat is worth what you want to insure it for and whether it's likely to stay afloat...if the toilet quits or the fresh water pump fails or you find a soft spot in the deck or the boat has blisters, that's your problem, not theirs. A survey rarely includes any more than a cursory inspection of the engine--just to make sure it's actually there, runs, and is or isn't spewing fuel or leaking oil. The surveyor will also inspect the fuel system--hoses, hose clamps etc--to make sure it meets all the standards, but that's about all. You'll have to hire a mechanic to do any deeper evaluation of the engine and/or genset .
Survey
If you pay the surveyor he is only working for you and that is the situation you want for all surveys, C and V and prepurchase. Check the NAMS and SAMS websites for a surveyor near you. There are engine surveyors if you are not happy with the operation of the engine during a survey.
If you pay the surveyor he is only working for you and that is the situation you want for all surveys, C and V and prepurchase. Check the NAMS and SAMS websites for a surveyor near you. There are engine surveyors if you are not happy with the operation of the engine during a survey.
I used Rob several years ago
I thought he did a good job and located all major problems, however my impression is that he tends to be a bit liberal on boat value, which is the bottom line of any survey, that's why your broker probally recomended him. I'd like to suggest Warren Moore, 252-974-0110. Warren did the survey for my most recent boat and he's ruthless.
I thought he did a good job and located all major problems, however my impression is that he tends to be a bit liberal on boat value, which is the bottom line of any survey, that's why your broker probally recomended him. I'd like to suggest Warren Moore, 252-974-0110. Warren did the survey for my most recent boat and he's ruthless.
I can definately recommend Eberle.
I used Rob Eberle in January '01 for the purchase of my 93 Hunter 37.5 and I was very satisfied with his work. He came recommended to me through a family contact in the area, not the broker. Very thorough and responsive, I thought. He has one of the best reputations in the area. You must be purchasing in the New Bern/Oriental NC area. There aren't many surveyors down there and each has their own reputation. I'm not sure where you are from, but some folks in NC are good people. It could be the broker is doing you a favor in recommedning Eberle. As for the compression issue, I think this is generally a standard exception. The guys at Deaton's Yachts in Oriental can do a super engine check for you. Let me know if you want to know more.
I used Rob Eberle in January '01 for the purchase of my 93 Hunter 37.5 and I was very satisfied with his work. He came recommended to me through a family contact in the area, not the broker. Very thorough and responsive, I thought. He has one of the best reputations in the area. You must be purchasing in the New Bern/Oriental NC area. There aren't many surveyors down there and each has their own reputation. I'm not sure where you are from, but some folks in NC are good people. It could be the broker is doing you a favor in recommedning Eberle. As for the compression issue, I think this is generally a standard exception. The guys at Deaton's Yachts in Oriental can do a super engine check for you. Let me know if you want to know more.
Survey finished
The survey is complete, we've returned home and Rob Eberle did a great job. We're waiting for the formal report, but he found a couple problems which weren't pointed out by the broker
I have confidence in both Eberle and my Broker at Matthews Point Marina. Thanks for all the help and advice. We'll see if I own the Catalina next week!
The survey is complete, we've returned home and Rob Eberle did a great job. We're waiting for the formal report, but he found a couple problems which weren't pointed out by the broker
I have confidence in both Eberle and my Broker at Matthews Point Marina. Thanks for all the help and advice. We'll see if I own the Catalina next week!- Status