Dear Friends, I recently bought a 2008 Catalina 309 and I was wondering if you can share your thoughts on this question. Should I have a survey on the new boat before I take possession of it in April? thanks
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Warranty
I would think the factory warranty would protect you from all of the problems that a surveyor would typically look for in a used boat. I have owned two new Catalina sailboats and found the factory and broker to be very responsive to every little flaw that I could find. There are usually some flaws in the gelcoat either from factory or transport damage, maybe some dings in the woodwork. There will probably be some doors and drawers that do not fit perfectly after the rig is tuned. It is not unusual to have a leaky hatch or two. The broker gets to charge the manufacturer for work of that type that is required after delivery. The rigging is all brand new and the engine is new so I'm not sure what there would be for a surveyor to look for. You might find that the rigger who commissions your boat does not get everything perfect. Roller furler lines may not be in perfect alignment or other small adjustments may need to be made. One thing that I think is best done by the owner is to crawl into every nook and cranny to check the tightness of bolts, nuts, hose clamps, etc. It is not unusual for this sort of thing to vibrate loose in transport or during the break-in period. It is also a good education in getting to know the systems on your boat. Read all of those manuals and look for recommended maintenance. Join the association for your model of boat and keep in touch through the forum to find out about any factory recalls or recommended changes. Bob V
I would think the factory warranty would protect you from all of the problems that a surveyor would typically look for in a used boat. I have owned two new Catalina sailboats and found the factory and broker to be very responsive to every little flaw that I could find. There are usually some flaws in the gelcoat either from factory or transport damage, maybe some dings in the woodwork. There will probably be some doors and drawers that do not fit perfectly after the rig is tuned. It is not unusual to have a leaky hatch or two. The broker gets to charge the manufacturer for work of that type that is required after delivery. The rigging is all brand new and the engine is new so I'm not sure what there would be for a surveyor to look for. You might find that the rigger who commissions your boat does not get everything perfect. Roller furler lines may not be in perfect alignment or other small adjustments may need to be made. One thing that I think is best done by the owner is to crawl into every nook and cranny to check the tightness of bolts, nuts, hose clamps, etc. It is not unusual for this sort of thing to vibrate loose in transport or during the break-in period. It is also a good education in getting to know the systems on your boat. Read all of those manuals and look for recommended maintenance. Join the association for your model of boat and keep in touch through the forum to find out about any factory recalls or recommended changes. Bob V
Lots has to do with how much YOU know about
boats. If this is your first ever boat, then while Bob's right, there have been many discussions about getting surveys on new boats, too. He is especially right about hose clamps, which have been a specific Catalina nemesis for the past three or four years. Plus, make sure YOU know everything works before you accept anything. Avoid the "gee, my new boat" syndrome. It's more than driving a new car off the dealer's lot. How about you consider doing an archive search on the word "survey" or exact phrase "new boat survey" and find some of the earlier mega-threads written about this very subject?
boats. If this is your first ever boat, then while Bob's right, there have been many discussions about getting surveys on new boats, too. He is especially right about hose clamps, which have been a specific Catalina nemesis for the past three or four years. Plus, make sure YOU know everything works before you accept anything. Avoid the "gee, my new boat" syndrome. It's more than driving a new car off the dealer's lot. How about you consider doing an archive search on the word "survey" or exact phrase "new boat survey" and find some of the earlier mega-threads written about this very subject?
You can also check Owner Reviews under boat info
though the boats are not 2008 many owners who have posted reviews are very honest about the problems they have found in their 38's some of the problems they have found can guide you to areas to look for spacific problems on your boat.
though the boats are not 2008 many owners who have posted reviews are very honest about the problems they have found in their 38's some of the problems they have found can guide you to areas to look for spacific problems on your boat.
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