Things I should know when choosing a surveyor?

[Darline Spring]

What are the top 3-5 things that I should know when picking a surveyor?Thank You, Darline

 

[Gord May]

References

1.Good references, from boaters you know, can be useful - specially those citing "negative findings". That is to say, the surveyor found hidden problems. A positive finding, really means "I didn't FIND anything" - not "there WASN'T anything to find". 2. Sample surveys. Review previous reports the surveyor has prepared. Should give you some idea of his professionalism (clarity, detail, etc). 3. Membership in SAMS or NAMS.4. Take a look at David Pascoe's site:http://www.yachtsurvey.com/about_surveys.htm#About%20SurveyorsYacht Survey Online: Pre Purchase Surveys - All About Our SurveysMarine Survey Online Main Regards, and Good Luck,Gord

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

One more thing...

Good surveyors have a very thorough knowlege of ABYC, NFPA, UL and USCG safety standards for equipment and installation. NAMS and SAMS are not only accrediting organizations, they're a source of networking and information sharing among surveyors, which allows the good ones to learn about all the "known issues"--problems to look for--on particular boat makes/models/years in addition to anything a previous owner may have done that doesn't meet safety standards.My criteria for choosing a surveyor has always been: everyone who's ever used him/her to BUY a boat raves about him...while sellers--especially brokers--hate him...'cuz he always finds things that can screw up the sale, or at least cost the seller money to fix.

 

[Mike]

BoatUS

I found a great surveyor by asking on Sailnet. When I was talking to BoatUS about insurance they have a list of surveyors they deal with who do thorough work. He was one of a few in the area (NC) on their list. So maybe asking them for your area will help. Also, check out Sailnet (It pays to know who the solid contributors are though).Mike

 

[RichJ]

surveyor??

Be very very VERY carefull, although needed for financing and insurance, a survey is no more than ones subjective opinion.I hired a surveyor, checked him out thru Boat US and a multitude of organizations (praise from them all) only to find out later the surveyor was a friend of the seller and covered up damage on the boat.If I knew of the damage I wouldnt have purchased, If I knew of the relationship between the seller and surveyor I wouldnt have hired him.Just be carefull.........RichJ

 

[Bill]

Go with them!

Go with the surveyor. Due to time and location constraints I was unable to go with the guy on the survey. There were no deal killers but the were some things he missed that I might have asked about and hopefully picked up.Good luckBill