Another Update - Boat Shopping in Winter

JoLin

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 18, 2007
Messages
5,146
Wanted to impart some info that others might find valuable. Here's the original thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=286134

This past Saturday I met the surveyor at the boatyard to check out thye Bayliner. To my surprise he brought along the fellow USPS member who had recommended him. I was glad to have them both along.

Well, they went over the boat with a fine-toothed comb (nearly 2 hours), and I'll be getting the full report in the mail this week. Basically, things were very good, but there are some issues with the Alpha's PT&T that went into the report. The big problem arose when we put the moisture meter to the transom. The area to the left of the outdrive was completely saturated for about 8" out from the drive. General consensus was that the cutout hadn't been properly sealed at the factory. Right then and there, the survey bacame worth the cost! They also did the "tap test" with a hammer, but I sure as heck couldn't tell the difference in sound between the wet and dry areas of the transom.

We didn't bother to run the motor. As my friend said, "all that'll prove is that it starts, and you'll be out the cost of re-winterizing it ($135.00). Save it for the sea trial."

Considering the time and effort it would take to co-ordinate the repairs (I'd want the transom job done by a guy my friend recommended), I've decided to pass on this one and keep looking. I doubt that the owner would accept what I'm willing to pay for it, anyway.

The search goes on!
 

rainman240cs

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 25, 2008
Messages
33
Re: Another Update - Boat Shopping in Winter

how much do these guys charge? I just bought a boat and I'm screwed if theres anything seriously damaged that the naked eye can't see.
 

JoLin

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 18, 2007
Messages
5,146
Re: Another Update - Boat Shopping in Winter

I paid $11. per foot, but that's a couple bucks lower than what I've seen generally on the internet. It's entirely possible that I got a "friend of a friend" rate.

Even at $15/ft, it would have been well worth it. The guy pointed up the corroded hydraulic hoses on the outdrive, showed me how to eyeball the bellows, gave me possible reasons for the inoperative "up" switch on the PT&T... in general, he was quick to explain what he was looking at and why it wasn't up to snuff. At the same time, he was able to do all kinds of checks I wouldn't really know how to do. It was a great learning experience. I gave him a good-sized tip for coming out in the cold, too.

When you're involved with the owner, the boatyard and a broker, the cards are stacked against you. The surveyor works for YOU and nobody else. Helps level the playing field.
 

torcano

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 15, 2008
Messages
423
Re: Another Update - Boat Shopping in Winter

$11 per foot is a steal. The going rate for a certified marine surveyor at the Jersey Shore is $22 per foot. If you are going to invest any significant money not to mention the saftey for you and your family, the cost is well worth it in my humble opinion.
 
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