HELP...need Marine Surveyor recommendation in Tulsa, Oklahoma area

[bjack56]

Looking for a Marine Surveyor to check out a pontoon for me.

Found (2) but not sure if they are good at their job &/or better with some boat's but not others.
Tom Benton
Ben Harmon

Any opinions, recommendations, suggestions...greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: HELP...need Marine Surveyor recommendation in Tulsa, Oklahoma area

do you really need a marine surveyor in Tulsa? What boat would you need one for? Sometimes you just need a guy who makes an honest living working on boats.

Can't find many cow punchers in Norfolk, either.

 

[bjack56]

Re: HELP...need Marine Surveyor recommendation in Tulsa, Oklahoma area

As in my OP it's just a pontoon, but finding a trustworthy cow puncher on the net doesn't seem too good of an idea. I'm an old school "word is your bond" kind of guy, but unfortunately times & ethics aren't what they used to be.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: HELP...need Marine Surveyor recommendation in Tulsa, Oklahoma area

sorry I missed that. you don't need a surveyor; just someone who knows pontoons and OB's.

On this forum you hear "get a survey!!!" about every boat. For small, old, new, cheap and/or basic boats a true survey from a real surveyor is unrealistic. A boat guy, however, is well worth it.

Try this. If you are buying a used OB you should replace the water pump. Line up a boat mechanic, tell him you're loooking at boats and will hire him for the pump and other start-up stuff, then either pay him to come look at the boat or, if you can (I did) see if your buyer will give you a "1 week warranty" to take the boat in for a check-up.

Yes, I know lots of people do their own pumps but that's not the point; it's to start a relationship with a resource.

 

[bjack56]

Re: HELP...need Marine Surveyor recommendation in Tulsa, Oklahoma area

The boat is about 15+ hr. drive one-way from me. I'm in a wheelchair, so a quick flight out to check-out, rent a truck & tow back is not an option. My first boat & although I've been looking & researching for the last 2-3 years would still need someone experienced to check some things.

It's pretty much the used pontoon & setup I've been looking for. Thought a Marine Surveyor would be the best option to protect MY interest's & provide a "value" for an offer. The owner has been great with info. & suggestions. Said I could set things up with a dealer & he would take it by for them to check if not too far away. All are closed today, so will check into that option the first of the week. He just had the boat checked last month including compression check, etc. They found water in the lower end so replaced the propeller shaft, seals, coolant impeller, and the electronic tach had to be replaced.

I'll do a search for a mechanic like you said. Other suggestions??

Thanks