Sailboat Surveyors

[bripat]

I also am new to sailing and I'm wondering if anyone could give me some rough estimates<br /> on some costs. I live in WI on Lake Michigan and I'm looking at a 1993 Hunter 35.5 .<br /> Wondering what the typical cost of a survey is. Also what insurance costs might be.<br /> Just looking for general numbers so I know what I'm in for.

 

[Curtis66]

Re: Sailboat Surveyors

I'm also new to sailing, so can I ask you what a survey is???

 

[sloopy]

Re: Sailboat Surveyors

I survey is a survey of a boat by a boat siurveyer, they know a ton about boats and they search the boat and every square inch of it trying to find hidden problems, they pull at every wire, they open and close ever sea **** ,they test all batterys they look at the engine and look for problems they look for more problems they look for leaks they check the core with ol techniques and use a moisture moniter, then they tell you of possible futer problems they are a good investment.<br /><br />Cost depends on the survyer look at 400 hundrd being the lease for a hunter, to 2000

 

[BillP]

Re: Sailboat Surveyors

A surveyor is a person who checks the condition of the boat and gives his OPINION of the condition. Charges are typically based by the length of boat and type of material. <br /><br />Just for reference I had a 30' sailboat surveyed in Ft Lauderdale back around 1975 and it was $10 a ft (plus haul out fees). This included a 3 page item by item check sheet, a 10 page description and 2 hr phone consultation. The guys was known to be the best (Buster Chadwick)on the east coast. Other "no name" surveyers were $2 to $3 a foot and their surveys 1 to 2 pages total. <br /><br />There are different levels of surveys...in water, out of water, sea trial, hull/deck, rigging, engine check (compression, oil test, etc.) <br /><br />Most sureveyor will NOT climb your mast so checking the mast, wire, terminals and turnbuckles is another survey in itself. Same with the engine. <br /><br />A top notch surveyor will also tell you how to repair the problems and give associated costs.

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: Sailboat Surveyors

bripat <br /><br />I am a retired surveyor. The post above pretty well covered things. My 2 cents.<br /><br />Make sure the surveyor you hire understands the purpose of your survey. It sounds like you are interested in insurance. Things will differ for financing, purchase / selling etc.<br /><br />If your boat is not a stock model, get the surveyor to make a detailed description versus a fill in the blank type survey. Personally I never liked the fill in the blank type survey but it does have some advantages. (A well make blank covers all the bases).<br /><br />The surveyor should do his homework in stating the valuation of the vessel. the values should include "Replacement" and "Fair Market" value.<br /><br />The survey should give a review of your safety equipment (This may vary depending on how the vessel is used) and state that the vessel is a good insurance risk - or not!.<br /><br />Ask your surveyor about his experience. Is he a member of NAMS or some other surveying society? Is he experienced with sailboats? <br /><br />Most importantly make sure that he is acceptable to your Insurance Company, bank etc.<br /><br />Good Luck, <br />Gold Bear