Survey or No Survey

[Sea Mitch]

I just made an offer on a 1993 23' Grady Gulfstream w/'93 Yamaha 250 and it was accepted! This is my first boat!! The broker is willing to go on the sea trial with me and "survey" the boat. He says he can do pretty much everything the surveyer will do except test the hull for water seepage. Should I trust the guy who stands to make a commission on the sale? Will a surveyer do substantially more than test all the systems? I am planning to use a mechanic to look at the engine. Is a mechanic from the marina who is brokering the boat a wise choice? They're right there and are dealers in the engine that's on the boat. The broker says the boat has been serviced at the marina since it was new. Are boat brokers generally truthful!!?? (As opposed to used car salesman!) Whew!! First boats are rough!!

 

[alcan]

Re: Survey or No Survey

Hello First Boat.<br /> Do yourself a huge favor and hire an independant surveyer! <br />Ask him to do a complete structal as well as mechanical survey. Your broker is probably very honest,but thats not his boat, whats dose he know? Is he a marine engineer? A survey is money well spent. It can help with a lender or insurance co. A recent survey can also help sell your boat if the need arises, ie sickness or death etc, god forbid.<br />Good luck enjoy yer new boat!

 

[dilbertino]

Re: Survey or No Survey

I am buying a 1997 20ft Grady and strongly recommend a survey. I am paying $14/ft $280. total and the marina will do a compression check while my surveyor is present. Once the survey is completed, the surveyor may have found things that will aid in negotiating a better price. very similar to a home inspection when you buy a new house. Good luck.

 

[ajp]

Re: Survey or No Survey

What is the difference between a used car salesman and a used boat salesman?<br /><br />Do you think either is going to tell you something is wrong if it costs them a fat commission. "Ain't likely" <br /><br />Independence is the key to objectivity. <br /><br />Just my opinion.<br /><br />Good boating.<br /><br />Arlan

 

[DJ]

Re: Survey or No Survey

FB,<br /><br />Go independent. Money well spent. Not only should compression be checked, also the lower unit fluid, AFTER a sea trial.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Survey or No Survey

First boat, keep telling yourself over an over......THE BROKER WORKS FOR THE SELLER...THE BROKER WORKS FOR THE SELLER....

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Survey or No Survey

If you don't want to go to a survey'er ask around , talk to you'r friends in boating who might recommend a good marine mech. and go for it. Don't make a hasty decision, you'll be sorry in the long run. I only brought 1 used boat & it took me 6 weeks to decide on it , I ran it for 2-1/2 years, traded it & made a profit.