To survey or not to survey?

[magster65]

Survey.<br />Listen to this one...<br />I found a 'the' boat I'm looking for. It's a 1994 27' Monterey. I am, without a doubt, one picky son of a gun when it comes to pretty well anything. This boat was a mid 9 as far as the exterior/interior goes (there is no 10). It was dry stored 7 months a year and he had every receipt you could imagine. I had to look fairly hard to find even a little scratch and one snap that was 'iffy'. A beauty for sure right? Nope. I considered scrapping the survey because I thought a boat this perfect couldn't have any problems. I don't know why but I decided to get one anyways. The current owner hasn't had one because the boat is so new and his insurance broker hasn't asked for one. As my surveyer started tapping the hull out I thought, "What a waste of money." Guess what? This 'dream' boat has some major hull delamination just below the waterline and numerous 'soft spots' on the chines (one horrid section). I couldn't belive it but he showed me (with the owner standing right there). It was bad! I stopped the survey and withdrew my offer (it was a 'subject to') as he found a few more when he started on the deck. The owner was devastated... he has obviously babied this boat since new. I've always said I wouldn't buy a boat without a survey and wouldn't ya' know it? The first time I consider skipping one I just about get 'burned'. Learn from my close call folks. Just do it!

 

[Belchy]

Re: To survey or not to survey?

Just goes to show you that there is more too'em then just looks, that was a close call for sure<br /><br />When in doubt, have a survey<br /><br />Belchy

 

[magster65]

Re: To survey or not to survey?

No doubt!

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: To survey or not to survey?

Magster....glad you found out when you did for sure. Just curious for my own info though and since you were there how did he detect this, tapping with a mallet, moisture meter or????<br /><br />It's ok...found your other post that described it better...guess your pretty bummed , finding a boat that seemed close to perfect and then discover this, oh well keep looking and keep your surveyor on stand by

 

[Belchy]

Re: To survey or not to survey?

Exact same thing happened to me, had a boat surveyed and I had the money in my hand for the owner, but it didn't pass, so i went home with the money in my hand. I was a little upset, but glad now that I didn't buy it.<br /><br />Belchy

 

[magster65]

Re: To survey or not to survey?

Yeah, the surveyer 'tapped out' the hull first. One of those plastic headed hammers. It makes a completely different sound if there's no backing to the gelcoat or a soft area. <br />I wouldn't say it failed the survey (so to speak). A good surveyer will find issues or potential issues with 99% of them. It's very rare that they'll have no comments. I'd say it's more of a case that the issues he found here are more than I want to deal with. The hull soft spots can be fixed... I'm not going to be the one to do the repairs though! As a buyer a surveyer is your 'best friend', they'll tell you what kind of deal you're getting, all the things to watch for on certain models, the value, repair estimates... the list goes on. I got the bill today. The cost of him coming to the boat ramp and spending a couple hours working and talking to me (and saving me a big hassle) $125. What a deal!

 

[MATTT]

Re: To survey or not to survey?

But, wouldn't you say that the survey would find those problems on every boat you are looking at? I mean no boat is 100 percent perfect.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: To survey or not to survey?

Not every boat has hull problems Matt, is that what you're saying?<br /><br />My friend just went through the exact same thing with a 28' 1978 Carver, was about to hand over hard earned cash.<br /><br />Sad thing is, these boats will more than likely get sold to someone who skips the survey, spends a small bundle getting it ready for the water and then finds out there's problems, and spends the rest of his days in the "Boat Restoration and Building" forum.......