ran across a new site with great information on surveys and DIY

B

BOB TYSON

Active Member
Oct 5, 2017
295
Kansas City
Boat Info
2005 460 Sundancer (SOLD)
Engines
Boatless
Check out: pcmarinesurveys.com

No, Im not affiliated with them in any way. Just spent an hour roaming around their site and picked up several great tips. Read about surveying 101--it will open your eyes!
 
Wow! can't believe people actually let boats get in that condition. Scary.
 
I had a survey done on a boat I had never laid my eyes on. Cost my $850.00 bucks to find out what a POS the owner had let this boat deteriorate into.
 
The longer we shop for a boat the more cynical I become. I believe this all boils down to a lack of standards and certifications. I believe there is a market opportunity for a "Good houseKeeping Seal of approval" or warranty that many would pay for. While you may think that that is preposterous, It has been done in the used car market-(see CARMAX.) 90 days and you can return it. Others do so as well. I understand Surveyors have licensing requirements BUT they are mostly dependent on sellers for referrals, be they brokers, dealers. No doubt many are scrupulously independent but there is an inherent bias with this arrangement. Wouldn't it be comforting to be able to buy a used boat knowing that it would be very expensive for the SELLER if something major went wrong for a defined time period post sale. What a boost for those selling to be able to include in their ad a "Seal-of-approval".
Perhaps it would eliminate all of the "turn-key", "maintained with an open-checkbook, BS that seem to be in so many postings.
That is why this site is so valuable. Experience and wisdom gained from this site educates us all until the is a better way.
Until then; Caveat emptor .
 
BOB TYSON said:
The longer we shop for a boat the more cynical I become. I believe this all boils down to a lack of standards and certifications. I believe there is a market opportunity for a "Good houseKeeping Seal of approval" or warranty that many would pay for. While you may think that that is preposterous, It has been done in the used car market-(see CARMAX.) 90 days and you can return it. Others do so as well. I understand Surveyors have licensing requirements BUT they are mostly dependent on sellers for referrals, be they brokers, dealers. No doubt many are scrupulously independent but there is an inherent bias with this arrangement. Wouldn't it be comforting to be able to buy a used boat knowing that it would be very expensive for the SELLER if something major went wrong for a defined time period post sale. What a boost for those selling to be able to include in their ad a "Seal-of-approval".
Perhaps it would eliminate all of the "turn-key", "maintained with an open-checkbook, BS that seem to be in so many postings.
That is why this site is so valuable. Experience and wisdom gained from this site educates us all until the is a better way.
Until then; Caveat emptor .
Click to expand...

I hear you. After looking at boats in Chicago area a couple of times I discounted any new boats from that area. They would have to prove to me they were worth even the effort to see it. I found in my search for a freshwater Great Lakes boat two things that made it better.

One, my buyers broker had a very good feel for the boats from the ads and an even better feel after talking to the listing broker. And two, boats far away from major metropolitan areas were generally better maintained, every boat we looked at in the major cities was crap and not well maintained.

I found that boats in nice smaller cities were much better, Grand Haven, Sturgeon Bay, etc.

Hope this helps,

MM
 
It was pretty simple for me. I wanted a boat that was locally purchased new and maintained. Used in my area with a history of maintenance. I used a surveyor and broker that was well know and went by the book. Offer, deposit, survey, sea trail, negotiate then close. I didn't low ball or request anything beyond reason. I got a nice boat at price I was happy with. Process went smooth for me.
 
Craig said:
It was pretty simple for me. I wanted a boat that was locally purchased new and maintained. Used in my area with a history of maintenance. I used a surveyor and broker that was well know and went by the book. Offer, deposit, survey, sea trail, negotiate then close. I didn't low ball or request anything beyond reason. I got a nice boat at price I was happy with. Process went smooth for me.
Click to expand...

It likely helps that you live in a huge boating area. The nearest boat I saw was a hundred miles away.

MM
 
Good site to pass some time....and LOVED the "Stoopid tricks by marine surveyors page"(copied 'n pasted below)

(P = The problem logged by the surveyor.)
(S = The solution and action taken by the yard.)

P: Left prop almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left prop.

P: Sea trial OK, except autopilot not working
S: Autopilot not installed on this vessel.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs in bilge
S: Live bugs on backorder.

P: Engine synchronizer won't engage
S: Cannot reproduce problem in dry dock.

P: Evidence of hydraulic leak in steering.
S: Evidence removed.

P: Ship to shore volume unbelievably loud.
S: Ship to shore volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're there for.

P: Radar inoperative.
S: Radar always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Port engine missing.
S: Engine found in left side of engine room after brief search.
 
YeOldeStonecat said:
Good site to pass some time....and LOVED the "Stoopid tricks by marine surveyors page"(copied 'n pasted below)

(P = The problem logged by the surveyor.)
(S = The solution and action taken by the yard.)

P: Left prop almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left prop.

P: Sea trial OK, except autopilot not working
S: Autopilot not installed on this vessel.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs in bilge
S: Live bugs on backorder.

P: Engine synchronizer won't engage
S: Cannot reproduce problem in dry dock.

P: Evidence of hydraulic leak in steering.
S: Evidence removed.

P: Ship to shore volume unbelievably loud.
S: Ship to shore volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're there for.

P: Radar inoperative.
S: Radar always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Port engine missing.
S: Engine found in left side of engine room after brief search.
Click to expand...

Those are good enough for the joke thread...

MM
 
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