Surveyor Liability?

[magster65]

BINGO!
There are some very knowledgable and competent surveyers out there. Hiring one from the phone book from another city has it's risks obviously.

Thinking about this has me considering doing a 180 degree change on my opinion of getting a survey before buying a used boat.

I can turn on a switch and verify some item is functioning.

I would need a marine mechanic to do some very specific tasks such as a engine compression check, pulling the drives for inspection of the coupler, and a few other things.

I'm thinking a full blown survey may give no more reassurance of a quality used boat then doing a detailed self check complemented by a certified merc mechanic doing some specific checks that would vary depending on the boat and its options.

 

[aboatman]

If you had the vessel hauled out at the survey these issues were discoverable: if not shame on you. These type of problems you describe quite possibly could have come from the transport if it was not blocked properly, set on the right trailer. I have shipped dozens of vessels as a broker to buyers that have not physically seen the vessel and I ALWAYS take photos and videos of the vessel when the transporter loads to verify condition. I do get calls from the buyers, but I can then document where the responsibility lies: with the transporter.
It's highly unlikely that you have any recourse against the surveyor.

 

[Alex F]

I'm thinking a full blown survey may give no more reassurance of a quality used boat then doing a detailed self check complemented by a certified merc mechanic doing some specific checks that would vary depending on the boat and its options.

I think that the only issue here might be is complience with insurance company's policies. I'm not sure if a vertified mechanic will satisfy. From what I know most ins. companies require certified surveyor. Sometimes these guys know less than a boat woner, but they have the "magic certification", which insurance accepts. After inspecting my 320DA my surveyor told me "I know that you could have done this without me, but you had to hire me b/c of the insurance".