Most would-be boat buyers start by asking the question of whether should I get a boat survey before buying in Jacksonville. This is a very good question and the answer is yes. This is unless you are buying a brand-new vessel. When buying a pre-owned vessel, even one in mind condition, there are several reasons why you should get a survey done first before committing. In this post, we will examine the main justifications for hiring a marine surveyor before buying a boat.
To determine the value of the boat
Finding out that you overpaid for a boat is one of the worst things that can happen after signing the ownership transfer contract. This happens when a buyer fails to take time to verify if the asking price is reasonable. As a result, they fail to bargain appropriately. The key justification for the affirmative response to the question “should I get a boat survey before buying” is the ability to negotiate the best price for a boat.
To identify issues
Aside from the price, a common error made by buyers is falling for the seller’s cosmetic improvements. These are fixes made primarily to hide the problems a boat has. For instance, if the deck is rusty, the seller may paint over it to hide the rust. The cosmetic work can occasionally be very convincing. This is why it’s crucial to hire a qualified boat surveyor to give the boat a thorough inspection. A surveyor will be able to reveal the following things:
- Damaged steering system
How easily a boat can turn is determined by its steering mechanism. If it is damaged, sailing may be more challenging or the likelihood of an accident may increase. A marine surveyor will be able to examine the system’s condition during a sea trial and let you know if it needs to be replaced.
- Compromised fuel tank
The gasoline tank might be exposed to seawater, which causes it to rust. The gasoline tank may also become damaged if low-quality fuel is used. Only a qualified maritime surveyor will be able to judge whether or not the fuel tank is in good condition. Keep in mind that a damaged fuel tank may pose a fire hazard.
- Engine problems
The heart of a boat is its engine. If it is damaged in any way, the boat’s performance will be affected. Unsurprisingly, one of the most expensive components to fix on a boat is the engine. To make sure the boat is in ideal condition, a marine surveyor can run a number of tests. The engine hours will also be clarified following the inspection.
There are a lot more problems that might be hidden. You can only identify all of them if you collaborate with a skilled marine surveyor. You can avoid buying a doomed boat by seeking the advice of a marine surveyor. The surveyor can also arm you with the information you need to negotiate the best price.
Should I Get a Boat Survey Before Buying
