1st time boat buying/ dry rot

ssrrll

Cadet
Joined
May 30, 2005
Messages
6
we found a boat we like and got a price agreed upon. upon inspection there is dry rot beginning in 3-4 different areas. also there is a broken wire to the outdrive that controls how far up? the outdrive goes and the bellows will need replacing by the end of the season. the surveyor told us that he himself would not buy the boat. any comments from the forum???
 

CATransplant

Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: 1st time boat buying/ dry rot

Don't buy a boat the surveyor says he would not buy. That's why you hired the surveyor...to give you advice. There's another boat waiting for you.<br /><br />Rot is never confined to the areas you can find.
 

milkyway

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 31, 2004
Messages
535
Re: 1st time boat buying/ dry rot

CA is right. Believe your surveyor even if you are crazy about the boat. It may actually drive you insane later on.
 

migue

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 9, 2005
Messages
47
Re: 1st time boat buying/ dry rot

If you are not going to listen to him, why did you hire a surveyor in the first place?.. stay away form that boat.
 

18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: 1st time boat buying/ dry rot

Pass on the boat. In reality, anything/everything about a boat is repairable, but as your first boat you need to be on the water, not spending the summer in your garage learning how to do boat repairs.<br /><br />Sorry, I'm guessing it's not what you wanted to hear, but as everyone else mentioned, surveyors know their stuff. I'd heed the recommendation.
 

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: 1st time boat buying/ dry rot

I'd say ignore the surveyor and get the boat. Afterall this is your first boat purchase and you are probably in a better position to determine if it is a good deal. If you can afford to spend money on the survey and ignore the recommendations then you can probably afford the cost of repairs it will take to get it on the water next year. <br /><br />Seriously though, why are you questioning the guy you paid to check out the boat for you ? We can't see the boat and you are asking our opinion on whether to buy it or not. If you don't trust the surveyor get a second expert opinion from someone that can inspect it first hand.
 

salty87

Commander
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
2,327
Re: 1st time boat buying/ dry rot

dry rot in 3-4 areas could easily mean new stringers and floor which basically means taking the boat apart. <br /><br />if you're getting a great deal and want a big project, it might be worth it.<br /><br />if you want a boat to go boating with, i'd keep looking.
 

Mahoney

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Messages
537
Re: 1st time boat buying/ dry rot

there are so many boats out there even if the surveyor was nuetral on the decision, I would hold off till you get a surveyor that actually says a boat is good deal and in great condition for the price.<br /><br />now is a much tougher time boat shopping, wait until around the end of Sept and see what becomes available if you have the patience.
 
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