Survey in Michigan? Trust dealer? (Was: newbie into boating... )

[zevi]

(Sorry or double posting - I can't delete my other post...)

OK, I think I made the mistake (?) of cruising the restoration forum in an attempt to educate myself about what to look for in a used boat.

I got scared.

This guy for example, has done an incredible job and deserves a lot of credit -- but I don't want to be there. I admire his attitude, because knowing myself -- there would probably be a big bonfire on my yard with a very pissed man yelling at it...

So, what I'm asking myself, is: would a survey really discover and prevent this?

Any recommendations for surveyors in SE Michigan? What should I expect to pay for survey of a 19' bowride boat? And another, maybe a bigger question: would you trust a boat you buy from a dealer? Do they typical survey boats they take in? Is it common to hire and send a surveyor to a dealer to inspect a potential buy?

Thank you,
Zevi

 

[dlngr]

Re: Survey in Michigan? Trust dealer? (Was: newbie into boating... )

I can answer two of your questions-NO I would not trust a dealer!Yes,I would hire a survey if I were in your shoes.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Survey in Michigan? Trust dealer? (Was: newbie into boating... )

I hired this person when I purchased my Cobalt. 24' ~ $400 best money I ever spent! A survey would have prevented Jay's misfortune... But in the long run he has the best built Sea Ray in the world!

Jim Cukrowicz - Accredited Marine Surveyor, Charter Member
Marine Survey
388 55th Street
Grand Junction, Michigan 49056
269-236-0255 -O
captain@i2k.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Specialty:Yachts, Small Craft

 

[Philster]

Re: Survey in Michigan? Trust dealer? (Was: newbie into boating... )

My friend bought a boat and used a good surveyor I had experience with.

In short, the boat was a mid 90's high-performance boat, with great mechanicals, well-done upgrades and just mechanically excellent. The drive and engine were updated and mint.

The stringers and transom were going fast. ruh-roh!

He got the boat anyway -- at a great price, mostly because the surveyor factored in the cost of the repairs -- and got the stringers and transom replaced by a top-notch shop.

So... there was so much value in the boat, it was worth it. His total outlay with the surveyor and repairs was about 17k. He would have spent overt 20k on other boats, but his boat is fresh structurally and mechanically.

So, most people think, "I need a surveyor to help me land a great boat", but you might want to think about how a surveyor can help you score a boat that isn't perfect if the deal is right.

Just food for thought.

 

[zevi]

Re: Survey in Michigan? Trust dealer? (Was: newbie into boating... )

Thank you all for the input!

Looks like the consensus is to do the survey. Makes perfect sense to spend about $400 for a $15,000 +/- boat! My only concern is being at a spot where the seller will not be willing to wait for a survey if there's another buyer ready to pay w/o it...

I will definitely keep Jim's info on hand for when I'm ready to pull the trigger, but he's on the other side on the state (I'm in Ann Arbor). Any additional surveyors?

Also, on the point made by Philster: absolutely makes sense! The problem with that is time; although it may end up being a good deal, I will have to wait too long until I can put her in the water.

Thanks, Zevi

 

[Philster]

Re: Survey in Michigan? Trust dealer? (Was: newbie into boating... )

Ignore a good chunk of what the seller says proactively.

Pay attention mostly to what the seller produces.

A seller is there to produce things:

Receipts for maintenance
Registration info.
Titles for trailer/boat
Receipts for repairs

You can ask questions and determine the validity of the answers given, especially if they don't make sense.

Seller says something, then it has value if it can be validated.

GOOD LUCK!