Posted on

Should I Get a Boat Survey Before Buying a Used Boat in Annapolis?

The answer to the question of should I get a boat survey before buying a used boat is a resounding yes. To better understand why this is so, it is important to understand the relevance of a boat survey. In this post, our focus will be helping you understand why you need a marine survey before buying a pre-owned vessel. Let’s get started.

As you may already know, a boat survey is a detailed inspection of a boat. The inspection is usually carried out by a qualified marine surveyor in Annapolis. The surveyor will assess the boat’s condition and report on its overall seaworthiness. The reason the answer to the question of should I get a boat survey before buying is in the affirmative is that the survey provides valuable information about the boat’s current state and potential future problems. This information is quite valuable in enabling a boat owner or a buyer to make informed decisions about repairs, maintenance, and upgrades.

There are several reasons that make boat surveys important. Here are the main ones:

  • A boat survey can help identify any existing problems or areas of concern on a boat. Following a marine survey, you will be able to learn about the structural issues, electrical problems, and mechanical faults that a boat has. This information is very important considering most of the aforementioned issues have the potential to compromise the safety and reliability of a boat. By addressing these issues early on, you can avoid investing in a vessel that requires costly repairs as well as prevent a serious accident from occurring.
  • A marine survey can provide an accurate valuation of the vessel. This information is quite useful to buyers. You don’t want to overpay for a boat, do you? Moreover, accurate valuation is useful for insurance purposes and financing. When you bring in surveyors, they will assess the boat’s condition and equipment, compare it to similar vessels on the market, and provide a detailed report with a fair market value.
  • Boat surveys are often required by lenders and insurance companies. An insurance company will ask that you provide a current insurance survey report before they can provide coverage. The same goes for lenders. The survey is needed to help the insurer or lender determine if the boat is in good condition and not a high-risk investment. While some insurers and lenders will accept survey reports that are as old as 5 years, having a recent survey report can help negotiate better insurance rates or secure a more favorable loan agreement.

As you can see, there are many great reasons why you should get a boat survey before buying a used boat in Annapolis. The key thing you have to do is find a dependable marine surveyor to conduct the survey.

Should I Get a Boat Survey Before Buying

Posted on

Should I Get a Boat Survey Before Buying in Annapolis?

The excitement of becoming a boat owner often causes people to overlook a lot of things. This is more so when buying a used boat. It is only after the excitement dies down that people start noticing that they made a mistake or they could have gotten better for the same price. With that in mind, the answer to the question of whether should I get a boat survey before buying in Annapolis is definitely a resounding yes.

The last thing you want after paying top dollar for a vessel is to find out that you will have to pay even more to make the boat seaworthy. This happens when you fail to do a thorough inspection. Here are the top reasons why the answer to the question of whether should I get a boat survey before buying is yes. 

Fuel Tanks May Have to be Replaced

Fuel tanks that are installed under the deck are likely to need special attention after a certain number of years. Considering they may be hidden away, you will need an experienced boat surveyor to assess them. In many cases, when a boat is old, the fuel tank will need to be replaced. This is more so if the tank has saltwater leaks or held ethanol-laced gasoline. Needless to say, these replacements can be expensive. If a replacement is required, you need to learn about it early so that you can factor it in during negotiations with the seller.

Plastic Through-Hull Fittings

One thing you need to understand is that the plastic through-hull drains that are located above the waterline are vulnerable to UV degradation. After years of exposure to the hot sun, these fittings can become brittle and break easily. If they fail, you will start seeing light through holes in the hull. Unless you learn about the history of the boat including how it was used and where it was stored, you will not be able to know if these parts need to be replaced. An experienced marine surveyor will help you understand the condition of the plastic through-hull fittings and if they need to be replaced.

Steering Systems

Modern boats have digital electric steering systems. They are more reliable. However, whether the boat you are after uses an electric steering system or an older system, you have to make sure that that system is working properly. Otherwise, you will be exposed to great risks when sailing. A boat survey can help determine if the steering system is in good condition.

The above are just some of the areas you must focus on in a boat inspection. Keep in mind that this list is incomplete. There are a lot more areas that need to be inspected and they may cost a lot of money to repair or replace. It is only with a thorough marine survey that you will be able to identify issues and negotiate for the best price.

Should I Get a Boat Survey Before Buying

Posted on

What is the purpose of a marine surveyor in Annapolis – Why Do You Need Their Services?

Everyone who owns or is considering buying a boat should obtain a marine survey. Working with a qualified marine surveyor is essential if you want to be sure you understand the exact state of your boat. But what is the purpose of a marine surveyor in Annapolis? In this post, we will be examining the key reasons why you should consider working with a marine surveyor.

Safety check

You and your passengers will be in serious danger when sailing on a boat that has a leaking hull. This is due to the fact that leaks can worsen and ultimately cause a boat to sink. One of the best responses to the issue of what is the purpose of a marine surveyor is to make sure your boat is safe. When you hire a boat surveyor, they will find any flaws or safety risks that could endanger the people on your boat or the boat itself. The surveyor will report on all issues including structural damage, problematic electrical systems, and safety gear problems among other problems.

Insurance purpose

A boat is an expensive purchase. In addition to the initial cost of purchase, boat maintenance, and repair is also expensive. It is thus important that you protect your investment. Getting marine insurance is the most effective strategy for doing this. However, you need to note that the majority of insurance companies won’t offer an insurance policy without first reviewing a marine survey report. An insurance survey report helps the insurer get a sense of the boat’s value and condition. Not all insurers will request a survey report. To find out if a survey is required, speak with your insurer. You should also request a list of items that must be included in the report.

Determine the fair market value

Whether you are buying or selling, knowing the exact value of the boat is essential to getting the best deal. You can engage a marine surveyor to assist you in figuring out a boat’s fair market value. With this knowledge, you can negotiate effectively.

Help with maintenance

Even as a seasoned boat owner, you will not be able to identify every issue with your boat. Sometimes you will not notice a problem until the vessel breaks down completely. To avoid such situations, you can hire a marine surveyor to undertake an inspection of your boat at least once a year. The surveyor will help prevent dealing with poor boat performance and costly repairs. A surveyor will enable you to spot problems early and fix them before they worsen. This can dramatically increase the lifespan of your boat.

These are only a few of the main justifications for hiring a boat surveyor in Annapolis. It is, however, important to remember that not all surveyors will provide the services you require. Because of this, you must exercise caution when selecting a surveyor. Hire someone that has knowledge of surveying boats that are similar to what you own.

What is the Purpose of a Marine Surveyor

Posted on

Do You need a Survey for Boat Insurance in Annapolis – What is Covered

Do you need a survey for boat insurance in Annapolis? This is the most frequent query from new boat owners. The best answer is ‘it depends’. While some insurance companies would insist on a survey, others might not. If your boat is brand new, you might be exempted from providing a survey report even from insurers that demand a survey. Moreover, even for brand-new vessels, you might be asked to submit a survey report if the vessel is too big or too expensive. As you can see, talking to your insurer is the best way to find out if you will need to provide a survey report or not.

Now that you have the answer to the question of do you need a survey for boat insurance in Annapolis, let’s look at why getting a survey done is crucial. As you may already be aware, an insurance boat survey typically includes a wide range of factors linked to the worth and condition of a boat. Depending on the type of vessel, its size, age, and intended usage, as well as the particular criteria of the insurance company, the survey’s precise scope may change. Here are a few typical areas that an insurance survey might touch on.

  • Hull inspection. The first thing that ought to be looked at in a marine survey is the hull. In this case, the surveyor will be looking at everything that relates to the hull. This includes the bottom planking, keel, stringers, and frames. The objective here will be to check for signs of rot, and other damage to the structural integrity.
  • Deck inspection. Once the hull has been inspected, the marine surveyor will start inspecting the cabin, deck, and other structures for leaks and other damages. The goal is to ensure the boat is safe and seaworthy.
  • Electrical and mechanical systems inspection. The surveyor will take a look at the generators, engines, wiring, batteries, and all other electrical systems. The goal is to ensure both the mechanical and electrical systems are working properly.
  • Inspection of the safety equipment. The life jackets, distress signals, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment have to be looked at to ensure they meet regulations.
  • Navigation equipment. Is the radar, GP, and depth finder equipment working properly? This will be included in a boat survey.

As you can see, an insurance survey involves a lot of steps. At times, a haul-out and a sea trial may be required. Finding a reputable marine surveyor in Annapolis who is not just knowledgeable but also accredited is the key. In order to find out what should be in the survey report, you will also need to speak with your insurer.

Do You Need a Survey for Boat Insurance

Posted on

Annapolis Marine Survey – Water Intrusion on a Used Boat

When buying a used boat, it is always highly recommended to get a professional Annapolis marine survey. The reason for this is that when it comes to pre-owned boats, nothing is as it seems. Sellers tend to mask boat problems in order to make a quick buck. If you don’t want to be a victim, you must consider enlisting the support of a marine surveyor in Annapolis.

The question that begs to answer is this: is a marine survey worth it? The answer is definitely a resounding yes. This is more so when you consider the issue of water intrusion. Water intrusion into the deck, hull, or stringers can be disastrous. The sight of this issue is usually a telltale sign of mandatory repairs. But how would you know if the boat you are after has water intrusion? The answer is to get a marine survey from an experienced surveyor.

Moisture intrusion mostly lies in the wood and the coring materials. Marine-grade plywood, balsa wood, and foam can all absorb water. With time, the absorption will start to spread by wicking and capillary action. If the issue is not resolved as soon as possible, catastrophe will follow. The absorbed water will add weight to your structure as well as weaken it. This can eventually lead to the complete failure of important fittings such as stanchions and cleats.

When you contact a marine surveyor, he will perform a visual inspection of the water damage. If he suspects there are more issues, the surveyor will make use of a moisture meter to help detect where water intrusion has taken place.

There are many types of moisture meters. One version uses a probe that is inserted into the wood. The probe passes an electrical current to measure resistance. This helps detect if there is water present. Another popular option is the one that uses electromagnetic fields in the surrounding structures to measure frequency difference. The frequency differences help determine if there is water content. This type of moisture meter is not inserted into the structure being tested.

Each type of moisture meter has pros and cons. As a result, it is not uncommon to find a marine surveyor in Annapolis that combines more than one type of moisture meter during an inspection. Moisture meters are mainly used to detect water intrusion around the deck hardware.

Without a moisture meter, it is hard to detect the presence of water intrusion. This is why the answer is yes to the question of is a marine survey worth it. Refrain from doing inspections on your own. This is because you lack the training, experience, and equipment needed to perform a thorough marine survey.

Is a Marine Survey Worth It

Posted on

What is Included in the SAMS Survey?

Do you need an accredited marine surveyor in Annapolis? If you do, one of the best surveyors to work with is the SAMS surveyors. SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) is an organization that has about 1,000 surveyors throughout the world. The organization is considered to be one of the most prestigious accreditation bodies because of its strict rules when accrediting surveyors. A surveyor is required to have at least 5 years of experience acquired in a span of 10 years and must pass an accreditation exam as well as participate in continuous learning programs. SAMS further offers annual education conferences for the members where they discuss damage avoidance, recommended practices, advanced inspection techniques, legal liabilities, and other areas. All this makes a SAMS survey one of the best surveys you can get.

Prior to getting the SAMS survey, it is good to note persons who fail to meet the prerequisites can also be SAMS members. For practicing marine surveyors who fail to meet all the requirements, they become a member as SAMS surveyor associates. There is also the provision of SAMS affiliate members. This is offered to members that run a business that offers products or services that relate to the marine industry. Practicing boat surveyors cannot be affiliate members.

Now that you understand who is a SAMS surveyor, let’s focus on what is contained in the SAMS surveys. Once a marine surveyor is done with a boat inspection, you will be provided with a written report. The details contained in the report will depend on the type of survey that was being done. The main types of surveys are:

  • Condition & valuation survey
  • Limited condition & valuation survey
  • Appraisal
  • Damage inspection
  • Sea trial

Here are some of the details that are contained in a full survey report:

  • Name of the boat, its hull identification number, and state or federal government-issued registration numbers.
  • Name of the current boat owners and buyers
  • The published dimensions of the boat as well as a description of the boat’s construction.
  • The installed equipment on the vessel
  • Condition of the equipment and systems on the boat
  • Any recommended repairs or improvements
  • Photographs of the boat from multiple angles
  • Photographs of the hull ID number as well as the registration form
  • Photographs of notable repairs or improvements
  • The fair market value of the boat

While SAMS-accredited marine surveyors in Annapolis offer the same services as other surveyors, you are guaranteed perfection and comprehensiveness when working with SAMS surveyors. Always confirm the accreditation details of a surveyor before hiring.

SAMS Survey

Posted on

Surveyors Near Me – What is the Real Cost of Owning a Boat?

If you are thinking about buying a boat, you have to think about the real cost of owning a boat. Most people only consider the purchase price. The truth is in addition to spending money on a surveyor near me, you will also need to spend money on a number of things. In this post, we will be looking at the true cost of boat ownership.

Before we get started on the real costs, it is good to note that the cost of owning a boat will vary depending on the size and type of boat you buy. For example, if you are buying a larger boat, you can expect to pay more to the surveyor near me during an inspection. This is because boat surveyors charge per foot. Let’s take a look at the factors that impact the cost of boat ownership.

Boat registration

Every state has its own unique registration costs and fees. The cost of registration will depend on the length of the boat. The boat registration costs are usually paid to the state fish and wildlife agency or to the department of motor vehicles. An experienced marine surveyor or a boat dealer will be happy to educate you on boat registration and let you know where you should pay the registration fees. 

Boat Insurance

While it is not mandatory, it is always good to get insurance coverage for your boat. Insurance protects your boat against damages caused by an accident. The cost of boat insurance will depend on the age of your boat, your boater safety training, boat type, your boating history, the location where you will be using the boat and the level of coverage you select. Keep in mind that an insurance survey may be required. To get a good offer, use your own insurance surveyor. The surveyor sent by the insurance company may be biased.

Boater education

Studies have shown that educated boaters are less likely to get in an accident. You should consider completing a boating safety course after buying your boat. The course will not only help you be a safer boater but also help you qualify for better rates when applying for boat insurance.

Storage costs

Unless you will be keeping the boat in your own dock, you will have to think about the storage costs. it is more expensive to store your boat at the marina due to the convenience the option offers you.

Other costs you should prepare for include the cost of boat equipment, the cost of fuel and the cost of maintenance and repairs. As you set your budget, make sure you capture all these costs. The last thing you want is to buy a boat that you cannot maintain.

Surveyors Near Me

Posted on

Boat Surveyor Near Me – How Do You Test a Boat Engine?

Are you in the market for a used boat? If you are, one area you must pay attention to is the engine. This is what powers the boat. As a result, it is a very expensive part to replace or repair. The good news, however, is there are a couple of tests you can perform on your own to determine the condition of an engine. It is, however, important to call in a boat surveyor near me whenever you notice a problem you do not understand.

Do a cold start

When the engine is turned off for hours, the oil pressure between the surfaces bleeds off. This means when you start the engine, most of the parts will not be covered in oil and thus you will hear strange noises if the engine has issues. If you are buying the boat from a friend, ask them not to start it until you arrive. If you notice a strange noise during the cold start, call in a boat surveyor near me for a further examination. The marine surveyor will use specialized tools and techniques to get a better understanding of the engine’s condition.

Look at the engine hours

When buying a used vehicle, you want the one with the least mileage. This is because having low readings on the odometer means the vehicle is closer to being new. The case is the same for a boat. When buying a used boat, you want to focus more on the ones with lower hours. Having lower hours means that the motor has more life left.

On average, a boater uses about 50 hours a year. A boat that has 250 hours means it has been around for about 5 years. Such a boat will require a thorough engine inspection before you commit to buying it.

Check the condition of the engine oil

The engine oil will give you a lot of information on the condition of the engine. Use the dipstick to check the oil. If the oil has a milky color, chances are water is getting in the engine. Such an engine might be problematic so get it inspected further by a professional.

Traces of metal fillings in the oil are also a major red flag. Metal fillings indicate that there is wear in the engine. Consider avoiding a boat whose engine oil has metal fillings.

These tests will give you an overview of the condition of the boat. If you are still interested in buying a boat that has any of the aforementioned issues, you should first allow a marine surveyor near me to perform a professional inspection. A thorough inspection will help you know if you are investing in a good or doomed vessel.

Boat Surveyor Near Me

Posted on

Boat Surveyor Annapolis – Steps Involved When Buying a Used Boat

You have to be prepared to dedicate both time and patience to find the right boat. The ideal boat should suit your needs and fit your budget. Once you find the boat you are looking for, there are a couple of steps you must take before making the final offer. In addition to finding the right boat surveyor Annapolis, here are the additional steps you should take when buying a boat.

Arrange viewing

More often than not, you will find the boat you want online or on other advertising platforms. Go through the details to make sure the boat ticks all your boxes. If you are convinced the boat is perfect for you, the next step you should take is to contact the seller to arrange a viewing. It is after arranging viewings that negotiations start. Start by asking the seller what will be included such as the safety equipment, tenders or sails and so on. If you are still convinced this is the boat for you, you can go ahead and make arrangements for a boat surveyor Annapolis trusts to come in.

Check the title documents

While a boat surveyor can help confirm the accuracy of the title documents, it is good to check them yourself to make sure the seller owns the boat 100%. You don’t want to pay for a boat survey only for the deal to fall through because the seller doesn’t own the boat 100%, do you? You also need to ask if the boat has a marine mortgage and ensure it is free from charges, debts, liens or encumbrances. You should ask to see any document that is related to the boat. Ask for evidence that the boat has VAT paid or is VAT exempt.

Sign the contract and pay a deposit

If everything is in order, it is time to sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement or any other contract. The contract must capture everything you agreed on. Keep in mind that the contract is legally binding and must be signed by both parties. Ensure a pre-agreed inventory is attached to the contract. You should then pay a deposit in order to be allowed to perform a marine survey. The deposit is usually 10% of the selling price.

Get it surveyed

Irrespective of how good a boat seems to be, never take it home without getting a marine survey done. This is more so if you are targeting a used boat. A marine survey will reveal any issues the boat may have and help you understand its fair market value. A sea trial will also be done to know how well the boat performs. If the survey report is satisfactory, you can go ahead and pay the balance. However, if the boat has too many issues and you don’t wish to proceed with the sale, the seller will refund the deposit.

Boat Surveyor Annapolis

Posted on

Boat Inspection Annapolis – Why You Should Be Clear on What You Need a Boat For

Prior to getting a boat inspection Annapolis trusts, it is imperative that you decide on who the boat is going to be used by as well as what you want to do with the vessel. This information will help the marine surveyor determine if the vessel you are targeting is a good fit for you or not.

Before you settle on a boat, it is important that you start by answering these questions

  • Is the boat going to be used by you or your partner? What is their or your boating experience? This question will help decide on the type and size of boat.
  • Are you buying a boat for your family and you have young children? If yes, you need to find a vessel that is kid-friendly.
  • Do you plan on entertaining guests on your boat? This will help decide on the type, size and facilities on the ideal boat.

Answering the above questions before getting a boat inspection Annapolis will help avoid spending money inspecting the wrong boat. Your boat inspector in Annapolis should also understand what you want to use the boat for. This will help them determine the suitability of the boat to your needs. In the same light, you have to be clear on what you want to do with the boat.

The above questions will mostly impact the style of boat you end up buying. To zero in on the vessel that is perfect for you, you must think about how you plan on using the boat. Here are some examples of what you might want to do with the boat.

Fishing

If you are interested in fishing, then a boat with a permanent roof will be a good choice. A cabin cruiser or a deck boat may also be a good choice for deep sea fishing. For solo inland or coastal trips, a Jon boat or a skiff could be the best choice.

Water sports

There are many types of watersports. For the family, water skiing or towables will be a lot of fun. The focus here should mostly be on power. You need a vessel with more power. Inboard sports boats will be a good choice.

Multi-use

Do you wish to spend nights on the boat or entertain guests? If you do, you will need a vessel with a cabin. The boat should have enough room to accommodate your guests comfortably.

Overnight trips

It is not uncommon to buy a boat for overnight trips. If you want a boat for weekend getaways, sailing yachts are the best choice. You will need a boat with lots of rooms.

Knowing what you need the boat for is the key to landing on the perfect boat. You should always involve an experienced boat inspector in Annapolis so as not to end up with the wrong type of boat.

Boat Inspection Annapolis