Category: Marine Surveyors Annapolis MD

Owning a boat gives you the freedom to sail whenever and wherever you want. However, how much you enjoy will depend on the boat you buy. Choosing the right boat requires that you work closely with marine surveyors Annapolis and create a list of the things you want to do with the boat. In this post, we will be discussing the crucial things you have to do when buying a used boat.

Know what you need the boat for

The first step to finding the perfect boat is knowing the type of boat that you need. This requires that you compile a list of all the things you plan on doing with your boat. Here are the top factors you should consider:

• The number of passengers. How many people will regularly be on board? Will you be hosting your immediate family or even extended family and friends? The answer to this helps decide on boat size.
• Towing. Do you need a boat that you can tow from one point to another? The size of the boat will impact the size of the vehicle you will need for towing.
• Location. Will you be using the boat on large waterways? If yes, you will need a bigger boat that has a deeper hull. A smaller vessel will be okay for smaller waterways.
• Storage. Where do you plan on storing your boat? For larger boats, storing at the marina makes more financial sense. Keep in mind that the size of your boat will impact the cost of storage.

These are the key factors you must consider when deciding on a boat to buy. The best thing is marine surveyors Annapolis will be happy to help you know if the boat you are after is a good fit for you.

Set a budget

Now that you know what you need in a boat, the next step is to set a budget. Be honest with how much you can afford. If you plan on using financing options, make sure you understand the monthly payments. Moreover, you should not just budget for the purchase price. You have to think about maintenance costs. A budget helps focus on the boats you can actually afford.

Get the boat inspected

After narrowing down on the best boats, the next thing you need to do is bring in an experienced marine surveyor for an inspection. Most boats are not as they seem. Some are in dire conditions. It is only with a professional boat inspection that you will be able to understand the precise condition of the vessel you are after. An inspection will also reveal the fair market value of the boat. You can use this information to negotiate a better deal.

Marine Surveyors Annapolis

Whether you are buying your first boat or your tenth, it is fair to say you don’t have the expertise needed to thoroughly inspect it. There are things you will have no knowledge about. That is why when it comes to boat inspections, it is always advised to work with marine surveyors Annapolistrusts. But who should you hire?

Finding competent marine surveyors Annapolis trust is the most important step when buying a boat. This is more so when it comes to used boats. Keep in mind that anyone can call themselves a marine surveyor. This is because no licenses or exams are required for one to qualify. All it takes for one to become a surveyor is a little boating experience, a business card, and someone to believe in them. You don’t want to hire such professionals. So, what can you do to find a great surveyor?

The first thing you should do is make sure the surveyor has been offering boat inspections for years and that marine survey is their primary job. They should have an established website and a long list of references. Having numerous reviews from recent clients will also be a plus.

Another thing you must ensure is that the surveyor has a lot of knowledge about marine surveys in Maryland. They should be familiar with the survey standards and know the National Fire Protection Association standards and the Coast Guard’s Safety requirements.

An important consideration to make before choosing a boat surveyor is to ensure they are familiar with various boat construction standards. They should especially be familiar with the construction of your boat. You can verify this by checking if the surveyor has worked on boats that are similar to yours.

The surveyor must also have a mind for technical details. The best way of confirming this is by asking them for sample survey reports. Go through the report and take note of how the surveyor has written the report. Does he capture every aspect of the boat? Did he include images of the faults he found? Are his recommendations justified? Did they use special equipment during the inspection? The survey report must be detailed and easy to understand.

The best surveyor to work with is the one that is well versed in the industry trends. They should keep abreast with the changes in the industry by reading technical books and attending educational seminars. Doing so will guarantee they are always on top of things and will not miss anything important during the survey.

Don’t hire just any marine surveyor in Annapolis that comes your way. Always take time to research them before committing. Surveyors that come highly recommended are a safe bet.

Marine Surveyors Annapolis