Help with my first pre purchase survey

[Markhammond]

As this forum has been invaluable so far in my introduction to motor boating, this seemed the right place to get some advice on my first pre purchase survey. I have spoken to or corresponded with several surveyors but have had a real mix of both prices and advice, which has left me stumped on what route to take. Hence posting this thread!

So since I last wrote I've had an offer accepted on a Sealine S29 in the Torquay area. It has done 180 hours and was serviced, anti fouled and anodes replaced last August and has not beed used since. So here are my questions:

- In terms of the cost of a pre purchase survey, the quotes I have had range from £400 to £900 (excluded lifting). Are all pre purchase surveys pretty much the same, or does paying more mean you are getting a more thorough survey?

- I've had mixed views as to whether to get a volvo engineer out at the same time to check over the engines etc. (twin Volvo D3s). Some have said yes, some haven't mentioned it, whilst others have said wait to have a sea trail to establish whether one is needed. What would you recommend or what have you done previously?

- Has anyone used a surveyor in this area they would recommend, or one I should avoid?

As always thank you all for taking the time to respond to these threads, its really appreciated.

 

[rafiki_]

Mark, apologies, but what area area you in? Most surveyors charge by the boat length, and you have quite an unnecessary spread of prices. I paid about £450 for a similar sized boat a few years ago.
I would be very tempted to have an engine technician look at the engines/drives, and to accompany you on the sea trial. I used Tom (Mercuryman) when I was buying my Azi. He was brilliant. Many on here use and recommend VolvoPaul. He also knows what he is doing, and a good survey will pay back many times over.

 

[Markhammond]

Thanks for the quick response. I'm in the London/Kent borders, but the boat is currently moored in Torquay.

And I agree with you on the survey, I'd rather pay a bit more up front to know what I am getting, then save a few quid only to get bitten the first time I take her out to sea.

But I also don't want to get taken for a ride!

 

[volvopaul]

Thanks for the quick response. I'm in the London/Kent borders, but the boat is currently moored in Torquay.

And I agree with you on the survey, I'd rather pay a bit more up front to know what I am getting, then save a few quid only to get bitten the first time I take her out to sea.

But I also don't want to get taken for a ride!

If you want a surveyor that covers Torquay and no silly prices try Nick Vass at omega yachts.

I will let you decide who looks at the green bits.

 

[Markhammond]

Thanks Paul. What do you think about the engine inspection (given the full service history and no hours since the last service)?

Would you go for a survey and sea trail and if anything seemed strange go for a engine inspection, or would you cover this at the same time.

 

[volvopaul]

Thanks Paul. What do you think about the engine inspection (given the full service history and no hours since the last service)?

Would you go for a survey and sea trail and if anything seemed strange go for a engine inspection, or would you cover this at the same time.

Nick will accompany you and the broker or owner on a sea trial, as long as he gets the engine max rpm data and the hull is clean you should see what it's meant to do.

Before you decide search on here and google about the D3 engines, it will bring a lot of negatives up so decide then.

The early D 3 was plagued with stupid problems , I could write on for ages about them. Take a look before you place a deposit on the boat.

180 hours is nothing and it depends where it's done them, if its been used on the rivers or at slow speed for fishing, it the owners just been mean and used it as a displacement boat then that's where the problems start with the turbos.

I'd get searching.

 

[beejay190]

Volvo D3s

I have followed your recent posts with interest and have learnt much from this Forum over the years. Let me share with you my experience of
Volvo D3s and surveys.

In June 2010 I bought a 2005 model Bavaria 29 Sport with twin D3 160s with 170 hours on the clock. I sold it last October 2013 having added 250 engine hours. I planed to take a sabbatical and then seek a smaller boat - but four months in I have already looked (and dismissed) two boats.!

During my ownership the engines ran well- and were most happy or "sang " at 3,300 - 3,500 revs , 23-25knots. Occasionally I had a problem with the starboard engine which would go into limp mode and the LCD would indicate " electrical fault - engine service soon ". I would then press the west facing arrow on the EDC display which would clear the fault and the engine would be fine. I never got to the bottom of what caused this ; I recall one engineer suggesting the cause might be an over sensitive fuel sensor.

I had an engine survey when I bought the boat. The engineer inspected the engine when it was on the berth and during the sea trial lifted the engines hatch and used a heat gun to check engine temps With a brief report I paid £150.

Now when I did the sea trial on my sale the buyers engineer lifted the hatch whilst we were underway and climbed down into the engine bay
and had a good look underneath the engines and general poke around - all whilst I was helming the boat at about 12 knots. I did my best to keep the boat steady and level.

I was very impressed with the engineer and the very detailed report he produced for the buyer who let me have a copy. I was less impressed with the bottom line which estimated that £2,000 of work was required on the engines- of which approx. £900 was the cost of renewing the timing belts on both engines. The Engine Manual advises that they should be changed every 1400 hours - but the advice of the experts is that they should be changed every 6 years [ I actually did a Forum post on this issue about 12 months ago ].

So - sod it - I knocked £2,000 off the sale price and the deal was done. OK it cost me money but I could not fail to be impressed with the work of the buyer's engineer. I believe he charged the buyer £400 for the engine survey / sea trial / report.

So, my advice to you, get a thorough detailed report

BTW throught out the time I owned my Bav I was berthed next to a smart S29 also with D3 160s. The owners had owned it from new and were very pleased with it. They cruised alone and often headed off to the C I.

Good luck with your purchase

 

[Markhammond]

Thank you ever so much for taking the time to respond Beejay.

Looking back over my posts it certainly has been a journey! And this forum, in addition to providing a wealth of information may just have saved my marriage. My poor beleaguered wife is completely fed up of boat related conversations, so this forum has provided a fabulous outlet for my growing enthusiasm!!