Out the Water surveys

[alandav123]

Hi all, I have been offered the chance to have my 32ft MVF out and cradled march next year for a repaint, do whats needed, antifouled, etc and also will have a survey done which I did not do whan I bought her in march this year.

Here is my question, should I do as much as I can in terms of refitting nav lights, VHF, auto steering system, interior lights etc etc BEFORE the survey is done.

She is almost a bare boat just now with only engine starting wiring ( alternator to be re fitted) but no other electrics. Engine, drive train, steering system etc are all fine.

I have never had a boat surveyed before but I hear that its normal to put a valuation on the vessel at survey time which is not really going to reflect the vessels value in bare boat condition PLUS once electrical works/ self steer/VHF/ etc are all completed the value will be quite different.

OR Is it perfectly acceptable to have a value estimated at survey time then add on the after survey work valuation fairly later on?

Regards Alan

 

[duncan99210]

What do you want a valuation for? The only reason for having a survey done at this point in your ownership that I can see is if your insurance company have insisted on one. They will not be interested in the value of the vessel but in its condition in relation to the risk you've asked them to cover, so any work you do in along the lines of what you've talked about will not make any difference to the outcome of the survey.

 

[johnlilley]

Hi there
speaking personally a survey is not a pass or a fail like an MOT, so lights & electrics etc. that are not yet fitted have no major impact upon the outcome of the survey. The survey will just state that the vessel is in the process of a refit or repair & note the stage at which it is presently at. Any faulty structure will be noted and advised upon individually.

The report would suggest what needs doing before the vessel is commissioned & advise that those outstanding works are completed to a professional standard. In the case of electrical systems & ancillaries the insurers will usually accept the owner's word that these have been done. If there is a subsequent problem because these were not done as the owner stated, then the insurers have the option to refuse liability on the grounds that they were not completed or not undertaken to a good standard.

Re-inspection is occasionally requested by the company in the case of major overhaul of the vessel or rebuild if the first survey is done when a lot of the structure of the vessel is missing or not completed to make sure that work is to an acceptable standard & the boat is suitable for its use. However this is quite rare as most refitting is not as major as that.

With regard to value. an estimated finished value along with the current value can be given in most cases, although the insurers might require a final valuation inspection when finished if there is a considerable difference in the two values. I would opt for a survey before completion as (unless you are very aware of her total condition) it is easier to correct something now that might be heartbreaking to find after a considerable amount of work that may have to be partially undone.

Hope that helps a bit.



John Lilley
.

 

[minkysailing]

Alandav123,

I think you first need to ask yourself why you wish to have a survey? Prior to purchase you decided to proceed without a survey and with a potential refit scheduled for March why now?

You are correct in that a valuation will look at the vessel in her current state and assess a current market value, so if a valuation is required then this would best be delayed until after the refit.

If the hull and structure of the vessel are of concern to you then a structural survey prior to refit is logical.

Best of luck with the refit.

 

[Seajet]

Alandav123,

be aware that there are all sorts of different grades of survey, ranging from a basic 'is it seaworthy ?' for insurance cover, through to full in depth checking everything.

I'd think you'd want - if anything - a basic structural survey to make sure you don't get caught by anything nasty ?

Surveyors are usually flexible and will do as little or as much as you ask; and their prices vary wildly, shop around and ask at clubs or yards re. reputations !

 

[Crabman]

Alandav123,

be aware that there are all sorts of different grades of survey, ranging from a basic 'is it seaworthy ?' for insurance cover, through to full in depth checking everything.

I'd think you'd want - if anything - a basic structural survey to make sure you don't get caught by anything nasty ?

Surveyors are usually flexible and will do as little or as much as you ask; and their prices vary wildly, shop around and ask at clubs or yards re. reputations !

+ 1

 

[alandav123]

Hi all

Quite a mixed bag there, Duncan there is absolutely no need for a survey, I bought the vessel and sailed it back to my home port no worries. Luckily the boats history was well known to all the harbour users and everything that the seller told me was born out by locals etc. So no recent survey there.
The seller was having to sell up quick to start up a new business although half way through the deal he sold a property and almost pulled out of the boat deal, but by that time my family had been sailing in her and we all really liked her.
However that leaves me with a boat potentially worth perhaps quite a bit.... but I am unable to insure her for a specific amount as " no survey = no insurance" I have opted for basic boat liability covering 3rd parties only for the time being.
I would like to insure her properly therefor I need a survey, seems pretty obvious and straight forward to me.
The other poster got the idea, am I better to hold off until survey... in case works need done that may require me un-doing anything recently done and having to do it twice.

I would really like to get her out to change the heads sea cocks, recaulk if needed, replank any bits if needed, clean her, anti foul her, fit anodes if needed, clean prop etc

Also through contacts.... I can get a proper survey done at a good price from a highly respected boat surveyor.... so it would be complete madness not to get one done. Also if I am ever going to sell her I need an impartial valuation to establish fair value. Easy peasie really.......

Regards Alan
Primrose MVF

 

[ostell]

Did a similar thing last year. Bought a boat that needed a lot (a lot!) of work. First survey was for condition of the hull etc. When refitting was complete, following his advice, surveyor came back and resurveyed and re valued the boat at almost twice what we paid and now insured for this amount.

 

[alandav123]

now were talking

Hi Ostell, now were are cooking with gas.....exactly what I was on about..well done at getting the higher valuation.

Regards Alan