Surveyor questions

[david_e]

Not done this before so.....

1 What is the best way to instruct, is it wise to confirm the conversation in writing
2 Are there any particular nuances to watch out for, such as the surveyor being local to the area the brokers operate (old chums etc)
3 Are they paid up front or on receipt of the report
4 How long should a report take to arrive
5 Anything else

Boat is 4 years old.

 

[airbubble]

re:1 surveyor should confirm to you what both of you have agreed upon, in writing, if timespan allows. This document should also mention the surveyors rights (fees - terms of report and payments) and what you get for this.
2; a local is best. Normally the surveyor will act on your interest even if he is recommended by a broker regularly. He can't afford not to nowadays. The whole process normally goes more smoothly if done by locals.
3; I know in the Uk it is common practice to ask for a deposit up front and balance due on receipt of the report. Here on the continent we normally settle the whole thing on receipt of the report
4; by industry standards, again on the continent, report should be available in 5 days after the survey; survey itself must take place within 10 days of provisional sales contract. We always provide written (emailed, digital) shortlist on the day itself, report in your hands within a week.
5 even a boat 4 years old might have seen some difficult situations and/ or might not comply with the latest MCA/Solas reg's. Your underwriters will want a report. Make shure you don't get a postman pat who has owned a boat, but a qualified, certified, recognised professional. No, I am not a YBDSA member, but indeed a Dutch surveyor, working for a UK company.

 

[david_e]

that was quick, thanks, very useful.

 

[tome]

David

Having had my fingers burnt I'd suggest that you seek recommendations or at least ask for a CV and qualifications before selecting/engaging. A good surveyor is worth his fee and works for you and with you. Be there for the survey if at all possible.

1 There are standard survey types on offer (bit like a house)
2 Avoid advice or suggestions on surveyors from the broker like a plague - there really are some dodgy liaisons and I know at least one surveyor who can be persuaded easily, if you get my drift
3 They are usually paid up front because you won't want to pay them once you see their feeble report
4 No more than 4-5 days

Ask this forum for recommendations, stating the type of boat and where she's lying

All in my highly biased opinion of course

 

[jimboaw]

Re: Surveyor questions YBDSA

A follow up from a previous post re surveyors and a tonnage cert for part 1 reg.How many US members does YBDSA have? answer 1.Henry Mustin in Delray Beach FL. Question ? a four year old boat ? ex charter? I assume the survey is required for finance/ins purposes? If you have so little knowledge of boats and their systems then I suggest you should stay ashore.

 

[tome]

Re: Surveyor questions YBDSA

Whoa, steady old steed!

It's a reasonable question and we're supposed to help where we can, not intimidate

 

[david_e]

Re: Staying Ashore

You wouldn't be saying this if you knew SWMBO! I'm sure you mean well in your words but they don't read quite so well, so I may only have Coastal Skipper and two years boat owning experience but I'll continue the 40+ years sailing hobby for the time being.

Thanks, David (aged 47 1/2)

 

[SloopJohnB]

David,
Forgive me if Ive missed it but ensure that survryor is properly accredited. As with any professional advisor you need to be satisfied that there's insurance in the background if you rely on the report to your detriment.
Check report carefully before you pay for it IMHO to check out " .... I was not able to examine X or Y because"
Dont be shy about getting them to explain further and clarify in writing.
Cheers
John

 

[JeremyF]

PC PC

Us Limies have many restrictions to our freedom, as we aren't blessed to have a constitution to guarantee our freedoms, unlike the tolerant, peace-loving US of A

One of our restrictions is the Politically Correct Police Constable that moderates (interesting word to describe the actions of out Fat Controller) this forum. We are not allowed to be rude to others here.

<font color=green>Jeremy Flynn/forums/images/icons/crazy.gif
Dawn Chorus</font color=green>

 

[Iota]

Plus ask how many of type x he has surveyed before and what were common areas of concern. Ask the same question to a few and make your selection. Interview over the phone or face to face if you can to make sure you are comfortable with him/her and their style.

 

[Twister_Ken]

One the 'how many of this type' question, I asked the class association for the names of specialist surveyors. That way I figured the guy ought to know what to look for over and above the standard poke-and-prod tests.

 

[sailbadthesinner]

Re: Surveyor questions YBDSA

Stow that attitude sailor
the guy asked a reasonable question

Beer! Now there's a temporary solution.

 

[airbubble]

Now I happen to think the -how many- issue is not that important and not fair to the younger / newer professionals in this trade. Yes it helps if you've seen one before, but your technical knowledge and general understanding of a yachts requirements should be on such a level that you are able to make a sensible judgement on any yacht. Look at it the other way - Who's going to survey custom built or one-offs then ? Updating your knowledge is a process that you must keep going. When I had to survey my first yacht with a carbon rig i spent days with carbon sparmakers and other specialists to make sure i knew what to llok for. (hence our huge fees....) I knew that day that i probably knew more about the issue than others who had seen tens of carbon rigs before, but definitely enough to make a sound judgement. Same goes for a type of yacht you've never seen before.

 

[david_e]

Re: Surveyor questions YBDSA

Thankyou for your support. Is it possible for you to change your strap line. The problem is that my subconscious takes over and it reads as an instruction which then results into heading towards the fridge, almost in a sleepwalking kind of way, not too bad when I read your posts in the evening but when I'm half cut at 11.00 am.......)

 

[sailbadthesinner]

Re: Surveyor questions YBDSA

You're welcome


is this better?

Here's to alcohol: the source of, and answer to, all of life's problems.

 

[david_e]

Re: Strap line

sorry but this is to heavy on the guilt side and sounds like a sermon (your'e not a member of the merseyside clergy are you?), prefer the other one, at least it's pleasurable

 

[sailbadthesinner]

Re: Strap line

Well funny you should say that
but what was my study at my parents house, the room used to be a chapel. Before we moved in we had to attend a service of deconcecration as the house was home to an archbishop and trainee priests for the merseyside clergy (paddy's wig wam was their hq)
I cannot say that it had a steadying effect on me. i did pass my RE ( divinity it used to be called in the old days)

Now
about this surveyor
you found one yet?
we used one up in the pool when were looking at a boat, alhto it was a few years ago. we decided that the racing was all about knowuing tides and sandbanks. not much fun.


Here's to alcohol: the source of, and answer to, all of life's problems.

 

[david_e]

Re: surveyor

First one is booked up till November am still checking out the rest.

 

[sailbadthesinner]

Re: surveyor

great
how is this?

Now, son, you don't want to drink beer. That's for daddies and kids with fake IDs.

 

[david_e]

Re: strap on\'s

I would say that refreshes the parts.......