surveyor recommendations

[russ]

Can anyone recommend a surveyer in the southeast or Thames area.
I would like a full engine/leg and boat survey done on a 24' cruiser with a diesel KAD32.
Looked at Boat Care Yacht Surveys in Hamble and they seem to be thorough enough by looks of their web sight.
A name mentioned on another thread was Paul Homer and is local to me.
Has anyone any knowledge of them or others?
Should I get separate surveyors for engine and boat?

 

[splosh]

Hi Russ, Paul Homer is well known and comes highly recomended. Depends how much you want to spend. Usually a survey in the water and the machinery run up and sea trial conducted will indicate if you need to spend more on a full engine / leg survey. I would start lightly and have a clause if required as to a further engine leg survey at your discretion.
Good luck and what you looking at??

 

[Ripster]

Have a word with Volvopaul on here, particularly for the engine part. Drop him a PM. He did a very good job for me when I wanted a down to earth clear and understandable engine and performance assessment.

 

[russ]

Thanks to you both.
I have contacted Volvo Paul and he could do an engine survey but not the rest of the boat but i guess Paul Homer could do that.Nice to know peoples thoughts as this is all new to me.
Considering an 04 Regal 2465 but still looking for other choices.It seems to fit the bill but its not as good looking as other makes. Its got the cabin head room and larger than expected bed area.Also seems well built compared to the Bayliner i have seen and low hours.
I had a couple of !!! on one thread when i mentioned this type of boat was to used on the river, not sure why?
It is to be used at sea once I have built my confidence up and taken the power boat courses.
If I do purchase now though it wont be used until the start of spring so am not sure whether to wait or just go for it.

 

[gjgm]

Might be worth seeing when the engine and leg were last serviced, as maybe it will make more sense to service than survey, if you can reach agreement with the seller beforehand. There isnt any reason anything should be wrong, though of course its expensive if something is afoot.
I d also have a think about a full survey on the boat itself. Many of the items you are going to use yourself every time you use the boat, so do you want to pay someone to check that? You may not be an expert in hull construction, but you can probabaly work out if the shower pump,works, windows leak,wipers are ok, cracks around any cleats etc... The surveyor will charge you for what he has to examine, so you can define what it is you want him to check, and be billed accordingly.
In fact, I d suggest going over the boat yourself anyway... its the best way to get an idea of how well looked after it is first hand.

 

[russ]

Am I correct that the fee to take the boat out of the water is down to me and if there is a major problem with the boat I do not get any costs back if the purchase does not go through?

 

[splosh]

Yes, correct - usually pay to take the boat out of the water and if major probs = no refund. But, it depends whom you are dealing with. If they really want to sell the boat and are confident it will get a green light for the survey - then you may get the lift out foc. If this is a stock boat then most dealers have already had a survey concluded for their stocking loan. Simply negotiate the best you can - it's your money and good luck.

 

[aviator]

Paul Homer did a survey job for me regarding a warranty repair by the manufacturer and always seemed thorough and trustworthy. You always wonder about conflicts since these guys must also work for the manufacturers from time to time.

The right move to employ a surveyor for your jobbie IMHO!

 

[Ripster]

If the boat is in the water, you can do a LOT of checking round and much of the survey whilst she is in. Its down to you and its very much your survey. Be there at the time and be part of it. Surveyors will not necessarily thank you, but you are the client! Therefore get everything you can do done in the water before you pay lift fees etc. If a major comes up beforehand, you may want to pull the plug before the lift even happens! This happened to me - bad engines - too much wrong even before we looked below the water line!

Good competent surveys and engine checks can pay for themselves several times... do a thorough job!! Once you say yes and accept the boat... thats it! Buyer beware!

Just my twopenneth....