Surveyor Referral? - Ardrossan, Ayrshire

[Chuteman]

Did several searches yet looking for personal experiences(good, bad or indifferent) and/or recommendations for a Surveyor that would cover this area in Scotland.

Pre-Purchase - Production monohull

Thanks in advance!

 

[Deleted member 36384]

MURRAY, CORMACK ASSOCIATES

I would not recommend this Surveyor if other Surveyors are available. I clearly stated my requirements i.e. additional engine survey and valuation for Marine Mortgage.

The engine survey missed a loose engine mount despite a detailed examination of the mounts. The hull had moisture levels taken in the pouring rain, immediately after a lift out and I now understand that this is just about pointless when investigating a hull's moisture content.

The survey initially did not include a valuation and when I asked for one I was asked what price was I prepared to pay. Guess what the valuation was?

I tried to discuss the survey to understand his findings a bit better but it was more or less a one way conversation from me to the surveyor. Blood and stones spring to mind.

In the end I contacted Ian Nicolson (who was not available when I had my survey) and discussed the boat and some findings with him by phone. He clarified a lot of matters.

Ian Nicolson would be my recommendation as a surveyor with vast knowledge and experience as well as being customer focused.

 

[paulrae]

Surveyor - Ardrossan, Ayrshire

Have a look at this post:

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54595

It provides the details of a number of surveyors in the area and comments on some. I have used Ian Nicholson in the past and found him to be very thorough. knowledgeable and helpful. I was an inexperienced buyer and he spent considerable time on the 'phone discussing his report.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[pagoda]

Did several searches yet looking for personal experiences(good, bad or indifferent) and/or recommendations for a Surveyor that would cover this area in Scotland.

Pre-Purchase - Production monohull

Thanks in advance!

I had an indifferent experience with an associate of Paul Jeffe in Largs. He randomly missed several things needing done I have subsequently discovered, condemned various things that were perfectly functional - and padded out the rest with as many caveats as a mainstream lawyer. I have heard good things of Ian Nicolson.

Murray Cormack, I crossed swords with last year with an insurance assesment. He ended up costing me a fair whack in "betterment" for repair work, where I was unaware of any "previous" wear & tear. Not a great experience. He was supposed to be on my side..

In general, surveyors do not appear to investigate much beyond what is EASY to see. Any boat I ever consider purchasing in future -I will walk away from unless I have un-contested access to ALL the recesses- floorboards up etc etc. I would do a damn good inspection myself, and expect to spend most of an entire day doing it. Not just a couple of expensive hours & a report stuffed with generalities and caveats.

Graeme

 

[Ubergeekian]

Ian Nicolson would be my recommendation as a surveyor with vast knowledge and experience as well as being customer focused.

He's definitely the boy. He knows it all, has done it all, wrote the books about it all - and is a really nice guy too. Accept no inferior substitutes.

 

[JayBee]

I could also recommend Richard Schooling:

http://www.strattonandschoolingsurveys.co.uk/

Usual disclaimer.

 

[dje67]

I had an indifferent experience with an associate of Paul Jeffe in Largs. He randomly missed several things needing done I have subsequently discovered, condemned various things that were perfectly functional - and padded out the rest with as many caveats as a mainstream lawyer. [/QUOTE]

Same. I have a sizeable area of wet balsa core to repair. Survey says it was dry... I've bought my own Tramex meter and worked out the full extent myself. Not difficult. Now faced with costs that could have been removed from the offer for the boat at the time I bought her. Also, discussions on boat valuation were less-than-helpful.

Back to the OP's question - sorry don't have an alternative surveyor name, just one that I can't recommend.

 

[maxi77]

I have had good service from Survey One, and understand they are well thought of.

 

[Chuteman]

Thanks to All

Appreciate all the responses & specific comments - very helpful

Ian Nicolson certainly gets a lot of votes

paulrae - thanks for the link- I found it a couple of days ago but when I went back for it could not find

Selling Broker - just offered a name = Mike Hall....and I just discovered he works with Paul Jeffe who had some less than stellar reviews

Again, thanks to all for the help

 

[gardenshed]

First Choice: Jim McIlraith, Survey One

Second Choice: Ian Nicholson

Mike Hall: He's a boat builder, fibreglass repair specialist not a surveyor. A great bloke and knows tons about boats, but for a proper survey professionally done, SurveyOne

 

[rafiki_]

I used Paul Jeffs when I purchased Rafiki. Very thorough. Note Rafiki is a mobo not a raggie.

Paul Jeffs ltd, Largs Yacht Haven 01475 689100

 

[cliff]

First Choice: Jim McIlraith, Survey One

Second Choice: Ian Nicholson

<snip>, but for a proper survey professionally done, SurveyOne

Seconded - Jim McIlraith would be my first choice closely followed in second place by Ian Nicholson

 

[Chuteman]

Current Score

Thanks Again to EVERYONE for their responses & specific comments

Here's the Tally:

Tied for the Lead - each one receiving strong comments & 3 votes each
1) Survey One - Jim McIlrath
2) Ian Nicholson

Also positive vote (one each)
1) Richard Schooling
2) Paul Jeffes

Indifferent / Mixed - several
1) Paul Jeffes

No
Murray, Cormack x 2
Mike Hall - background not work quality

Extremely helpful and I will use all the comments & add'l link provided to make final decision(tomorrow) - hopefully they are available - I'll report on end result.

If anyone else want to add more comments, pls feel free

Appreciated & Fair Winds to All

 

[Spyro]

I was happy with Tom Elder
http://www.teemsurveys.co.uk/

Good price too.

 

[mcanderson]

Survey One

Another vote for Jim at Survey One. He did our pre-purchase survey in 2009 and was very helpful. If you are buying through Sunbird, they where also very helpful and I continue to get in touch with them as a source of info about our Beneteau. Hope this helps.

 

[Chuteman]

Waiting for response

Thanks for add'l comments & votes

mca - I sent e-mail to Jim at Survey One last night to check his availability but have not heard back yet

 

[captainboo]

Surveyor

I was happy with Tom Elder
http://www.teemsurveys.co.uk/

Good price too.

I second this! Great guy!

 

[Chuteman]

Today's Update

Spyro & Cap'tboo - thanks for the teem survey / Tom Elder votes - that has added him to the Top group.

Survey One - I heard back from J. McIlraith - he has been traveling & once he checks his work & schedule - he will update.

If that does not work out - I'll move onto next two options.

Thanks again, the responses have really helped since I do not have the local
knowledge or experience with these surveyors.

 

[iain789]

I used Paul Jeffes when purchasing my boat. Good prompt service, picked up a few things (on a relatively new boat) which would have cost me a bit after purchase. No problems, so would recommend him.

Also used Jim McIlraith (Survey One) a few years ago for an insurance survey on a previous boat. Again good service and thorough survey, and he did notice some things which needed done, and the insurance company later insisted were done, which did cost me some money, but was probably worth it in the long run, so another recommendation.

 

[Chuteman]

Made Choice - Survey Done

Hey All:
Again, appreciate all responses & comments.

After Jim McIlraith was unable to accept(he called to explain his situation & then called back after he tried to fit into schedule without success) due to workload & travel.
I had contacted Tom Elder on Sunday afternoon to see if he had an open slot in his schedule and told him I was waiting for a final word from "another" surveyor.
Prompt response with offer to handle on Weds. So I accepted & it was done this past Weds despite the winds, cold temps & rain/sleet mix.

So another Positive Vote for Tom Elder and Moira who assists.
They communicate effectively & promptly.
Professional & knowledgeable.
Meet their commitments.
Methodical in their review
Offer ideas & suggestions.
I'm awaiting the Final report - so I can comment & answer any questions
once I review.

Final thanks to all