Surveyors-why such vast price differences

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ianainge

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The answer is probably you get what you pay for,but i have quotes from 4 of the most respected surveyors on the South coast, this accolade comes from personnal recommendations as the same names keep poping up and they all advertise every month in MBY magaz azine and from personnal knowledge. the quotes range from £550.00 to £811.00 for a full structual survey , check all electrics and electronics and basically everything you,d expect including running up engines.they are all local to the boat and none include travelling times.The cheapest one which is from possibly the the most respected one also includes a sea trial seperate from my own one and oil samples which the others all charge for extra, if i deline these 2 services he will reduce the price to £481.00,thats £330.00 less than the most expensive, the others are quoting mid £600 with out sea trial or sampling. I should go for the cheapest considering who it is, am i missing something?

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not missing anything.

Like anyone else, surveyors charge what they like, perhaps based on what their customers will stand, or they wouldn't stay in business.

Charge 50% more than the next guy, you'll likely see less punters; but then you need less to make the same profit & can spend more time at home...or sailing.

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Andy is absolutely spot on. Any business will charge the maximum they feal they can get away with in the area in which they operate. And if they get it wrong they fold. Therefore dont assume that the cheapest is not as good or even better than the competition.

Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt ! ! !
 
I wouldn't seek my advice Ian, my track record with surveyors is lamentable! Personal recommendations not from your friendly broker, along with track record, is probably your best bet here.

<hr width=100% size=1>Madoc Yacht Club
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Hello Ian

We had a survey done on our F33 last month - albeit in Glasgow, but done by a world class firm nonetheless. They may have contacts and associates in your area - these firms generally do so. Anyway, I was charged £200 plus vat for the whole job. The boat is LOA 34.6 ft x 11 ft beam. Hope this helps. Cheers. Roy.

Ps. If you want their details, let me know.

<hr width=100% size=1>What does this mean then?
 
Cheaper ones are "Raggies" eh...

And the ones that are all money & no ability are what?? ;o)

<hr width=100% size=1>"I am a bear of very little brain and long words bother me..."
 
Well, I would say that he enjoys his work! Therefore sees no reason to rip people off.

Also if he did 5 boats a week he will get a nice return for something he likes doing!

Actually come to think of it I could do it!

Tom


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"And the ones that are all money & no ability are what??"

Lottery winning "raggies" up-grading to motorboating?

<hr width=100% size=1>Andy M<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by mrloudly on 04/03/2004 15:18 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
Far more important than a £300 difference (which is peanuts compared to the cost of the boat you're buying) is to ensure that the surveyor has loads of experience in the type of boat you're buying. Using a cheap raggie boat surveyor might cost you in the long run if he misses something major
Btw, as well as a hull survey, it might be worth getting a mechanical survey done. I recently used David Shaw at Ebbtide Marine to look at a boat I was thinking of buying and he saved me a packet by identifying that both engines had major probs and needed complete rebuilds

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Yes Alistair

That was them right enough. Also, as you will know, Alistair, they are typical of long established firms in and around the Clyde area - highly professional and competent firm of naval architects and surveyors and do anything from a few metres up to a few hundred thousand tons and all the raggies and plastic ones in between - a proper firm, proper pedigree and fair price too. Perhaps this is the way to go - go for a firm that makes it's 'money' from big jobs rather than from us pleasure boaties?? Sorry for late reply. Roy

<hr width=100% size=1>What does this mean then?
 
Yes, a good firm, i will certainly use them again.
They even did my first boat, which was a 18' Fletcher.

Did you buy the F33 from Stan?
Has it been delivered yet, and where are you keeping it?

Cheers.

Alistair..

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Hi Alistair

Yes we did a deal with them in Jan this year and they took my 2900. We have been at Ardlui for?? this is our 4th year now and the 33 is going in there tomorrow morning. I will be there Tues,Wed, Thurs - Fri night and Saturday. If you are around lets meet up for a yarn?? Cheers for now. Roy

<hr width=100% size=1>What does this mean then?
 
Hope all goes well with the Delivery today.
Yes, well meet on Saturday.
I have sent you a PM.

Cheers

Alistair.



<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://arweb.co.uk/argallery/alistair?&page=1> My Pictures, Look if you want.</A>
 
Roy,
Did the boat arrive ok? And did you get my PM?
See you on Saturday.


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