use the surveyor recommended by the broker?

[Kelby]

HI all - Take it as red, i know very little about boats and specifically the engines...(not that i couldnt work it out over time, but very reliant on you good people for advise, what i learn from the net, and the broker)... now we think we have found our ideal boat.. but would you go with a recommended surveyor from the broker!! (Now i'm not stupid as there could well be a vested interest with both parties!) my gut feeling says not to, but what is the worst of two evils - picking a survyor from the yellow pages!!

Also what is the recommened course of action with ensuring the engines & legs are mechnically sound, as i understand the survey doesnt inc this - well in depth enough to provide better guarantees.... (the Boat has done 500Hrs has two 190hp mercruiser 4.3 v6) (Yep i'll have a good look round the engine bay for all the usual signs corrosion, leaks, etc, but thats about all i feel i can reasonably do)

 

[grumpy_o_g]

I'd suggest you put a post on here saying "Can anyone recommend a surveryor for a wooden/GRP bpat in the xxxxx area?" That's after a broef search through previous posts of course.

 

[Bandit]

Their surveyor do not trust report!

If you employ a surveyor, not that exensive he works to your instruction and reports to you. If he is wrong you have within reason, a recourse.

If the survey is not for you the surveyor owes you no duty of care and you have no recourse.

A surveyor will work within reason, to his remit. I could reccomend a surveyor to undertake a survey and to "ignore" certain things?

If you are talking any serous ammount of money you would rather not loose, do not trust a vendors agent or vendors survey report.

A surveyor working for you , does that and generally either proves the boat to be a good un or more than saves his fees in negotiation.

A surveyor will not generally examine the negine more than a cursory glance. I suggest that you also employ an engineer to examine the engine, gearboxes and drives and to attend a sea trial.

 

[Richard10002]

Where are you? Where is the boat? What make/model boat?

With this info someone here can recommend a surveyor, which will be better than a yellow pages punt, and you wont have to be concerned about a connection between the vendor/broker and the surveyor.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Also have a look at the postings on outdrives, reliability and high maintenance costs, great if you are looking for high speed and can afford the service and repair costs when compared to other propulsion methods.

Surveyor must be independent.
Engines and drives must be inspected and tested by a qualified person.
Any sale subject to findings after sea trials and lift out inspections.

 

[Renegade_Master]

People naturally ask the broker if he knows "a good surveyor" quote.

We have a printed list (a copy of which we give to the customer,) of local surveyors names and numbers so they can call all for a price.

 

[Channel Ribs]

I would ask around to see if people have an opinion of the broker, it would be rare and bad business for them to use a surveyor who gave poor advice to buyers.

The engine hours sound low, depending on the kind of boat and the age etc. See if the average engine use matches the broker's description of the boat's history, this will indicate if he is describing the boat well.

Remember that while the broker works for the seller it is the buyer that needs to be happy. Use this to your advantage, get the broker to do the leg work. If you do not trust his usual surveyor for some reason then ask him to draw up a list of alternatives, or ask him to identify a specialist (engineer perhaps) that is more appropriate to the boat and/or your concerns.

 

[Crabman]

Google, IIMS , Have a look in the back of the magazines . Independent every time .

 

[Richard10002]

People naturally ask the broker if he knows "a good surveyor" quote.

We have a printed list (a copy of which we give to the customer,) of local surveyors names and numbers so they can call all for a price.

Not the same as recommending only one surveyor, and eminently honourable!

 

[oceanfroggie]

Not on your nelly would I use a surveyor recommended by a seller or agent. No matter the travel expense I'd suggest using a surveyor from well away from the area the owner and agents are based.