Would you fork out on a survey...

[lisilou]

on a year old Oceanmaster 630 wa? A friend is buying one and is thinking that perhaps the expense is not necessary in this instance and maybe a decent engineer will suffice.
Any advice on this and the boat in general would be appreciated.
Many thanks,
L

 

[jfm]

on a year old Oceanmaster 630 wa? A friend is buying one and is thinking that perhaps the expense is not necessary in this instance and maybe a decent engineer will suffice.
Any advice on this and the boat in general would be appreciated.
Many thanks,
L

No I wouldn't get a survey on a boat that size. Easy enough to lift the lids and check it yourself. For someone who doesn't have much familiarity with outboards it would be nice to have that checked but if it is one of the big brands and has no signs of damage and low hours it is 99.99% certain to be fine

 

[Nick_H]

If the boat represents his or her life savings then maybe get a survey, but otherwise I agree, take the slight risk. Is the 630 an outboard boat? If so, the engine should still be under warranty so just get him to check the service routine has been complied with so the warranty is valid.

 

[neale]

Depends if the buyer knows enough to spot a potential lemon. Also depends if the sums involved are significant to them or merely pocket money. The boat may be a year old but it could have been wrecked and repaired, or even sunk and tarted up. Personally I probably wouldn't bother, but I can certainly see a situation where someone else might want to.

 

[dpb]

Personally, no.
But that doesn't make it the right answer.
Prior to my current boat we had over 20years owning various trailer boats so would now rely on that experience to get me by.
The right answer for your friend I suppose would depend on their experience and knowledge, the availability of someone suitable for impartial advise and who the boat is being bought from and what is known about it.

 

[lisilou]

Thanks chaps for your help.
Nick H...yes it's an o/b with 4 years left on engine warranty and a 2 year boat warranty. Must say, it looks great fun.
L

 

[gjgm]

A basic survey isnt going to check the o/b anyway...so you are getting someone to look over a few metres of grp !
Any problem would probably have gone back to the dealer for remedy during the first year, so you could always ask...Yes, it could have fallen off a crane or sunk etc etc...but...