How to find inspector for used boat before buying?

Question

I have found a boat to buy and need to hire an inpspector to check out engine and boat .. how do you find this person ... boat is in Port Charlotte, Florida.. how much should i expect to pay.

24 foot deck /catamaran type boat...

first boat so i am lost.. thanks

Answer 1

Give me a call. I am an ex- certified surveyor, and still in the boat business. I am the general manager of a large dealer in Fort Myers, and live in Port Charlotte. I won't steer you wrong. my number is 941-875-1206.

John

Answer 2

That is kind of small for most surveyors, but, If you ask your broker, use someone other than the guy he suggests.  They often find easy surveyors to help sale.  The best surveyor in our area is blackballed by the broker because he finds too much wrong.  He is just the guy the buyer wants on his side. You want the truthful condition of the boat to find a fair price.  Be there at the survey and question things you do not understand or agree with.  He or she will be the only one strictly on your side in the deal.  He may not smile, buy you lunch or call you buddy, but most likely knows more about the boat than the seller and broker combined.

Answer 3

Check the vessel out yourself before haul  out to make sure you are happy with it. Then find a surveyour to do a detailed inspection. Your broker or closest shipyard should be able to recomend one..

Just remember that boats are a hole in the water that you walk past and throw money in

Answer 4

Go online or to your phone book and look up 'marine surveyor' . Make a few calls and see who can come out inspect the boat. Expect to pay by the foot. Prices vary by area. I paid nearly $500 for a 38 ft boat in the San Francisco area.

Answer 5

Here are two different groups that you can contact to find a marine surveyor in your area.

Since 1962, the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) has served the marine survey profession by providing the maritime industry with recognition, highly qualified marine surveyors in three general surveying disciplines: Hull and Machinery, Yachts and Small Craft, and Cargo.

The National Association of Marine Surveyors, Inc.

P.O. Box 9306

Chesapeake, Virginia 23321-9306

Phone: [phone] or 1-757-638-9638

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors has its roots in the International Maritime Technical Institute Conference held in Brunswick, Maine during the latter part of 1986.  Most of the participants expressed a desire to belong to a professional society of Marine Surveyors who would have a different purpose and outlook than found in the existing professional organizations of the day.

The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, Inc.®

International Office

4605 Cardinal Boulevard

Jacksonville, Florida 32210

Toll-Free: 1-800-344-9077

Local: 904-384-1494

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

There is a whole list in the state of Florida on this site:

http://www.marinesurvey.org/index2.html

Happy Boating

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