Surveyor won’t go above 6’

[Bmorgan562]

I understand it takes extra effort to get up the mast, potentially even dangerous but that eval could be made from the deck if or if not but i’m told that a possible surveyor will not. any thoughts? would anyone absolutely stay clear of this surveyor?

[jt11791]

Most surveyors will not go up the rig at all. They will make what inspection they can from the deck, perhaps with binoculars. This is standard practice in the USA, at least. If you want the rig inspected, you'll need to hire a specialist rigger to go aloft. Also, few people will go up a rig when the boat is on the hard, and many yards prohibit this, so the boat will usually need to be in the water for a rig inspection.

[Calif.Ted]

Most surveyors don't go aloft and a rigger is required for a rigging inspection, my last surveyor was a retired coastie with 50 years experience, no way he's going up. I've not had an inspection prior to purchase because it didn't seen necessary for those vessels. I have had rigging inspections after purchase so anything found can be repaired. If the shrouds need to be reseized (high probablity) it can be done immediately etc. I do know an excellent rigger in Dana Point, and if you have any questions regarding rigging on a particular boat than have a rigging inspection done for your own peace of mind.

[boatpoker]

A thorough rig inspection is best done with the rig on saw horses.

[boatpoker]

A thorough rig inspection is best done with the rig on saw horses.

Go to Marine Survey 101 and scroll down to the rigging photos at the bottom of the article. These are perfect examples of why I insist on the rig coming down for inspection ... unless you want to pay for my life insurance.

[Calif.Ted]

Perhaps, but it would be most unusual to un-step a mast for a pre-purchase inspection here, most boats here will NEVER have the mast down.

[deltaten]

For what our local/yard-approved rigger charges...AND 5-6 mo backlog, I could have the stick pulled before lunch and re-installed after.

[Rumrace]

My surveyor checked the boat on hard had it masted and launched. Found all the faults on land and confirmed they were the whole list on the water. The entire water system sat idle 2 winters with no anti freeze. The motor was winterized fortunately.
I’m sure your surveyor will check your mast just pay the tab.

[steve77]

We have had multiple surveys, both for pre-purchase and for insurance. We have NEVER had the mast removed for this survey. Nor have I heard of anyone else ever having this done.

Some surveyors will happily go up the mast to include the rig for the survey, and some will not. If a surveyor will not ascend mast, then you need to hire a rigging surveyor, and include his price in the cost for a total survey. Just because a surveyor will not climb the mast is not a reason to disqualify him, but it is a consideration.

Cheers!

Steve

[Nahbrown]

I wouldn’t and haven’t paid a surveyor 1000-2000 dollars for one days work and have them not go up the mast.

Here is a great surveyor that went up the mast and crawled through every crevice of our boat

Jonathan Sands - Atlantic Marine Group jons@atlanticmarinegroup.com


Even if he isn’t on the west coast he may know another reliable surveyor out there

[ItDepends]

For large, complicated, expensive boats it is not at all unusual to have three separate surveys done by people with different skill sets. A general condition and valuation survey, a rigging survey, and an engine survey.

If I was selling a boat, I’d not allow the unstepping of the mast. The chance for incidental damage or improper reinstall is WAY too high. Making that a condition of the sale would kill the deal unless there was a very specific rational for doing so. In general, I have found surveyors to be extremely reluctant to disassemble anything for fear of being liable or real or claimed damage.

[wholybee]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

A thorough rig inspection is best done with the rig on saw horses.

Interestingly, when I had a strand break (right at the swage in the usual spot) it was fairly easy to spot while under tension. I could put my fingernail in the gap. With the shroud off the boat, it was impossible to see the problem.

I would have to say that if the most complete inspection is with the rig on the ground, you still really need to inspect it installed before taking it down.

[Fore and Aft]

BMogan562 I have surveyed countless vessels and have never gone up a mast. Most vessels I survey also get a mechanic to inspect the engine and rigger to inspect the rig. Main reason is I am not a qualified rigger or mechanic and would find it impossible to be insured to give a professional opinion on these items. Sure I can give you a rough idea on there condition. But you are way better of using someone who specialises in rigging or engines and is working with them every day.
Besides like BoatPoker says there are some rigs no amount of money would be enough for me to be hoisted up the mast. The other issue is who hoists the marine surveyor up the mast? I have been up enough masts to know there is a very short list of people I trust to raise and lower me.
I have never seen a rig removed for a pre-purchase survey.
Cheers

[thinwater]

If he won't go up the rig he is not a sailboat surveyor. I have had several done mast-up. I did have to ask around. If he wants to use a rigger, tell him that is his expense and the results must be on his report.


Yes, you can inspect it down, but I've also seen faults that would not be spotted on the ground. And good luck testing the instruments.



ItDepends is also correct.

[Rumrace]

I think the bottom line on surveyors is they are small businesses based on absolute minimal effort maximum income and no liability. Survey the boat yourself. Educate yourself because Surveyors carry no liability and are a product of boardrooms trained to deny your claim. The stuff they miss has ruined lives so don’t bank on any stranger with a couple night courses diplomas with a half million of your hard earned cash. You have to have a survey to get financing or insurance. Frankly the last surveyor i had was the first one I listened to.
A friend just got a 1930’s Chris running. Curtiss V8 open pushrods aircraft engine. Try to find a surveyor not completely full of BS to survey a wood boat. We actually challenged the insurance company to provide us with a surveyor with qualifications. A master carpenter gave him the go ahead. A fella so skilled at restoring wood boats he’s famous just north of Toronto. I watched him put new planks into a 50’s hardtop Chris. Rare model with a matching Dinghy on the roof. I surveyed the Curtiss engine and committed to getting it running. Has copper jacket barrels someone poured oil in them saving the beast.
Plumber Electrician mechanic welder metallurgist painter are all highly educated trained professionals who don’t claim to be experts on the other profession. They all carry liability insurance because they are lawfully accountable for their work and professional ethic. You don’t hire a handyman and get a permit to proceed.
Climb your own mast or gamble.