Would you arrange a survey without being there (re: borders are closed)?

[Fore and Aft]

I am just finished surveying a 48 power boat (Corona virus escape pod) here in Queensland today.
It’s definitely way better to have the buyer there during the survey. My idea of worn out might be your idea of just run in and that’s the sort of thing photos cannot portray.
Cheers

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by FreeRide

Thanks everyone for all the rational advice. It’s all good advice and I think we’ll be postponing our offer at this time.

White sands and palm-lined beaches will have to wait.

See you out there some day!

To the first question, yes it is OK to not be there for the survey. I much prefer to be there, but when long distance travel is involved sometimes you can't practically be there.

You really don't want to own a boat in Fla that you can't easily reach during hurricane season.

An option you could consider is to adjust your offer with the seller. Take a portion of your deposit and make it non-refundable. In exchange you get a very long closing period based on covid19 getting under control. That way you lock in the boat for a reasonable cost, while the seller gets paid for taking it off the market. Just a thought.

[FreeRide]

Hey Time2go,

Really appreciate the offer! Very generous of you and another reason why Cruisers Forum is such a great group of people.

This lockdown could extend well into hurricane season. Don’t want to be caught in a situation were we own a boat that we cannot access. Whether or not we can get insurance during these troubled times is another matter altogether. I’ve already had two companies decline to quote until the borders reopen.

In hindsight, the survey is probable the least of our worries at this point.

Thanks again for the kind offer.

[slug]

Originally Posted by Fore and Aft

I am just finished surveying a 48 power boat (Corona virus escape pod) here in Queensland today.
It’s definitely way better to have the buyer there during the survey. My idea of worn out might be your idea of just run in and that’s the sort of thing photos cannot portray.
Cheers

Yes the buyer should be present

If the buyer can’t be present they should contract a buyers representative to prepare and oversee the survey

Have no doubt that many surveyors are simple box checkers

Only the buyer or his representative can ensure a vigorous survey

[letsgetsailing3]

Originally Posted by slug

Yes the buyer should be present

If the buyer can’t be present they should contract a buyers representative to prepare and oversee the survey

Have no doubt that many surveyors are simple box checkers

Only the buyer or his representative can ensure a vigorous survey

Sure. Because paying a broker 3% (or 6%) makes a survey better.


Maybe it's just better to get a reputable surveyor.

[slug]

Or your hire a buyer representative like me

I get it the face of the broker then walk the surveyor thru the project to make sure he is awake

[Sand crab]

I saw that boat when it was listed and it is sweet with lots of newer and/or replaced gear. I'll be the naysayer here (to all the other replies). Buy it but try for a better price of course.

[donradcliffe]

I'm looking out the window at my just purchased RV, which I cannot take anywhere. I was all gung ho to set off on a new adventure, and now I wished I had waited and bought it later and cheaper. At least I'm not paying slip fees.

[radsailor]

I recently purchased a small sloop that was far away and had it surveyed without me being present. I then had it transported to my home port. I wish I had travelled to the survey (Virginia to Texas)as there were a few important things that the surveyor missed. I don't know that I would have seen them, but once the boat arrived and fully set up, I found them. As you say, being with the surveyor can be a great learning experience.

I am happy I purchased the boat as I now can enjoy it, especially during the pandemic. Any boat, even new will have issues, so I say, go for it.

[sail sfbay]

Go ahead and get the survey. I did not attend the survey on my current sailboat. However, the broker attended the survey in my absence. So I would ask the broker to attend since you cannot attend. If the broker cannot attend I would still go ahead with the survey.

[Flatswing]

If you really think this is the boat & you still want to plunk down a chunk of cash in these interesting times, I suggest you modify (or if necessary, cancel & replace) the existing contract to reflect the new international conditions delaying survey until border opens or a specific date if seller prefers (this can be changed again in future). As long as your deposit is in a safe and reputable escrow account, what do you have to lose? Unless the seller has another buyer lined up, all you risk is the loss of interest on your deposit. The seller risks nothing since it is common to still show boats (subject to social distancing presently) prior to survey/sea trial while boats are under contract since many deals fall through, and sellers' brokers like to have other options lined up to bargain with.

[Cheechako]

I'd want to be there. But it's done many times without. A 92 TPI should have shaft drive, at least mine did....I'm surprised someone would convert it from that.
A couple "heads up" items to pass to the surveyor:
-check rudders for water ingress, my '92 was 7 years old and one was waterlogged.
-The vinyl inside the boat for "walls" and headliner cover has foam backing, the foam rots fast. It's a huge and messy job if it hasn't been done. If you pay to have it done it will be 1000's.
I loved my TPI cat! great boat.

[Taipe]

The first thing that comes to mind is what experience you have had with sail drives. I have not had any direct experience what's these, but have read and heard a lot of negative repair issues on this type of drive from owners. I suppose much of the blame points at owner neglect for the required maintenance but then there are many complaints of repair failures as well. Insurance there's enough maintenance to do on a boat without having to deal with a sail drive. Now, I think ordering a survey prior to personally inspecting the book first is just asking for more problems! I would advise you to keep your cool and think things over.

[Taipe]

Apologies for the typos inserted by this darned Android phone (e.g. I didn't say insurance, the phone inserted it). All the best, and I hope you are happy with your decision.

[Sand crab]

The engines and saildrives have 300 hours!