Any recommendations for boat surveyor in South/Central Florida?

[joelhemington]

Originally Posted by pianopraze

All I'm getting is voicemails. Very frustrating.

Ok, noob question here. TwoCanSail says they are buyers brokers, does this mean they are like real estate agents, you have a broker for the buyer and the seller and the commission is split between the two?

Not real happy with the seller's broker. He's said a couple things that were not bad or wrong... just rubbed me wrong way.

"not going to do full sea trial just up and down canal" or something similar... like trying to over control normal selling process I've learned about from reading and from this forum.

Edit to add, just sent me contract wanted me to sign it. Haven't even looked at the boat yet. It's a bit more pressure than I like. Replied with a thank you and won't sign anything until I look at boat and won't buy without a survey.

Don't expect anything special from a broker on a $25.000 sailboat. He's not going to make much even if he sells the boat. It sounds like he might be in danger of losing the listing as there have already been several price drops with no action. I'd wait for Bannister, but inspect the boat myself in the meantime and make an offer contingent upon his final survey in a month. A 10% deposit should lock it down until Bannister can get there. My main concern would be the hull. If it's had a series of blisters (due to Osmosis) it's likely to have ongoing issues with this. It means that the hull was not laid up properly during construction - maybe not enough epoxy or the wrong mix of materials. Given that this boat is over 50 years old, what you're buying is the hull since a lot of the rest it will be changed out by the time you reach the PI.

[MicHughV]

yah, typically boat commission is 10%.....so on a $25,000 boat....this is $2,500...if you don't negotiate the price down....the brokerage company will generally take half of this...so that leaves $1,250 for the broker.....and if he has to share this...like it sounds like....this gets split in 2....$625.00...plus some other expenses usually...so he does not put a lot of coin in his pocket...might be lucky to walk away with $500 here...and he has to drive to the boat, show the boat, arrange documents, etc, etc, etc,....he will likely spend a day's worth of time jacking around with you and the boat....so don't expect too much here from him....jacking around with you also means he may not get an opportunity to deal with a possible walk in customer wanted to buy a million dollar boat....it will go to another broker...

But....that is his job....and not your problem....stick to your guns here and don't get bullied.

[pianopraze]

Thank you both for your advice,
Richard

[pianopraze]

Called 4th surveyor, Brian G. Stetler — no answer.

Now waiting on 3 surveyors to call or email me back.

*banging head against wall*

If no answer by Monday I will Call back John Banister Suenos Azules Marine Surveying and Consulting as he was only one who answered and I can actually schedule survey even if it is for 4 weeks from now.

[pianopraze]

Finally got an email from one Surveyer.

Brian Stetler said had no interest in surveying a 43 year old boat in Miami.

*sad face*

[joelhemington]

Originally Posted by pianopraze

Finally got an email from one Surveyer.

Brian Stetler said had no interest in surveying a 43 year old boat in Miami.

*sad face*

I'm rather shocked you found financing for it - usually 20 years is the limit.

[MicHughV]

yah, ever since this C-19 thing, people have been flocking to the water in droves....social distancing at it's best..so surveyors are busy....

ah well, wait for Bannister...your best bet here...you never know...he might be able to squeeze you in.....either way, 4 weeks is not a bad period to wait to get things organized...you could make an appt. with him now, before you've even seen the boat, try to get a jump on things...he also might get a cancellation, you never know...

John was pretty easy to work with, I looked at boats on both sides of the State of Florida and John always went the extra mile..gave a reduced price when I decided to walk away from a boat I didn't like, as he didn't have to write a report...he often drove 4-5 hours one way to meet me somewhere...even drove up to Georgia one time to look at a boat I liked...but he will spend 10-12 hours on a boat, looking into every nook and cranny....he will wear you out....

Get him booked.....if you decide you don't want the boat, just call him and cancel the appt......4 weeks is plenty of notice for him.....you'll like him, he knows his stuff....good guy !!

[pianopraze]

Joel: USAA is awesome.

Mic: I don’t hear back by early tomorrow from the others I will.

Thanks to everyone.,
Richard

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

I don't make it a habit of suggesting anything for anybody...

but, try "Suenos Azules Marine Surveying" this guy is probably the best surveyor I've met, very knowledgeable, throrough, etc, etc...if I had to pick a marine surveyor again, it would be him.

you can look up the phone # online..he is down south, Palm Beach Gardens, but he travels to wherever he is needed.

I second the vote for John Banister of Suenos Azules Marine Surveying and Consulting - Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He did a survey for me in December 2018 of a Cabo Rico PilotHouse 38 and was very, very good. Highly recommended.

[pianopraze]

Thank you Brendan,
Richard

[pianopraze]

John Banister again refused saying he is taking no new business and he's booked 5 weeks out.

[MicHughV]

aaarrrgghhhh....that's a bummer....not sure what to tell you here, you could google " South Florida Marine Surveyors", they list several dozen surveyors, but you might as well throw a dart, but pick one in the Miami area is likely your best bet.

[pianopraze]

Someone on the board PMed me the name of Cecilia Potts, she just emailed me saying she will survey in Miami and will even be in Miami Monday and to call her tomorrow.

A big thank you to the person who PMed me her name.

Thanks again,
Richard

[MicHughV]

A chick marine surveyor......well, why not !!
Will likely do a good job, chicks like to poke their nose into every little thing.
Curious by nature.

Would love to see a response from you after the survey is complete.

[MicHughV]

I looked her up online....interesting read, I think she will do a good job for you.