Reputable Marine Surveyor?

randywusa · Posted: Mon May 24, 2021 7:56 pm Post subject: Reputable Marine Surveyor?

Greetings,
I am a new member, in the process of purchasing my first C-Dory. I live in Michigan and the boat is in Florida, heading there this weekend to take a good look. Does anyone know of a good Marine Surveyor in Northern Florida? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

garyf · Posted: Tue May 25, 2021 3:25 am Post subject: Re: Reputable Marine Surveyor?

kaelc · Posted: Tue May 25, 2021 10:01 am Post subject:

If it’s anywhere near Eastpoint I would see if Marc at Wefings marine could do an inspection. I’ve found surveyors to be useless at finding deficiencies and marginal about documenting what is on a boat and placing a value on it.

bobjarrard · Posted: Tue May 25, 2021 10:29 am Post subject: Not flaming you but.............

Just a a thought but when we start our hunt with an implied negative ("Honest used car dealer?") I always wonder what all the great marine surveyors are thinking when they read the words "Looking for a reputable marine surveyor"). I have bought many boats, some with a survey, some without. If needed for insurance purposes, do your own listed statement of value and ask the surveyor to confirm your numbers. What is a rusty old non-Bruce Bruce type anchor worth? Who knows!!! Buy a tap hammer, a moisture tester, take samples of all engine fluids (send them to Blackstone - only $25 a test or less in bulk), have a marine mechanic come take a look and go along on a long test ride, and don't expect a 1998 C-Dory for $23,000 to be perfect. On boats, sails and motors are consumables along with electronics, cushions, anything you use for a toilet, stoves/heaters, bottom paint and even gel coat (not counting blisters). No sealant is watertight forever and chrome rusts over time. Phil Bolger used to share that we spend too much to get too little and then spend even more trying to keep the too little in perfect shape. Sounds like what my doctor says about me!!! If you buy a boat fairly close to Boulder City, Nevada, I will come over and help you look over a boat/trailer. I will buy lunch. Likely two old heads are better than none but not by much. See ya. Bob Jarrard

thataway · Posted: Tue May 25, 2021 11:07 am Post subject:

From Pensacola (Western edge) to Jacksonville, (Eastern edge) it is about 360 miles. I can give you a reference in the Pensacola area.

randywusa · Posted: Tue May 25, 2021 3:12 pm Post subject: Thanks all of you who responded

I am looking at the 25 Cruiser in St. Augustine. Will be driving down from Michigan, leaving Thursday after work. So anyone in that area would be extremely helpful.

randywusa

I am in that exact descriptive situation, I know that 25 has some issues, including low compression in two cylinders. Judging from the pictures provided the previous owner rode her hard and put her away wet. I know there is a spongy floor around the rear deck hatches, all the electronics seem to be working and the interior and hulk need a lot of lovin. If that is all their is, then the price of admission to your group seems more than justified. However, if it is more than advertised, which I intend to find out this upcoming weekend, as my wife and I will driving down from Michigan, leaving Thursday after work to check out the boat. Even though the price of the boat seems good for the work I know about that needs to be done, I would feel better if I could ascertain if there were no other surprises. That is why I would love to find a marine surveyor in the St. Augustine area. I am two years from retirement and do hope to get out west to do some exploring in the lakes and rivers out there, so we could hook up. Thanks again to everyone who responded and Doctor Bob, I am planning to install a lot of the upgrades to did to Thataway, I haven't even met you and I already will miss the fact that you are leaving active boating.
Thanks, Randy

thataway · Posted: Tue May 25, 2021 9:33 pm Post subject: