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
