BOAT = break out another thousand :mrgreen:
Insurer will require a survey to bind a policy. Most lenders will require one if they're saavy at all on boats. If you're buying cash you will still need one for insurance.
A good surveyor (a lot aren't worth a crap, a good referal here is highly recommended) will find things the average boat owner would not. They know what to look for, and they have an extensive checklist they go thru, something most of us aren't organized or preplanned enough to have. I find things a surveyor doesn't because I've owned so many boats, old, new, sail, power, and I've built and repaired them, so I know what to look for. The average boat owner just maintains their vessel and uses it. And unless you've dealth with the 'bad and ugly', you're not aware of what you should be looking for. They may also be aware of common issues with certain styles or brands, and will know to pay special attention to what those may be. Of late, user forums are invaluble for common issues with a certain brand or model. Ah, the advent of the internet!!!
My expertise is greater on wooden boats, so I would be hiring a surveyor for any glass boat, they would know what to be looking for in that medium. Blisters, moisture, delamination, poor layup, flexing, etc.
It's not unusual to use a different guy for the motor, or maybe even a surveyor will exclude it, and defer you to a qualified outboard technician. Here's another area that I would defer to, especially if it has a computer control, and so they can check for hours, maintenance, trouble-codes, etc.
If you're buying anything more than a couple of years old you need a surveyor for your own protection. Otherwise you assume all responsibility for any shortcomings. Plus, as mentioned, if there are descrepancies or recommendations noted, they are a bargaining tool on the final selling price. All offers should be 'subject to' a satisfactory survey and sea trials. That way if it turns out to be not what you expected you can back out of the deal and get your money back. Its a shame to hear the buying is expeirence was poor with a broker, they are supposed to assist in the process much like a real estate agent would on real property. And they act as a buffer between buyer and seller.
Unfortunately, I have paid for surveys, and read surveys, where it was obvious the surveyor was not that familiar with what's common for a certain type of vessel. For a modern outboard boat, that should not be an issue.
