Surveyor Question

[tokalou]

So I'm thinking of looking at a boat that looks to have had a whole new coat of paint above the waterline. My question is, if some quick grinding and filling has occured, or puttying over rot, would most surveyors find it?
Basically, what are the inspection limts of most surveyors. (I've never used a surveyor for my fiberglass boats, but I will on a wooden boat.)

Overall the boat sounds like a good deal, and if the hull and cabin are solid, I will go look at it. But I'm skeptical of a good deal. I also wanted to see what you "experts" thought first.

thanks
-Bill

[pcford]

So I'm thinking of looking at a boat that looks to have had a whole new coat of paint above the waterline. My question is, if some quick grinding and filling has occured, or puttying over rot, would most surveyors find it?
Basically, what are the inspection limts of most surveyors. (I've never used a surveyor for my fiberglass boats, but I will on a wooden boat.)

Overall the boat sounds like a good deal, and if the hull and cabin are solid, I will go look at it. But I'm skeptical of a good deal. I also wanted to see what you "experts" thought first.

thanks
-Bill

They should find it, yes. But let's be frank....a surveyor does not have x-ray vision...even the best miss things.

[Ian McColgin]

Even before you get the survey, spend time yourself. Sniff the closed spaces. A boat with rot will likely have a funkey smell in the bilges, forepeak, lazzarette area or such. Bring along a light rubber or plastic mallet for tapping about. It does not take long to get a rhythm of about 120 taps per minute, nice and light and clear just moving along on wrist wiggle. You'll hear bad spots. Especially tap anywhere there's a corner as, except the hull planking, rot is most likely to start where there's end grain and a seam that can work traping sweet water.

Rot is least likely in the topsides except at the shear plank tight under the gunnels. Look for it more from the inside down in the bilges where the frames turn into the keel. There black peaking out from whatever bilge paint there is could be a bad sign.

There's more to the prospective owner's look-over/survey than just the wood, but that will get you started. How are you on judging mechanicals, rigging, and general equipment?

G'luck

[Lew Barrett]

When you tap her out, the rebound of the hammer is as important as the sounds you get. Not necessary to make smiles in the wood to figure out what's going on. Go gently into that night!

[Eric Hvalsoe]

I think there are logical places a surveyer would look for rot and do some tapping - near the waterline, hood ends, sheer, plank butts. Some surveyors will do more comprehensive tap testing than others - If there is something wierd in the 'middle of the field', and no visual clue, a fella could miss it. And I suppose the bigger the boat the greater the odds a surveyer would miss something. The overall condition of the boat (including a sweet or sour bilge) ought to be a red flag, or not. You know most of this already, don't you Lew? There are surveryors - and then there are surveyers.

[jimmy]

It's very important that you find a god surveyor that knows wooden boats. Depending on where you live, that might be hard. Even better would be to find somebody who owns a old wooden boat to look at her with you first. My surveyor, who was recommended by several people missed rot, and structural problems, both of which weren't hidden. He even missed a hole in the boat (thru-hull below the waterline without a valve where the hose had come off). The boat would have sank if put back in the water after he surveyed it. A survey isn't a guarantee, be care.
James

[Lew Barrett]

Yes Eric, indeed. It's important to find a good surveyor. As you say, there are surveyors and surveyors. A little research up front pays good dividends at the tail end.
I used to think I could do self surveys but I've been disabused of that notion. I overlook too much stuff; it's way too easy to do that.

[hm0316]

A true survey ordianarily doesn't happen until after you have reached terms on the boat. Most owners/broakers will not haul a boat for a survey unless they know you are serious and they have an offer in hand. By like token, you may not want to spend the money for a survey until you know for sure what the price is.

One suggestion is to have a surveyor do a preliminary "inspection" of the boat. This could be done with the boat in the water and would not be as exhastive as a survey. If the boat is some distance away it is well worth it to avoid the hassle of having to travel to look at a boat. An experieinced boat person can tell you just by looking at the boat if the shear is fair, if it is missing critical parts etc.

I have spent a fair amount of time tapping on boats and poking them with ice picks and have never been able to tell very much. Professional help is important.

If you post the location of the boat on this web site, you should get some suggestions for surveyors. I have done that with good results. hm0316

[Lew Barrett]

Elaborating briefly on hm's point. It's a good idea to go with a friend who has experience in these things if you don't have any yourself.

You're wise to be skeptical of too good a deal. There's no reason to shy away from a good/fair deal, you just need to know what one is when you stumble across it.

[tokalou]

Thanks for all the advice. I do plan on looking her over pretty closely before paying for a survey. Also to make sure it's the "right" boat.
All I have to do is convince my wife....
-Bill

[hm0316]

Concerning your spouse, it may help if you let her pick the name and the color. Good luck. hm0316