Do you want to Buy a Boat?
The buyers's best friend when it comes to inspecting and evaluating the condition and seaworthiness of a boat is a competent marine surveyor.
He will be well versed in boat construction as well as safety and manufacturing laws and their requirements and practices.
Don't use a surveyor recommended by the seller or rely upon a survey report provided by the owner. It could pre-date existing conditions that need repair or gloss over problems that are expensive to fix or are even downright dangerous.
Boats should be surveyed both in and out of the water. Haul-out and other fees are at the buyer's expense. Engines should also be inspected by an independant marine mechanic.
Follow up the survey inspection with a sea trial to see how the boat handles underway. Are there performance problems that make the boat unstable? Does all the gear work properly? All electronic equipment should be tested for accuracy.
Surveys and sea trials that turn up flaws or problems can either allow you to back out of the contract without penalty (as long as the sales agreement or contract states this) or can be used to renegotiate the purchase price of the boat.
For a legally binding standard sales agreement or contract visit www.rya.org.uk and follow the buying a boat information.