Worth getting a surveyor before purchase for this boat?

[nusharker]

Hi all,

I'm thinking about purchasing my first used boat and curious if you think I should get a surveyor for the boat below. The only reason I'm hesitant is that I've been quoted around $400-$700 to get it done even though the boat seems like it's pretty clean, straightforward, and the asking price is (IMO but let me know if you disagree) reasonable.

Thanks in advance and posting and pics below:
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Here to sell my custom center console. The hull was built in 2004 by custom builders in Wisconsin, designed by Tracy O’Brien. The hull is made of 5/8” marine plywood, stitch and glue construction, with fiberglass and foam fill. This boat is solid and been very well taken care of. I bought the boat last year and put almost everything you need to fish the bay and ocean on it. The reason I’m selling is that I just upgraded to a Parker. When I bought the boat it had:

- 2004 Honda BF150a which now has 270 hrs on it.

-Bennett trim tabs

-simrad go7 all-in-one

- Scotty hand crank downriggers

since I’ve I gotten it I’ve put on:

- custom stainless railing with 4 rod holders

- 90 qt cooler with deck mounts and cushion

-20 gallon removable livewell with 500 gph transom mounted pump

- new 1500# jack and winch

- 20 mile radio

- freshly painted and rewired trailer

the outboard is in perfect running condition. Last month I changed out thermostats, oil and plugs. Bought the parts to do the impeller next but haven’t gotten to it. It’s not due but always to get it done earlier than it’s needed. All the work on this boat I’ve done myself and I’ve been proud to fish this boat From oyster all the way to W buoy.

Asking for $10,000 OBO

 

[Reel 007]

Any boat that's glass over ply should be surveyed for at minimum water intrusion.

 

[mullet]

Iv'e got almost 700 hrs on my honda and it's still got all the paint on the prop . Unless he's been running up on the beach with it I'd question the hours .

 

[mike mitchell]

If you are unsure about the purchase do the research one step at a time. The single most expensive item is the motor, so find a shop that will do a check for you. Engine, controls, gauges etc. . . Then go from there. If the engine is good then find a wood boat expert. Think about calling the builder and find out if they have had any problems with the hull and where to find areas of concern. Good Luck !

 

[nusharker]

All good advice! My only concern is that this is a (seemingly) pretty clean boat for a reasonable price that might go fast.

Think $10K is a decent deal assuming engine and hull check out? Not sure how to value custom hulls...

 

[charliecat]

Bottom paint on a wood boat... well worth a mechanic running a diagnostic and a surveyor poking around. In my opinion.
Good Luck!

 

[mike mitchell]

You and the seller can agree to purchase subject to inspection/ survey. Don't feel like you got to get it or it will be gone, Do the research unless you want to piss away your money.

Take it for a test run first.

 

[SSUfish]

I'm in the market for a new boat as well and wouldn't consider the purchase without a survey. Just like a home inspection on a new to you home, you're looking to that person with experience to check things out that you may not know about or even think to look at. I've always made my position known about wanting to get a survey before I agree to see a boat, and I have never had any push-back.

Most friends I've talked with who own boats acknowledge that it's OK to ask for a test ride as well as a survey. It's just like taking a car for a test drive and then to a mechanic. So I agree with the above, unless you can afford to take a $10k hit, it's worth it to ask for one after you look at the boat and still want to move forward. If the seller refuses, consider yourself lucky and walk away.

 

[wils]

pay for the fuel and parking for a sea trial.

 

[plj46]

That's a nice boat for 10k if there's nothing wrong with it.Just from the pictures it doesn't look neglected,abused or damaged.

 

[pacificscout]

Non galvanized trailer it seems.
Very unique and pretty. Bait tank looks like it might be heavy when in use.
What holds it up when your smacking waves? Anchor points for it.
Looks elevated.
Very nice if it pans out.

 

[nusharker]

thanks a ton for the advice guys! I think the next steps will be to quickly see it in person (not far from my house) and if all looks well, get a survey and test run.

 

[crawdadguy]

at least take it to a honda shop and hook it up to the computer...they will tell you hours, hours at different rpm's compression test look at lower end oil. I did that w/ my boat that has a 2006 Honda 150

 

[sickcat]

Stringari copy?

Important to find a surveyor with experience with glass/ply boats. While there are plenty of good surveyors out there the most important thing with the hull is water intrusion. A surveyor without experience with that type hull is of minimal value. Getting the engine checked out is a given