Buying a boat is possibly the largest financial commitment you will make after purchasing your house. If you are buying a second-hand vessel, there are no guarantees or warranties. The market place is full of brokers and agents paid for and working for the vendor. Your surveyor is your professional, working for you and is there to support you in your investment. Your surveyor is there to look after your interests, offer you impartial advice and help you make an informed decision. He may be able to save you far more than the survey fee. When choosing a surveyor ensure that they are suitably qualified and a member of a recognised surveying body such as the International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS). 

It is recommended that a buyer commissions a survey prior to agreeing the purchase. Buyers should be aware that when buying a second-hand boat (whether via a broker or not), that the Consumer Protection laws such as Sale of Goods Act, do not apply. Instead the common law rule caveat emptor – ‘let the buyer beware’ applies. If a buyer purchases a boat without survey and subsequent defects come to light, they may not have any legal rights. There is, of course, an initial outlay in terms of obtaining a survey report. However, both the time and expense are likely to be justified by savings in the long run.

If the surveyor finds defects with the boat and both parties are using a standard form of agreement for the sale and purchase of a second-hand boat, the finding of ‘material defects’ by the surveyor will mean the parties have three options:

1.      Renegotiate the purchase price;

2.      The vendor carries out the necessary repairs;

3.      The buyer withdraws from the purchase.

Normally ‘material defects’ is one or more defects that amount to 5% or more of the purchase price to repair. Such defects may be of a minor nature or of some complexity. It is strongly recommended that both parties agree what ‘material defects’ might be at the pre-contract stage. 

If your boat has been damaged in any way, a professional opinion will establish the extent of any damage and help ensure that repairs are made satisfactorily. If submitting a claim to an insurance company the insurance company will need to understand the extent of the damage and will pay out against the survey report.

A marine surveyor can help monitor a new build, check the quality of workmanship and that installations fully comply with the specification.

When buying a new boat a surveyor can help safeguard your purchase with a pre-delivery inspection and snagging prior to hand-over.

A professionally qualified surveyor will work to an established code of conduct and should also be covered by professional indemnity insurance.

In the event of a disputed claim with a supplier or repairer, a surveyor can act on your behalf as an expert witness.

A surveyor can also offer other services such as certification for licences and measurements for registration etc.