[wind_magic]

Cardiacpaul, that was an awesome response, thanks so much for taking the time to write it. It is very comforting to know that there is are surveyors out there who take it so seriously, because, like you said, it's important to me the buyer. Really important. That's totally what we buyers want is someone who is really going to figure out what the hell is going on.

I have like zero experience with surveyors, my only experience with something similar is with people who inspect homes for various problems. I've seen the results from some of those home surveys so I know what kind of things they are checking for in a house, but on a boat I don't know if there is a standard you work to, or if it's different with every surveyor, or if there are different levels of surveys depending on what the customer wants, or what. That was part of the reason I was asking the question. It's not that I thought the surveyor would do a poor job, necessarily, though that was in my mind, but more that I don't know what to ask for and how to get a good survey because I've never had one done before. I thought maybe there was like one kind of a survey for insurance purposes and another kind of survey for something else, and I want to get the really good survey that finds everything that could be wrong.

Originally Posted by cardiacpaul

How do you know if you're getting a good one? Ask other owners who they used. Ask your Lender or your insurance company who they use. Certs on a website aren't that big of a deal any more, yes, they have tests and you have to show your work and experience, but to be listed, a "fee" is normally required from the "governing bodies." I don't pay no stinking fees. I won't, I refuse. Want to see my membership cards and cert numbers, sure, here they are, but I don't have to be listed on the site, and many of us aren't.

Ask to see sample surveys over a range of boats. Ask if they specialize. I know a couple of guys that only to powerboats, and a couple more that only do sail. And some that should do neither.

I know it's asking a lot after you wrote such a great response, but, do you have any other suggestions for finding a good surveyor ? It sounds like you are saying that the paper certification isn't so important, and that it's good to ask around and see who other people use. Anything else come to mind ?

For me its a lot better experience for all involved if the potential buyer and the owner are there. I don't care if the broker is there or not.

I hope this is the case for all surveyors, because I would like to be there to see what they find, I'd even like it if they bring me in and show me any issues that they find as they go along. That way I can understand better what the challenges are.

Thanks again for the great response, that really helped me out.