[hamiam]

In my experience a survey is not a choice; it is a necessity on many levels. I don''t know of any insurance company, for example, that will insure a boat without a survey. Also, boats are frought with problems. A survey will find these out and will give you a much better bargaining position with the seller. Although the names escape me, surveyors all belong to one or more national organizations. If you hop onto a search engine and search for marine surveyor in North Carolina. I had my 34'' sailboat surveyed in Maryland last year and I think it cost me $600. Good luck.