Getting the surveyor's best effort.

[k1vsk]

Even a thorough surveyor cannot guarantee he/she will identify every flaw. If a surveyor implies otherwise, find a different one.

Any surveyor is limited in their ability. The one you select needs to have both knowledge and experience on the type of boat being inspected. If he/she has no prior experience with the type boat you are interested in, find one who does.

Oil analysis from a diesel crankcase is meaningless in and of itself. Unless it is routinely done such that one can observe a trend over time, the analysis cannot be interpreted properly. Anyone who suggests a decision be premised on a sinlge analysis is simply misleading you.

[sailingdog]

One other point... A separate RIGGING survey might be a good idea, especially on older boats, which might be close to needing the standing rigging replaced.

[cardiacpaul]

"Oil analysis from a diesel crankcase is meaningless in and of itself. Unless it is routinely done such that one can observe a trend over time, the analysis cannot be interpreted properly. Anyone who suggests a decision be premised on a sinlge analysis is simply misleading you"

Agreed. It has to be done properly. warm the motor, take the sample. A trend would be nice, but not possible on a survey situation.

Its worthless if the oil has just been changed. (had a shop take a sample of two 454's on a go-fast... the monkeys changed the oil and filters THEN did the sample, bless their hearts)

If however its between changed, you can see quite a bit.
Fuel dilution, ash, sodium, carbon.....(all fuel related) copper, tin, lead, chromium... (all bearing related)

for the 20-30.00 it costs, if the motor DOES NOT have fresh oil in it, Its worth it. Heres a sample of whats tested.
Elemental Metals (24) by ICP
Water % by Crackle or FTIR
Viscosity @ 100C (ASTM D445)
Fuel Dilution % by FTIR
Soot % by FTIR

heres a link...
http://www.polarislabs1.com/test-exp...ear-metals.htm

[xort]

Perhaps Wind Magic posed his question poorly.
I am an independant contractor and I know my work can vary based on the cooperation, preparedness and knowledge of my clients.
Perhaps there are absolutely no impediments to doing a perfect survey every time, but I would think there are some small things that can get in the way. I think that might be what he was looking for.

Separately...I've heard some surveys are done with the boat pulled the evening before so the hull can be power washed & aired out a bit and the survey starts first thing next morning with the hull. Then the boat is splashed and the survey continues. Is this SOP?

CP How far in advance are surveys typically scheduled?

Thanks for your input

[Faster]

One other approach that has worked for some people locally in the past is to have an agreement that if something fatal or deal-breaking is found that the survey be aborted (maybe at some cost savings to you)

This requires a surveyor willing to agree to those terms.. many may not since he/she has booked your "time" and won't be able to fill it on the spot. This is reasonable from a business point of view. But it wouldn't hurt to ask.

In reality if such a critical problem cropped up, you may as well call things off there and then; the full survey fee will still be money well spent.

[teshannon]

I once had a "deal breaker" pop up the day before the survey. Since I had already booked the surveyor and he'd be a day without pay if I canceled, I went ahead with the survey anyway. However I did not go ahead with the in-water survey. Things are not usually deal breakers at that point until you see how the seller responds. In this case we were not able to work things out and I walked.

[cardiacpaul]

CP How far in advance are surveys typically scheduled

hot buying season, 2-3 weeks.

[teshannon]

You'll also need to coordinate with the yard for launching schedules for the in-water survey.

[AjariBonten]

I think the pertinent question here, and I'm sure it's been covered elsewhere, is:

"What can the buyer/owner do to make it easiest for the surveyor to do his best work?"

A surveyor is a human being; and being human, he will react to other human beings and situations in semi-predictable manners. No matter how professional he is, it is natural.

Some suggestions:

Be Polite
Be Prepared
COMMUNICATE

On the owners shoulders, I might suggest:

clean up and de-clutter,
make sure all areas are accessible in a reasonable manner


On the buyers shoulders I would place responsibility to:

Be clear as to what you want
Be patient
Be reasonable with your time expectations (you are NOT the ONLY buyer)
Listen and Learn