A high survey/haulout price!?!?

Perithead · #1 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

Well, my survey is in the morning for a Watkins 29 I am excited about it but I just got off of the phone making the last arrangments, the haul out. It is going to be $350 dollars for the haul out and then $465 for the survey. It comes to a total of $850. This is more expensive than I thought it would be.

I first talked to the surveyor last Thursday or so and his price of $465 was pretty high to me. He did however mention that if something comes up and I do not want to buy the boat then he will cut his price in half ($233) because he would not have do any paper ork which he described as half the work. I am thankful for this.

Then just a few minutes ago I spoke with two different boat yards and one was $375 and another was $350 for my particular boat. That seems high to me. Aren't they just going to lift it up for say 10-30 min tops? Geezluise that seems to be expensive.

I know that I should be doing all this but what is there I couldnt really find myself by reading up on doing my own survey of the boat that the surveyor might find that would cost me more than $850. I dont really think the engine counts because he stated that he doesnt do an engine survey but he will check various things out with the engine.

The haulout doesnt have a refund if I choose not to buy the boat..............to bad.

I just hope that there is nothing wrong with the boat because what if I did this to say 3 boats? That would be a total of $1524(quick calculation) down the drain! My, my wouldnt that be horrible...

teshannon · #2 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

Actually that's not out of line and your surveyors offer is a very good one. Surveyors are professionals with a lot of experience and knowledge, that is what you are paying for. The surveyor is in a position to find many things, including significant problems, that you are probably not in a position to find. A good survey will ultimately save you a ton of money by being able to negotiate further with the seller or avoiding a real mess of a boat. I would not even think of doing it myself.
As far as multiple surveys before you buy a boat, I had 3 done before I bought mine. Money well spent as each boat I turned down would ultimately not have suited my needs or cost me a fortune in repairs. It sounds like a horrible scenarion but in the end it's best for you. The only way to minimize that is to do as much due diligence on your own to narrow down your choices.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

Also, it really depends on where you're doing the haulout and surveys... since location will affect price.

As for whether it is worth it... most people would say it is... since a survey can help them avoid owning a nightmare boat, with its very high repair costs, and often can save you at least as much on the cost of your boat, since a survey can be used as a bargaining tool.

teshannon · #4 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

One other thought - if you are going to use the survey to further negotiate the price then you will need the written report finished by the surveyor. You'll also ultimately need it for insurance and financing.

Faster · #5 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

Actually for a 30-45 minute "in the slings" haulout that does seem steep. The surveyor's fees and his offer are quite good indeed. We can haul our 35 footer for an hour scrub for about $150. A $350 haulout fee would apply to setting the boat in the yard and picking it up later for relaunch.

Did the yard understand you were asking for a "half lift" or a "quick lift", with the boat left in the slings?

billangiep · #6 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

If the haulout price included a presure wash (bottom cleaning) then it could have been negotiated with the seller.
Bill,

GySgt · #7 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

Fastbottoms probably knows better, but I can't see a surveyor sounding out the bottom, checking the keel, prop and rudder on 29 foot boat in 30-45 mins.

teshannon · #8 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

I don't think he's going to hanging in the slings, I think he'll be put up on stands.

SimonV · #9 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

I just had my Ericson 39 Surveyed at $16/foot and Haulout in slings $390.
Worth every penny. Survey took 6.5Hrs.

Perithead · #10 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008

Thanks for the replies.

When I spoke with the yard they were aware that it was for a survey and they knew the surveyor so I think that they priced the correct job.

The lift doesnt include a pressure wash, that is $2.25 extra per foot.

About hanging in the slings or being put on stands, that I am not sure about. This is my first survey so I am not familiar with the procedures nor did I ask the surveyor many detailed questions on the phone.

I am not sure how long the surveyor will be inspecting the boat when it is lifted out. My time 10-30 min was a total guess. I am not sure how long it could take a surveyor to check the hull. What about your experiences?