going rate for surveyor

nobrusk · #1 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008

Greetings to all,

I just found this website and can't get away from it... Couple of days ago, I got the bug and have started to think about purchasing a boat. This will be a year down the road, but I would like to start planning and know what I'm getting myself into.

Aside from the Red Cross certificate I received for taking a sailing class in JR high school and renting a cat in Key West for 1 hour, I don't have a clue about sailing or buying a boat. I plan on taking some sailing classes to learn the basics, but I need some guidance on purchasing a boat.

From reading some of the recommendations, I think Albin Vega would be a good boat to start and grow into. I would like to do day trips and as I gain more experience a week long trip down to coast with my wife.

I would like to get an expert's assessment when looking at a boat, but what do I look for in hiring surveyor? Do they have a certification process? What is the going rate for a surveyor?

How should I plan out the budget? What is the insurance like for a 27' sailboat? Aside from the slip / storage fee, are there anything else?

I'm sorry if my questions are elementary, but I don't want to get over my head.

Thanks,

nobrusk
Alexandria, VA

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008

nobrusk-

It would probably be wise of you to spend some time reading the threads on this forum as most of your questions have been asked and answered countless times before. I'd also recommend you read the post in my signature to help you get the most out of sailnet.

Certain things, like insurance, can vary very widely and will depend on the boat, the intended use, your level of experience, what kind of coverage you want on the boat (ACV vs. Agreed Value), etc.

As for costs, the major costs for owning a boat are the storage/slip fees, maintenance, and insurance. In some areas taxes and registration are also something to be considered.

oceangirl · #3 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008

Survey in Texas is about $600 (inc quickhaul). insurance for $30,000 sailboat local waters(full) is around 150 month but that really varies. Slip fees is around $250-500 depending on marina/ there is also a live aboard fee which ranges around $70-100. If new to boating- just get used to everything being about twice as much as you expect, and expect high, and they'll be no (or fewer) surprises.
Happy sailing, and may your dream come true.
Erika

nobrusk · #4 (**permalink**) 09-18-2008

Oceangirl,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your insight. I will take what you said into account and take a trip down to various marinas to start learning process.

Once again, thank you for helping me start on my journey.

Nobrusk

cardiacpaul · #5 (**permalink**) 09-18-2008

its...
location, location, location.

While there are guidelines, prices differ for insurance differ based on the "water".

to a lesser extent, same for surveyors

Joesaila · #6 (**permalink**) 09-18-2008

I've dealt w only two surveyors. One was a nice guy, brokers liked him. The other guy made em wince and do backflips. I paid both and got an OK boat w the nice guy. But then I started finding all kinds of things he missed. Dead bat, AC probs, dynaplate probs etc. I'll go w the wince/ backflip surveyor next time! Though he talked me out of a 40' Downeaster in about 2 minutes, I know he saved me a lot of expenses. Heres a good tip, don't use broker recommended surveyors.

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 09-18-2008

Generally, when picking a home inspector or surveyor, you want the one that the mere mention of their name makes the broker/realtor wince because of how anally retentive and thorough they are...