Engine survey

[fiestaMojo]

I have put an offer in on a 1981 Hunter 33C; after 1 and 1/2 rounds of the offer-counteroffer dance my offer has been accepted. I have the surveyor scheduled. . . I'm wondering about an engine surveyor - can anyone out there recommend a good one in the Cape Cod area? The guy I have scheduled to do the general survey has someone, I don't have a name, who charges $92.50/hr - is this reasonable? I'm looking at almost $1000 for the whole shebang, I know how important it is, but that's a lot of money (if the survey turns out ng, it's gone). . .

[bljones]

$1000 for the engine survey, or the general survey as well? The hourly rate sounds right, comparable to the shop rate for a decent marine mechanic, but if you're figuring ten hours of labour for an engine survey, that seems high.

[fiestaMojo]

the $1000 is the total for both the general and the engine surveys. . .

[kd3pc]

diesel engine survey should only be an hour or so, unless he has NO experience with the engine in view. Else may be two hours or so.

Small, non turbo diesel should be almost a no brainer...runs, runs up to spec and at speed, no unusual smoke/vapor/sheen, no leaks, good water flow. Check belts, hoses, strainers. Check the logs for last oil/filter/fuel filter/impeller change. Then mounts, flanges and pans.

Hourly rate is a bit higher than here on the bay, but certainly not out there.

Best of luck