Survey for a $5k boat?

[Razman23]

I am looking at a 1985 Neptune 24 sailboat that lists about $5k. Is it worth the price of hiring a surveyor for this boat?

[PBzeer]

Would depend on how well you know boats and their systems. Basically, on a boat that size, the main concern is the hull, deck and rigging. I would expect minimal electrical or plumbing systems.

[Jotun]

If you plan on not hiring a surveyor, you should at least read through Casey's book, "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat."

I asked a similar question about hiring a surveyor for an inexpensive boat here some time ago and someone responded, it depends on how important your $5K is. Or something to that effect. How important is it?

[sailingdog]

If the deck is delaminating, or there are other major structural issues with the boat, the survey will have paid for itself... In some ways, a survey is just as important on a smaller boat, and usually costs less per foot, due to the simpler systems on a smaller boat.

That said, some surveyors won't bother with a smaller boat...since there isn't enough money in it for them. Given that it is still basically winter, probably the slow season for surveyors, you can probably get a survey done at a reasonable price.

Jotun's suggestion about reading and using the checklists from Don Casey's book is an excellent one.

[pigslo]

The biggest item on that boat to make it worth less than zero is a bad deck. Second item in cost, the rigging, third the sails. My freind just bought a 5,000 dollar boat for 2,000. His arguement in not getting the survey was that if he uses it for 2 years and gives it to the boy scouts he is o.k. with that. At 5,000 you are probably closer to retail value and a survey may keep you from paying 5,000 for a 3,000 dollar boat. If you decide not to get a survey, tap the deck, ask how old the rig is and examine the rig and sails during a sea trial. Minimum... do a sea trial.
pigslo

[BarryL]

Hi Roz,

I bought my first boat, a 1981 Catalina 22, without a survey and it worked out just fine. The boat was simple - outboard engine, nothing complicated on the interior (electrical, plumbing, etc), no thru hulls. The boat was on a trailer so I could inspect everything. The owner ran the out board so I knew that was fine. The sails were less than 10 years old, the deck had no soft spots.

I sailed the boat for a year, did nothing other than paint the keel, and sold it a year later for $500 less than I paid for it.

Barry

[camaraderie]

Roz...If you can get a surveyor locally to take a look at her for a set price and without having to write up a report, but just for advice...that may protect your investment. Let's face it...if you could afford a $10k boat...you'd be looking at one, so the $5K is a big chunk of change for you and you put it all at risk if you don't have the skill to analyze a boat yourself and buy it anyway.

[ianhlnd]

Good advice all, but, no matter what, you may need a written survey to obtain insurance. I'm going back south this fall, and because my last survey was like, 4 years old, I have to get another in order to obtain insurance -from the same company I had last trip-????

[yotphix]

Ian your friend seems very nice!

[Razman23]

Well, here is the story on the boat.

The orginal owner was behind on slip fees. The marina snatched it for non payment of such. So now I am thinking that they are just wanting at least to get back the past due fees and maybe make some change on top of that.

Here is a link to the boat itself. The boat was left alone for quit a while as you can tell. Any comments on said vessel?

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi..._id=43426&url=