Boat Buyer’s Guide
Have you done your research? In the market for a boat?  New boat owner?  Try these tips gleaned from our most experienced surveyors:
1.	How did you locate this boat?  Newspaper ad, friend, word of mouth, yacht broker, online, website, chat room?  Each source comes with its own set of caveats and buyer responsibilities.  Also, a yacht broker may save you more money in the long run.
2.	Would you prefer buying on your own advice or that of a marine surveyor? Is the surveyor experienced and knowledgeable?  Many times a prepurchase survey is well worth the time and expense.
3.	 The boat is or has been commercially successful brand with a respected reputation.  Are you willing to forego a reputation and buy a vaguely known or unknown boat?
4.	 If the boat is hauled out, determine how much you are willing to forego by not having a sea trial.  The following conditions should apply before sea trial exemption:
The boat is designed by a well known and respected designer and built by a reputable boat builder.  The boat is virtually less than a year old and is in pristine or Bristol condition.
5.	How old is acceptable in your search?  How well maintained is the old boat?
6.	How difficult is it to get the boat to your home location?  Must it be trailered? How far? How much will it cost to keep your boat in a nearby reputable marina?  
7.	How much maintenance, repair, upkeep must be done before you sail to your home location?  Remember, the sail home is NOT the trial run.  Must you hire a captain?
8.	How updated are the appurtenances and modifications, including safety equipment on board.  Each comes with its own expense especially if USCG required.
9.	How happy are you?  Above notwithstanding the bottom line is --Did you fall in love with the boat? How willing are you to compromise or are you willing to wait? 
10.	 Will you need a surveyor?  Surveys are not transferable documents for insurance and sale in most cases?  Did you hire your own surveyor, use one broker suggested, or call a friend.  Will the survey be acceptable for insurance or finance post purchase?  Does the surveyor understand the purpose(s) of the survey? An appraisal is NOT a survey.
No boat satisfies every wish, dream or pocketbook. More often than not, an experienced trained surveyor can protect you from making an uninformed decision no matter how thorough the report.  And remember, there’s no such thing as a “seaworthy vessel” except in stories and novels. There are, however, seaworthy vessel masters.  Get involved in boating education classes.
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