Bit odd?
I guess it's a bit odd to want different surveying standards on a boat depending on if purchasing or a C&V........Think about it - How can I put a value on a boat if I don't know what condition it is in and its asociated level of risk for an insurance claim (including sinking, fire and death)? I have to cover myself because lawsuits result from taking double standard approach such as this.
I survey a boat for the same price regardless of what it's for (purchase or C&V). Nor do I conduct 'different' surveys depending on the circumstances.....you get a full bore in depth evaluation survey and walk away with quite a bit of info on your boat (with in reason). Would you expect two standards from a Doctor? Lawyer? Home builder? Car mechanic? Teacher? Hmmm....think it over ....Hey, just do a partial oil change, glance at the ignition and disregard the "Check Engine" light, I know they are all fine, I've owned the car for 10 years. Thanks! Boats degrade and things break especially on older boats.
I can't begin to tell you what I find on boats that have been 'meticulously maintained since new by same owner' and 'in bristol condition by last surveyor'. We can all learn something and nobody is perfect when it comes to boats - myself included. Sometimes an outside, unbiased objective eye is a good thing.
Also, keep in mind, many boat owners do not have a clue as to fire extinguishers, excersizing sea cocks, Type IV devices, exhaust leaks, maintaining batteries, etc. They must be looked after especially close by folks such as myself. I certainly don't need the USCG on my back either.
It's amazing that people want to skimp on an engine inspection, rig look-see or a full survey (even on a purchase!). Granted, if for insurance, it may not all be necessary, but I don't want my name associated with an engine failure, rig topple, vessel sinking, or worse yet, an injury or death. Surveyors are supposed to operate under a legal term called "Due dilligence" - unfortunately many can't even spell it. As a reult, I require an engine start/stop/run, a deck level rig inspection (minimum), operate all sea cocks (amazing how many don't work or are in failure mode), all safety gear is taken out and thouroughly inspected, electrical system gets a good once over per my last post about the amazing electrical wizardry of many boat owners and trades people. It all should be looked at one way or another. Laziness or being cheap is no excuse for negligence.
If a boat sinks after I just surveyed it, who is going to be on my case? Both the owner and the insurance company with a team of lawyers like starving jackles. As a result, I conduct 'full surveys' only. No partial surveys (unless under direction from an insurance company) or 'C&V's'; it's all or nothing. Many a surveyor's bread and butter is with these 45 minute boat walk through C&Vs and inventory reports done in 30 minutes for 12.oo a foot and it shows. They do several a day.
In fact, I've done re-surveys for folks whose insurance company rejected their recent surveyor's C&V reports as well. Sad they get stuck like that. But again, do your homework or have low expectations as a result.
All too often people want 'On the cheap' and I pass them by as I can tell what they are looking for, especially if there first question on the phone is "How much for a survey?" They will most likely be looking for an easy ride to pass the C&V and then request I put their estimated value of the boat on the report; being cheap and lack of boat maintenance is highly correlated in my opinion. I like to sleep at night.
I certinly can't complain with close to 98% client closure rate (only turn down this year was a cheap lawyer - go figure?). Somebody is doing something right I suppose....either my customers are doing their homework (good for them!), I'm doing my job fairly well (horn toot) or some combination there of. Or is it blind luck? What ever it is I like it. In fact, the Cayman Islands Maritime Registry just appointed my company to admeasure some of their less than 24 meter yachts here in the San Francisco area for registy renewals...not bad eh?
Anyway, enough about surveyors, I'm off the clock.
John M.