SA
4803 posts
Interesting to find on my current survey that there is a disclaimer explaining that I can not make copy's or share this with potential buyers. Do people actually buy boats privately without getting a survey done? I do understand brokers get the potential buyer to pay for a survey and slipping?
NSW
2140 posts
I imagine lots of people buy a boat without having a survey done. They fall in love with the boat first, buy it and then think about maybe getting a survey to see what needs fixing.
Find out that it's all a bit beyond them and end up putting the boat back on the market maybe, a complete mess hoping someone else will take over where they left off, having left no record of work done or work yet to be done.
SA
4803 posts
Yes very true..... I'm just wondering where I stand if I let them read the survey I already have to save them expense of getting another one done....it seems the marine surveyors have it covered by putting a disclaimer on the report.
NSW
2711 posts
I doubt such a disclaimer is legally valid. You paid for the survey report, you own it not the surveyor.
NSW
2711 posts
Just because a disclaimer is made doesn't necessarily mean anything. This one appears to be an amateur attempt.
What copyright does the report have? Is it registered? The form might be copyrighted meaning you can't use his form but you own the contents. This appears to have been written by the surveyor without legal oversight.
As a consultant I deliver a fair few reports. I own the Intellectual property in producing the report, the customer owns the report.
I would ignore the disclaimer but you might like to see if a legal person on this blog, I believe there are one or two, can give an opinion.
WA
265 posts
If anyone buys a boat of any substantial value without a survey then they deserve what ever they get.
It depends on how much I was investing but most likely I would not consider the sellers report, I would have my own independent survey done.
Good that the seller has something to show the buyer and I would not hesitate to show the buyer my report (what is the surveyor going to do? Sue you?).
NSW
7757 posts
I would never waste money on a survey. I have bought boats with seeing them out of the water! The survey is worthless really, the surveyor absolves himself of any responsibility.
QLD
12365 posts
^^^Hear here!!
Any sailor worth his salt does his own survey.
SA
4803 posts
I'm sure I will be capable of completing my own survey on my new Hunter....but I asume there are many people out there that would not have a clue what to look for. I think a out of water inspection is worth it though.
It seems boat brokers insist that the new owner has the survey done and pays for the slipping.
Deck Leaks can be a killer to detect unless your on the boat when there is a down poor of heavy rain the hose treatment just doesn't cut it. I have read now that hunters have some problems with leaking windows which is a worry. I hate leaks!