Hiring a surveyor has become a normal, expected part of the yacht purchase process. A smart buyer will ensure that a yacht purchase contract includes a "satisfactory survey and sea trial" as a condition of the sale. A good broker will never let a contract cross his or her desk without the clause. After all, it gives the buyer the option to reject the yacht and receive a full refund on his or her deposit. But without a good surveyor to catch problems, this clause can be ineffective.
Tips for hiring a surveyor:
- Look for the SAMS distinction. The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) is the industry's most recognized professional surveyor association. View their website, which has a useful directory of qualified surveyors by location.
- Ask around. Don't just ask your broker; ask other industry professionals in the area. Everybody knows surveyors, and everybody knows which are most experienced and most reliable.
- Don't rush. You're bound to have lots of logistics to balance during a used yacht purchase, but be sure you don't limit or restrict your surveyor's time. It's not worth it!
- Remember: a surveyor works for you. Be wary of a broker who offers to hire a surveyor. A surveyor works exclusively for the buyer, and should be independently chosen.
Related Ownership Types: