Survey a new boat?

[BillyClyde]

Hi, I just put a deposit on a new C-32 CB. I sort of blew off the idea of having a survey done but am second guessing now. I have bought used in the past and always had a survey but was thinking, “Hey! New boat… any issues will be covered by the dealer. Right?” But now am thinking a survey may find more issues faster. Also, the boat and dealer are far away from my home. I may need to rethink this. It doesn’t help my peace of mind after reading some disparaging comments on the Cutwater Facebook page, but I know folks will grumble sometimes. Thoughts on surveying a new boat?

 

[Rauguthj]

We had the same question when our R31 CB was delivered. We decided to use the Ranger Tugs systems and delivery checklists, and the Volvo Penta commissioning service instead of a survey. We trusted our dealer to address issues, and they did a great job of fixing the minor things we found. Bonus was using the checklists made us touch every part of the boat.

The issues we found were on par or less than what others that bought other brands of boats experienced in their deliveries. We have had the boat for one year now, and are still happy with both boat purchase, and support from the factory and our dealer.

 

[BillyClyde]

That is a great tip! Thankyou for this helpful reply. I have left messages with a couple Surveyors, we'll see what they say and consider, but this is a great idea. The thing that made me consider this is that the boat is in Michigan and we are in Florida... Plan to cruise her home over a couple months. So we will be far away from original dealer help. Thanks again!

 

[Rode Trip]

Of course my view is skewed because I'm a surveyor, but I would recommend it. I promise you I can find at least something wrong with every new boat and it doesn't matter who the manufacturer is, sometimes quite a few things wrong. I just wrote and deleted a whole list of reasons why, but I'll just leave it at 'I would recommend it for any new boat'.

 

[BillyClyde]

Of course my view is skewed because I'm a surveyor, but I would recommend it. I promise you I can find at least something wrong with every new boat and it doesn't matter who the manufacturer is, sometimes quite a few things wrong. I just wrote and deleted a whole list of reasons why, but I'll just leave it at 'I would recommend it for any new boat'.

Thanks, we just contracted with a local Surveyor. With the cost of these boats and the fact that we are so far away from the dealer and intend to sail her the 2,000 miles home we just thought it was a good idea to play it safe. Do we still call it "sailing?" "Motoring" or "Driving" it home just doesn't feel right 🙂