To Survey or Not, that is the question...

[Love-2-Tug]

I am wondering if I'm crazy for not wanting to spend money on a survey for a 2014 R29 that is for sale from the Ranger factory (in Kent), with a 90-day stem to stern warranty and an existing engine warranty through April of 2019. This is a one-owner boat that's a trade in for a new, larger model, with only 150 hours on its Volvo. Been kept at owners private dock near Seattle. Receipts for regular oil changes. Appears to be very well maintained. Would love your feedback.

 

[VogonPoet]

Does your insurance not require a survey? Ours did, and the boat appraised for more (for insurance purposes) than we paid, so good that we did.

 

[BradOwens]

We bought a trade in from the factory as well, and had to have a survey for the insurance company and the bank.

 

[knotflying]

If you are knowledgeable about systems and boats you should feel comfortable checking everything out yourself. Ranger is honest and reliable. I assume they did a once over on the boat and took care of any items that needed addressing. If the oil hasn't been changed lately you may want to get an oil analysis. I would also ask about the standard maintenance items and if they have been addressed, if they are near the time for replacement, IE the Impeller. Get the most use out of the boat in your first 90 days and usually any hidden issues will raise their ugly head. I am not aware of any service bulletins on the Volvo, but you may want to check that if there are any that they were done. The Idler arm on the serpentine belt has been an issue with corrosion, you may want to check that out.

 

[Red Raven]

We bought our boat from the factory used without a survey. The insurance company did not ask for one. The boat however was only 6 mos. old and was still under warranty and also had the 5 year engine warranty. I did do my own visual inspection. We have had only had one minor issue with the autopilot shadow drive and the factory took care of it. It would never have been caught by a survey anyway as it failed after we took ownership. I would check with the insurance company to see if a survey is required and include the completion of the items Knotflying mentions in your offer to the factory. The factory is very responsive and trustworthy and surely wants to sell you a boat that will be problem free. They often spend time helping owners even after the warranty is expired.

 

[REO6205]

I just bought a 2014 R-21 from the factory. My insurance company...Progressive...didn't require a survey. I also received a discount because I'm USCG licensed and my wife took the CG Auxiliary safety course.

Kenny Marrs took us out on Lake Washington and we ran through all the systems and made sure everything worked.
There were no problems with the boat. I'd feel comfortable buying a used boat again from the factory. Their reputation is on the line when they sell a used one just like if they sold a new one.

 

[Scuffy]

I wonder what the actual cost of a survey would be? I agree Ranger is a stand up operation but sometimes two heads are better than one. Maybe it would make your insurance cheaper? For me if it was not crazy $$$ I would do it. I belong to Worry Worts anonymous.

 

[Brian B]

I would survey the boat, when you are spending 6 figures what's a few more hundred $$$.
The previous owner of my boat bought it brand new, he had it surveyed before his final purchase. I asked my surveyor about that and he told me his experience was that even brand new boats can be flawed.
With the survey value placed on the boat it can be insured for an agreed upon value.

 

[rick&sue]

I had my boat surveyed - all I did was buy him a very nice Holiday. The survey missed many items. I could have done a much better job myself. It was an expensive learning experience. So if you have a survey done - do your homework on finding a reputable person and review his customer list - and talk with his past customers. Know exactly what you are getting for your money and be there when he does the survey from beginning to end.

 

[Love-2-Tug]

Thank you all for your feedback. Both the lender and the insurance company are not requiring a survey because of the age of the boat, the extended engine warranty and the 90-day warranty offered by such a reputable company, Ranger (kudos Andrew!). I'm inclined to follow suit at this point. I've been through 3 surveys as a seller and 2 as a buyer and in this particular case I feel I'd just be going through the motions. We're going to do a sea trial and thoroughly look the boat over after she's been hauled and power washed. I know what galvanic corrosion can do so I'll be looking closely for that in the event they didn't keep up on their zincs. I do hope there's a galvanic isolator onboard. In any event, I have a feeling that if we're not feeling good as we lay eyes on her out of the water, Andrew will probably understand if we decide we want a survey after all.

I've read about problems with the prop zinc falling off prematurely and Knotflying mentioned corrosion at the idler arm on the serpentine belt. Can any of you think of other common problem areas to look out for?

Thanks again for your time. This is a GREAT forum and community! We're so excited to be a part of it!!

 

[Scuffy]

In believe the raw water pumps belt tensioner (idler) was a problem on D3 Volvo engines. I'm not sure if that was an issue on the D4's.

 

[Red Raven]

Check for corrosion pits on the starboard side of the rudder. If the prop zinc has not been maintained that is the first place that corrodes. At least on our boat anyway.