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Marine Surveyor needed

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Keysbearfl, Nov 16, 2011.

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  1. Keysbearfl

    Keysbearfl New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2011
    Messages:
    12
    Location:
    New Smyrna Beach, FL
    I am puchasing a new (to me) boat. I need to complete a survey of the engines, hull, and generator, before 12/2. I am looking for recommendations for surveyors, for both the hull and engines, located in the Stuart, FLorida area. The boat will most likely be hauled at the Sailfish Marina, after the sea trial. Your recommendations for a reputable surveyor for the hull, as well as a surveyor for the diesels (Detroit 671's), are greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Keysbearfl
  2. Yachtjocky

    Yachtjocky Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    Messages:
    365
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Surveyor

    Always haul the boat prior to a sea trial to ensure the bottom, running gear and sea water inlets are all clean. Hauling after a sea trial to find it dirty has you hoping that the heavy smoke and low speed & RPM's was down to the dirt and not to the wrong size props', dirty fuel & filters or worn out engines. ;)
  3. dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2009
    Messages:
    1,177
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
    Surveyor

    I always had had good luck with A J Volney and David downes, they work together
  4. Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2006
    Messages:
    1,166
    Location:
    Gold Coast Australia
    Sailfish Marina are, IMO not a good marina to use for a lift. Unprofessional and irresponsible
    They destroyed part of the lift rails on my Hatters 53 and gave no compensation or even apology.
    On the next lift, which I needed done before export, to pressure clean the hull, I went to Sailfish only because I believed they agreed to no charge or at least a discount. Plus now I was assured they knew how to protect the lift rails.
    Not only did they do more damage on the next lift to the same area in spite of all efforts to protect the lift rails, but they then damaged the other side rails. Plus NO apology, No discount. NO RESPONSIBILITY!

    For electronics, I RECOMMEND Ralph Baker (RJ MARINE) at Sailfish. He has been a real professional even assisting me now with my Garmin questions, a year later. That is SERVICE!
    George
  5. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,534
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    I like Gary Gillespie (enginesurveyor.com?) for Detroit Diesels. Malcolm Elliot (Florida Nautical), Matt Brown, or Marc Slakoff for hull surveyor. I also would recommend hauling the boat first and not a fan of Sailfish for haulouts either.
  6. Kafue

    Kafue Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2006
    Messages:
    1,166
    Location:
    Gold Coast Australia
    Good suggestion CaptJ.
    Malcolm Elliot is very thorough. He has done 2 boats for me and the reports were thorough.

    BTW, hope I am allowed to recommend you too as a "first Professional" to cast his eye over a boat.
    You saved me an awful lot of time and $$$'s with your recommendations and reports prior to spending money on lifts and surveyors, not to mention airline trips!
  7. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Thank You!
  8. rudolph

    rudolph New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2009
    Messages:
    30
    Location:
    jupiter,fl
    Try Whiticar Boat Works in Stuart, they are the best.
  9. CTdave

    CTdave Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2004
    Messages:
    876
    Location:
    Greenwich CT/ Stuart FL
    I keep my boat at Sailfish & have never had a problem. There are plenty of guys there with both custom and production sport fish yachts up into the 70' range & we all swear by them for very professional service. They have always gone above and beyond what I would call "typical marina service"
    Were these "lift rails" the kind that are added to the hull aftermarket? I'm just exploring the possibility that they were not informed of a hull modification & simply didn't know.
    I know the owner strictly on a business level & I can say that he is extremely pleasant & takes great pride in his marina that has been owned by his family for a very long time.
    I don't know the details and am not taking sides. Just giving my opinion based on my experience.

    David Dall

    50 Hatteras "Idall Time"
    26 Sea Fox "Papi's Toy"