Okay, before I get hate mail, to be quite clear, no you cannot actually survey a boat on the internet 😛
However the past months as we frantically search Yachtworld determining boats worthy of further attention we have become quite practiced at what we have come to phrase ‘internet surveying’.
We are looking largely at yachts located in far flung ports, so beyond simple internet dreaming and gazing, we have had to develop a stringent process/list to determine whether a contender found on the ‘net is worthy of us spending time and money to actually go inspect in person.
So….. here are some of our tips for ‘surveying boats on the internet’
Start with the Engine Bay!
ALWAYS have a close, microscopic look at any and all pictures of the engine. I find the cleanliness of the engine bay is often a good indication of the overall condition of the boat and the previous owner’s general attitude to maintenance. The moment I click on a boat listing , I skip through all the pretty photos of cushions and berths and start with the photos of the engine! If the engine bay is dirty and the engine poorly maintained I assume that I will find this theme continued throughout the boat.
I am also keeping an eye out for any suspicious stains or marks and their location!
I award big points for a clean engine bay, and bonus points if you find pictures of oil/fuel filters with dates on them! That’s a owner who has a maintenance regime and is looking after his vessel.
Has the boat been tidied up prior to sale?
This tells you volumes about the circumstances of the sale sometimes. It still surprises me the amount of photos that get posted on yacht listings that include the owners dirty dishes in sinks, the owners toiletries and personal belongings strewn everywhere. A boat that has been photographed hurriedly and put on the market ‘as is where is’ might suggest owners who are motivated and so an opportunity to negotiate heavily on the asking price. On the other hand a boat that is photographed immaculately and presents neatly ready for sale and tidy is a boat that someone has taken great pride in.
Look for any stains around windows and hatches
Prestigious use of the zoom function to check for any tell tale signs of water ingress and leaks is always a simple step you can take to get an idea of the condition of the interior. Also If the chain plates are visible in any photos these are worthy of a bit of a zoom in.
How many photos are actually on the Boat Ad and how many are additionally available?
Boat ads trying to sell a $300k yacht in Turkey that comprise 5 grainy blurry images don’t do it for me. I want to see photos of everything. Its 2018 and there is no excuse for there not to be a detailed portfolio. In addition to the Engine Bay as above I want to see photos of the bilge, keel bolts, chainplates and batteries to see if anything obvious jumps out. If there are photos missing or a unwillingness to provide an accurate portrayal of the yacht and its condition I start to wonder what is being hidden and why.
Ask for and study the Haulout Photos
It’s pretty common practice now for most boatyards/DIY owners to take a couple of pics after applying the coats antifoul before dropping the boat back in the water. They may not show up on the Boat listing as they are not the ‘sexy’ photos that sell boats on the internet but often they will be produced if you ask for them. If they don’t want to share them…..Again I wonder why.
Again here I use the contrast and zoom functions of the photo to get a basic understanding of the condition of the hull and appendages.
The best Survey is a Survey….
Most yacht insurance companies now insist on periodic surveys on older vessels. If your looking at older yachts, chances are there could of been an insurance survey done in the recent past. While obviously it will be dated and I would always recommend you get your own independent additional survey done, its invaluable information in determining whether to pursue a boat listing further or not.
Hassle the Broker
If I am interested in a yacht, I immediately start emailing the broker ask any detailed questions I may have. A broker who readily replies and is helpful in giving you a good idea of the condition and specifics of a yacht before you travel to inspect is a great asset. Likewise an owner who is proud of his yacht and understand the process of selling should be all too willing to pass on information and answer questions through the broker. (Having said all of this always remember you are buying the boat not the broker!)
And Finally…….A BIG BIG plug for marine surveyors
We are on the hunt for our fourth boat. When buying the last three we have always obtained a pre purchase survey and it has always been money well spent. A friend recently discovered that even when buying a late model, ‘good condition’ boat there are never guarantees when the astute eye of his experienced surveyor saved him tens of thousands in regards to a critical issue.