You are looking for a boat. Some of you may be looking for a specific kind of boat designed by a famous someone. Possibly a sailboat designed by Robert Perry. For my 73rd birthday spent part of the day on one of his creations. Built in 1981, she was-almost 40 years later-still a beauty. And very sail worthy. Even though the San Diego Harbor weather was goofy that day-no wind or lots of wind- she made something from even the tiniest puff of air. It helped enormously that she had two experienced captains on board… but given how she wonderfully she handled it was easy to see how a man could fall in love. Deeply in love. With her. And be willing to drop really big bucks for the privilege of owning her.
But for the initiated (like moi), and newbies to the boating world, how do you put yourself in a position to fall in love with the “right” boat? In my mind “right” and “good” come together. That right/good option is one that won’t leave you broke, sink you (literally and/or figuratively), or make life miserable because she’s way too expensive to maintain, hard to handle and/or just plain dangerous.
I had limited funds. And… because I knew next to nothing about boats, much less the 36 foot long, somewhat the worse for wear 1981 Marshall California Trawler under serious consideration, I knew expert advice was imperative. So… I hired local experts for the two kinds of surveys typically performed -boat and engine- before actually saying a final yes. Note, this survey can also be used to negotiate price, and to even escape a potentially bad situation-the bad boat kind.
Mike Pyzel (https://everythingaboutboats.org/mike-pyzel/) did the boat survey. The boat seller recommended him, and he came with a bright and shiny reputation. Plus, he had surveyed the boat twice before, and I hoped he might remember her from previous visits.
What is a boat survey? Well. A boat survey is sort of like a yearly physical. The old fashioned kind. Where the doctor actually had time. To sit down and ask probing questions. Like what are you eating-really? No BS, please. And how much sleep do you really get? And…explore the issue of your partner snoring. At a decibel level so loud it is impossible to sleep. (True story. my former husband snored so loudly he would wake himself up! I would try to fall asleep before he came to bed, because once he started chopping wood, my restful night was over). Smoking? Drugs? Weight? Sex? You get the idea. A real exam. Not the 10 minute quickie of todays office visit.
Mike does a real exam. Climbs into bilges, small areas, unpleasant corners. Checks out everything. He examines. He thinks. And he writes an extensive report that will help you decide whether or not to buy. This particular boat. The boat you may see as the love of your life. Mike might tactfully suggest she is not be a keeper. That an expensive breakup, or worse yet divorce is in the making. He’ll tell you everything in boaty language, or translate into English if necessary. Listen to the man. He is telling you the truth!
Mike stopped by the boat last week and we talked a bit more about why he does what he does. Easy going, good humored. Kind. And smart. His survey is more than a boat exam, he’s also looking at you-you the buyer. Mike is weighing the match-are you and the boat suited to each other? Will this boat fit your wants, needs and expectations. Are your sailing or boating skills a match to the vessel? If you say ”I just want to go to the Islands- but have little to no experience- he wIll probably discourage you from buying that 45’ hard to manage number. Plus he’d be worried. A trip to the islands is no cakewalk-two major shipping lanes, and potentially lively seas are serious business and he’d worry for your safety. Oh, and he knows buyers tend to go up in size- rather than down-when making a purchase. While this sounds great from a ”we’ll grow into it perspective”, the truth is that bigger boat can be a problem. Too much to handle. (And frankly reminded me of the oversized motorcycle my daughter bought-and never used. Too big and frankly just too scary to drive).
Cost of the survey is cheap. From first hand experience I know the survey will cost less than replacing the head (Toilet) vacuum pump. and working heads are essential. Or having some-not even all- tiny portion of wood trim stripped, sanded, and one-only one-scrawny coat of Cetol finish applied. The survey is a drop in the bucket. The ever expanding bucket you will spend to actually own the boat. And Mikes advice is worth every dollar. Figure on spending $750.00-$1,000.00 -minimum for a regular uncomplicated boat survey.
Mikes survey is included here for you to check out….
FROM MIKE PYZEL:
Hi Susan,
Here is survey for you, photos next ASAP I have not been able to get a grip on the mechanic, so I went with what he said at survey, that the engines sound okay but need some maintenance. Pretty normal, but maintenance can be expensive. I checked on slip values, and I think that is your ace in the hole as back-up value for the collective deal. The value of the boat here is in line with others, about in the middle of the line-up. And they all need maintenance.
Also, I am heartened that you have a team of qualified helpers. I think that makes the deal workable for you and I can rest well with that.
Best,
Mike