In today’s boat market, listings can be misleading, and travel costs are significant. To save you time and money, I offer a specialised Pre-purchase Walkthrough service designed to give remote buyers a realistic assessment of a vessel’s condition before they commit to travel or a full survey.
What is a Pre-purchase Walkthrough?
A pre-purchase walkthrough is a focused, professional assessment that typically takes around two hours and is charged at my standard hourly rate.
Think of it as having a knowledgeable friend with marine survey experience checking out a boat for you. Rather than relying solely on broker photos or seller descriptions, you get an unbiased, professional assessment of the vessel’s actual condition.
During the visit, I concentrate on the elements that matter most:
- Major structural components
- High-value systems and equipment
- Potential deal-breakers
- Signs of significant problems
- Evidence of hurricane damage
- Overall condition assessment
What makes this service particularly valuable is the immediate feedback. On the same day as the inspection, you’ll receive:
- A comprehensive Google Photos album showing the vessel’s actual condition
- Video documentation of key areas and systems
- A WhatsApp consultation to discuss my findings
- Professional insights about potential issues
- Recommendations about whether to proceed further
If you decide to move forward with a full pre-purchase survey on the same vessel within three weeks, I’ll deduct the cost of this walkthrough from the survey fee. This makes the service an extremely cost-effective first step in your boat-buying process.
Think of this service as an insurance policy against wasted travel. For the cost of a couple of hours of my time, you can potentially save hundreds or thousands in travel expenses and avoid the disappointment of finding major issues only after travelling to see the vessel.
Remember, this is not a replacement for a full pre-purchase survey. Rather, it’s a practical first step that helps you decide whether a particular vessel fits your needs and warrants further investigation.
What We Check During Your Pre-Purchase Walkthrough
During the two-hour walkthrough, I focus on critical areas that often determine a vessel’s true condition and value. My inspection prioritises elements that could significantly impact your purchase decision or indicate potential expensive repairs. Note that inspection is limited to those aspects of the vessel which can be seen – for example, if the boat is in the water I cannot see the underwater hull!
Structural Elements:
- Core integrity in decks and structural components
- Signs of delamination or moisture issues
- Hull condition above the waterline (and below if the boat is in the yard)
- Bulkhead attachments and condition where accessible
- Evidence of previous repairs or modifications
- Chain plate attachments (for sailboats)
- Known issues with a particular model of boat
Engine and Mechanical:
- Visual engine condition and installation
- Signs of fluid leaks or corrosion
- Service access evaluation
- Transmission appearance
- Evidence of regular maintenance
Water Intrusion Indicators:
- Signs of deck leaks
- Condition of through-deck fittings
- Window and hatch seals
- Chainplate penetrations
- Bilge condition
- General interior condition
Major Systems Overview:
- Electrical panel condition
- Navigation equipment age/condition
- Steering system components
- Rigging, sails and canvas condition (for sailboats)
- Generator installation (if equipped)
- Air conditioning/heating systems
While this isn’t a full survey, I’ll document any significant findings that could:
- Affect purchase price
- Require immediate attention
- Need specialist evaluation
- Impact insurance coverage
- Influence your buying decision
Remember, the walkthrough is designed to identify major concerns or potential deal-breakers. While we can’t test everything in two hours, my experience helps me quickly identify signs of significant issues that would warrant further investigation or might make the vessel unsuitable for your needs.
What You Receive From Your Pre-purchase Walkthrough
The value of this service lies in providing you with clear, immediate feedback about your potential vessel purchase. Here’s exactly what you’ll receive for your investment:
Comprehensive Photo Documentation
I’ll create a detailed Google Photos album that includes:
- Clear images of all major systems
- Close-ups of any concerning areas
- Wide-angle views of spaces and layout
- Documentation of equipment brands/models
- Photos of structural elements
- Evidence of any damage or wear
Video Documentation
- Walkthrough of the entire vessel
- Detailed footage of critical areas
- Narrated explanations of findings
- Close-up views of any issues
- Layout and space utilisation
Same-Day Verbal Consultation
Once I complete the pre-purchase walkthrough, we’ll schedule a phone call where I’ll:
- Share my immediate impressions
- Discuss any significant findings
- Answer your specific questions
- Address concerns from listing photos
- Explain observed conditions
- Provide professional insights
- Discuss potential future costs
Professional Assessment
During our consultation, I’ll provide:
- Unbiased evaluation of the condition
- Comparison to similar vessels
- Identification of major concerns
- Reality check on asking price
- Maintenance implications
- Upgrade considerations
Next Steps Guidance
Based on my findings, I’ll help you:
- Decide if further investigation is warranted
- Identify areas needing specialist inspection
- Plan your next moves in the purchase process
- Understand potential negotiation points
- Consider survey requirements
- Evaluate insurance implications
All of this information is provided on the same day as the walkthrough, allowing you to make timely decisions about your potential purchase. Remember, if you proceed with a full pre-purchase survey on the same vessel within three weeks, the cost of this walkthrough will be deducted from your survey fee.
Benefits of a Pre-purchase Walkthrough
In today’s internet-based boat-buying market, let me explain how this service can protect both your time and money.
| Aspect | Traditional Viewing | Pre-purchase Walkthrough |
|---|---|---|
| Time Investment | 1-2 days including travel | 2 hours + consultation |
| Cost | Travel + accommodation | 2-hour inspection fee |
| Expert Opinion | No | Yes |
| Documentation | Personal photos | Professional photos/videos |
| Technical Assessment | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Risk Level | High | Low |
| Decision Support | Limited | Professional guidance |
| Follow-up Options | Limited | Credit toward full survey |
Financial Benefits
- Save hundreds or thousands in travel costs
- Avoid hotel and car rental expenses
- Prevent wasted time off work
- Identify negotiation points early
- Understand potential repair costs
- Get professional insights for minimal investment
Time Management
- Eliminate unnecessary travel
- Make quick decisions about unsuitable vessels
- Focus only on worthy candidates
- Efficient use of your boat-shopping time
- Same-day feedback for fast decision-making
- Coordinate with brokers and sellers effectively
Professional Advantage
- Get an experienced surveyor’s perspective
- Receive unbiased, objective feedback
- Understand true vessel condition
- See beyond marketing photos
- Access expert technical knowledge
- Identify potential deal-breakers
- Get a reality check on the asking price
Remote Decision Support
- View detailed current photos and videos
- See areas not shown in listings
- Understand actual condition
- Verify seller’s descriptions
- Assess maintenance status
- Evaluate upgrade needs
Risk Reduction
- Identify major issues
- Understand potential problems
- Spot undisclosed repairs
- List maintenance needs
- Flag insurance concerns
- Highlight safety issues
Strategic Value:
- The perfect first step in the boat buying process
- Cost-effective initial assessment
- Deductible from the full survey fee
- Strengthens negotiating position
- Helps prioritise vessel choices
- Guides further investigation needs
- Supports informed decision-making
Consider this service as your first line of defence in the boat-buying process. For the cost of two hours of my time, you gain valuable insights that could save you thousands in travel costs and help avoid potentially expensive mistakes.
Remember, while this walkthrough isn’t a replacement for a full pre-purchase survey, it’s an excellent first step in determining whether a particular vessel deserves your further time, travel, and investment.
Process and Timeline for Your Walkthrough
Let me walk you through exactly how the Pre-purchase Walkthrough service works, from initial contact to final consultation. Arranging a Pre-purchase Walkthrough is straightforward, and I’ll handle all the coordination to ensure efficient use of everyone’s time.
The entire process is designed to be efficient and informative, typically completed within one business day from walkthrough to consultation. This quick turnaround allows you to make timely decisions about your potential purchase.
If weather or access issues affect the scheduled walkthrough, I’ll communicate promptly to reschedule. I understand that boat buying often operates on tight timelines, and I strive to accommodate urgent requests when possible.
I work with:
- Brokers during business hours
- Private sellers
- Marina staff
- Boatyard personnel
- Your representatives
Some practical points to remember:
- Walkthroughs are conducted during daylight hours
- Weather conditions may affect scheduling
- 24-48 hours notice is typically required
- Some locations may incur travel charges
- Consultation timing will be arranged to suit your schedule
- The fee credit toward a full survey is valid for 3 weeks
Booking Your Pre-purchase Walkthrough
Ready to book your Pre-purchase Walkthrough? Contact me with your vessel details, and let’s start the process of evaluating your potential purchase. You can reach me by:
- Phone or WhatsApp: +590 590 688855
- Email: hello@capitainesam.com
- Contact form on this website
Remember, this small investment could save you significant time and travel costs while providing valuable insights into your potential vessel purchase.
Conclusion
Don’t risk travelling across the world to view a vessel that might not meet your expectations. Our Pre-purchase Walkthrough service provides professional eyes on the ground, helping you make an informed decision about your potential purchase while saving time and travel costs.