Survey without an engine analysis?

[unkle buck]

Broker's advice:

Do the boat survey without an engine analysis. The CAT diesel engines are still under warranty and only have 150h on them with an in service date of April 06 and a full warranty for two years (expires April 08).

Broker reasoning was that an engine analysis was necessary but do that later just before the warranty expires. Since the warrantied engines are good thru March 08, do the engine analysis later rather than earlier. Come March , get CAT out there to do the pre-inspection for the extended warranty and get the extended warranty end of March.

Anything that comes up between closing and April will be covered by warranty.

I would think the engine survey now would be the same inspection/analysis procedure as the one done for an extended warranty. It seems to me I am gaining a few months of warranty, but may be missing something here and wondered if any of you have been in this situation and what did you do?

The boat and engines were sea trialed and all data recorded by the surveyor appeared good.

 

[pdecat]

Broker wants you to buy the boat without knowing the condition of the engines. Why do you suppose he wants that to happen?
Get the engine survey.
If they are electronic engines look at the operating reports for duty cycle data and see how that compares to the CAT spec.

 

[abalmuth]

Get the engine survey & oil analysis!

My Cats were replaced under warranty by the previous owner & the pain and suffering is worth tens of thousands of dollars

I bought my boat knowing that the engines were new and under warranty and still got surveys

 

[saltysam]

Generally speaking an engine (oil) analysis is good only when one can have several and ID trends. BUT, since you are a thoughtful owner, you'll want to start getting a trendline established for your future records. No better time than NOW, when the specific analysis just might help ID a potential problem that would influence details of the sale. More good reasons to get a complete rundown NOW than later.

 

[unkle buck]

Thanks for the replies, I am getting the engine survey now.

 

[Ghost]

I nearly stopped reading right around "Broker said".

 

[abalmuth]

John
BTW: what model Cats?

 

[unkle buck]

abal

C-18s

Can't go by looks and sometimes that's all i go by.

Talked to the broker and he is teeing up a surveyor for me tomorrow.

 

[abalmuth]

quote:

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Originally posted by unkle buck

abal
C-18s
Can't go by looks and sometimes that's all i go by.
Talked to the broker and he is teeing up a surveyor for me tomorrow.

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The C-18’ seem to have a good record
Question, the selling broker is getting you the surveyor? Is this for the Hull? The Cat’s or both?

 

[unkle buck]

Already did the boat survey, initially passed though on getting the engines done since that warranty issue.

Emailed my broker and he is getting me a CAT certified engine surveyor.

Any recommendations for the Ft Myers FL area?

 

[abalmuth]

Can't help you with a Fl Cat Surveyor - my guy is in NY
I would think there are alot of CAT certified Tech in Fl
You may want to start a post asking for a recommendation

 

[Ghost]

You had the broker get a surveyor? I know I'm coming across a bit stern, but I can't think of any other way to get this across effectively.

Isn't this a bit like trusting the mouse with the cheese?

I'm sorry, but you have serious conflict of interest issues going on here and throwing red flags galore, starting with the "don't need an engine surveyor" stunt.

Look, if you don't care about survey's, just don't do them and save some money (so long as the insurance will go along with it). What you are doing is likely next to worthless in terms of actually getting a real opinion on the condition of the vessel. It's okay, I've made the mistake and have the benefit of wisdom now. Just go into it with open eyes and don't blame anyone but yourself if it eventually backfires.

On the engines, while a good reputation is nothing to sneeze at in a series, what is more important is the installation and operation IN THAT SPECIFIC BOAT. Not the neighbors boat with the same thing. Also, you need a maintenance log and a well detailed operation log. 150 hours is enough to start damaging engines in a way that the warranty would not cover if they are oh so typically overpropped and ran hard.

Sorry to be the one with the harsh words, but all I can see are red flags everywhere on the due dilligence here.

bp

 

[Greg Schoenberg]

I made the mistake of taking a broker's referral for a surveyor on a long distance purchase. I assumed that he would perform an engine survey and found out afterwards that he didn't, nor ever does. Instead, all I got for my money was nice pictures and a descriptive narrative of the exterior and boat systems. Big Deal!

Lesson learned...although I was fortunate to not have any engine or drive problems after purchase.

-Greg

 

[unkle buck]

Did and internet search and found a cat-certified surveyor and talked to him about the job.

Well pleased with his credentials and he is going to do it this afternoon.

Thanks again for all the replies....appreciate it very much.

 

[thataway4]

Just to give some personal experience: The time had two cats (3208's NA) surveyed it took the better part of a day, with the engine surveyor/technician spending several hours setting up the guages. A good engine survey takes some time, the boat needs to be underway/under load as well as just a visual inspection and oil analysis. Although the C 18's have a good history, there are some cats which have failed early in life. You still want to know as much as you can. I certaily agree with Ghost's analysis of the situation.

 

[pdecat]

some cats have had after cooler failures that cat has recalled under warranty so ask the tech if that applies to the engines you are considering and have any upgrades done if required..