www.iFourWinns.com :: View topic - Do I need a survey?

I thought the Four Winns Hull warranties were only 5 years to original purchaser. Maybe wrong.

When does the 3 year engine warranty start and or end. Does it cover only the motor or the entire power package (outdrive)

Just a question, how can boat be in pristine shape if there is known hull damage?

I believe a survey is a must with any used boat. The cost vs the size of the investment you are making is basically negligible. As for the warranties the Volvo is transferable but I believe the hull is not but please confirm it.

Hull warranties are against defects, not against damage.

Never EVER buy a used boat without a survey. There are way too many things that can go wrong with a boat. Many of which might even go unnoticed by the owner. Problems like water intrusion into the layers of the hull. From any number of places like leaking hatch seals, bow and other rail mounts, through-hull fittings and any of the many screws holding things onto it. A surveyor should be able to determine whether or not there are things like that to be concerned about.

If you don't get a survey you'll have no one but yourself to blame when hit with surprises and what can be VERY high repair costs. With a thorough survey you may be able to avoid buying what could be a lot of unexpected headaches. Surveys are, unfortunately, no guarantee against everything. But they're worth paying for as a means to avoid the more expensive woes down the line. Yes, a buyer serious about a boat has to go out of pocket paying for the survey. And if it turns out to be bad you're out that money, but you've avoided buying a problem. You can sometimes get a seller to contribute to the costs of the survey. But if they're not contributing then don't give them the results. That and be very wary of accepting a survey the seller had done unless you contact the surveyor and they're known to be reliable. Certainly don't accept a dealer or brokerage review of the boat as a substitute for an independent survey.

Congrats on the new boat! I looked at that boat......then I just bought the 258 instead. That is
a GREAT boat, it was just too big for my wife and me. If you want ti install a windless on that boat its easy
all the wiring is their and the fuse and switch are at the healm. I used this surveyer http://www.rvmarinesurveying.com.
I had a "pre-purchase" and "engine survey". It didn't cost too much and the surveyer wash great. I would say you should, just for piece of mind.

Just to let you know, John (then salesman) at the marina was great and I am very happy owner of my new
to 2006 FW 258.

goold luck with the boat.

Mark W.

Unless you have worked on and repaired fiberglass boats yourself you need a survey...you won't really have a good idea of what to look for and what are the danger signs of water intrusion into cores be they wood or foam...I didn't get on on my old '88...it was our first boat and what did we know...turns out not much and a few years later I wound up doing a stringer and deck replacement...a LOT of work and VERY expensive to do if you can't do it yourself...takes so many hours that you would not believe it...So...if you want to find out what can happen to even relatively new boats...do a search on user name Bas...and read his story...relatively new boat rotted transom and stringers...thousands to fix and no warrantee from FW....as they say
let the buyer beware...its a buyers market so make them check every last thing...first...before any money changes hands...

Author:	offdahook [ Sun Sep 27, 2009 7:17 pm ]
Post subject:	Do I need a survey?
As discussed with you guys before, I got a really good deal on a 268 Vista. See my previous post for full details and pics. ~105 hours on it. 5.7L dprop. Got this for 32K. It's in pristine shape. Anyway, They are giving me a 3 year engine warranty by volvo. It's a $25.00 deductible and it covers the engine completely. I know there may be some hull damage, but normally there is a lifetime warranty on the hull right? I'm new to boating so any and all comments appreciated. Just trying to save some dough since it's the end of the season. Thanks!

Author:	captwalt [ Sun Sep 27, 2009 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
I believe a survey is a must with any used boat. The cost vs the size of the investment you are making is basically negligible. As for the warranties the Volvo is transferable but I believe the hull is not but please confirm it.

Author:	brijr77 [ Sun Sep 27, 2009 7:31 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
I would always have a survey done. you never know what might be found.

Author:	powellcrazy [ Sun Sep 27, 2009 7:48 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
I thought the Four Winns Hull warranties were only 5 years to original purchaser. Maybe wrong. When does the 3 year engine warranty start and or end. Does it cover only the motor or the entire power package (outdrive) Just a question, how can boat be in pristine shape if there is known hull damage?

Author:	firecadet613 [ Sun Sep 27, 2009 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
GET A SURVEY. I had a decent deal lined up on a '04 268, but it didn't pass the survey. The one I purchased had a GREAT survey. Make sure your there for it, and get a surveyor who has good references. Is it the 2+4 VP Extended protection plan? I had that on my last boat but never used it. It has a bunch of exclusions, definatly see the agreement before you jump for joy. My '04 that I just bought in July didn't have any hull warranty left on it. When I spoke to the factory earlier this year, they said they haven't had any issues with those hulls.

www.iFourWinns.com https://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/

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Author:	Buoy Howdy [ Sun Sep 27, 2009 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
Do not buy a boat without a survey. I foolishly failed to do this on my first boat and it turned out to have rotten stringers. Ultimately it cost me a lot of money and heartache. The hull warranty is transferable for five years after the initial purchase. I was told by FW that the hull warranty on an 04 is seven years.

Author:	wkearney99 [ Mon Sep 28, 2009 7:23 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
Hull warranties are against defects, not against damage. Never EVER buy a used boat without a survey. There are way too many things that can go wrong with a boat. Many of which might even go unnoticed by the owner. Problems like water intrusion into the layers of the hull. From any number of places like leaking hatch seals, bow and other rail mounts, through-hull fittings and any of the many screws holding things onto it. A surveyor should be able to determine whether or not there are things like that to be concerned about. If you don't get a survey you'll have no one but yourself to blame when hit with surprises and what can be VERY high repair costs. With a thorough survey you may be able to avoid buying what could be a lot of unexpected headaches. Surveys are, unfortunately, no guarantee against everything. But they're worth paying for as a means to avoid the more expensive woes down the line. Yes, a buyer serious about a boat has to go out of pocket paying for the survey. And if it turns out to be bad you're out that money, but you've avoided buying a problem. You can sometimes get a seller to contribute to the costs of the survey. But if they're not contributing then don't give them the results. That and be very wary of accepting a survey the seller had done unless you contact the surveyor and they're known to be reliable. Certainly don't accept a dealer or brokerage review of the boat as a substitute for an independent survey.

Author:	offdahook [ Mon Sep 28, 2009 10:54 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
powellcrazy wrote: I thought the Four Winns Hull warranties were only 5 years to original purchaser. Maybe wrong. When does the 3 year engine warranty start and or end. Does it cover only the motor or the entire power package (outdrive) Just a question, how can boat be in pristine shape if there is known hull damage? Sorry, there is no hull damage that I know of. I was trying to say maybe all he would find is if there would be hull damage that I maybe can't see since it's still in the water. Thanks! Looks like there is a lot more to surveying than I originally thought.

Author:	offdahook [ Mon Sep 28, 2009 10:55 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
captwalt wrote: I believe a survey is a must with any used boat. The cost vs the size of the investment you are making is basically negligible. As for the warranties the Volvo is transferable but I believe the hull is not but please confirm it. I will confirm. Thanks!

Author:	offdahook [ Mon Sep 28, 2009 10:57 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
powellcrazy wrote: I thought the Four Winns Hull warranties were only 5 years to original purchaser. Maybe wrong. When does the 3 year engine warranty start and or end. Does it cover only the motor or the entire power package (outdrive) Just a question, how can boat be in pristine shape if there is known hull damage? Warranty starts from date of purchase (this week). I will check to see if it covers the entire package (outdrive). Thanks, great suggestion!

Author:	offdahook [ Mon Sep 28, 2009 10:59 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
wkearney99 wrote: Hull warranties are against defects, not against damage. Never EVER buy a used boat without a survey. There are way too many things that can go wrong with a boat. Many of which might even go unnoticed by the owner. Problems like water intrusion into the layers of the hull. From any number of places like leaking hatch seals, bow and other rail mounts, through-hull fittings and any of the many screws holding things onto it. A surveyor should be able to determine whether or not there are things like that to be concerned about. If you don't get a survey you'll have no one but yourself to blame when hit with surprises and what can be VERY high repair costs. With a thorough survey you may be able to avoid buying what could be a lot of unexpected headaches. Surveys are, unfortunately, no guarantee against everything. But they're worth paying for as a means to avoid the more expensive woes down the line. Yes, a buyer serious about a boat has to go out of pocket paying for the survey. And if it turns out to be bad you're out that money, but you've avoided buying a problem. You can sometimes get a seller to contribute to the costs of the survey. But if they're not contributing then don't give them the results. That and be very wary of accepting a survey the seller had done unless you contact the surveyor and they're known to be reliable. Certainly don't accept a dealer or brokerage review of the boat as a substitute for an independent survey. Great points! Thank you for responding. This site is extremely beneficial to new boaters! I will definitely get a survey done.

Author:	mwitkowski [ Mon Sep 28, 2009 11:59 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
Congrats on the new boat! I looked at that boat......then I just bought the 258 instead. That is a GREAT boat, it was just too big for my wife and me. If you want ti install a windless on that boat its easy all the wiring is their and the fuse and switch are at the healm. I used this surveyer http://www.rvmarinesurveying.com. I had a "pre-purchase" and "engine survey". It didn't cost too much and the surveyer wash great. I would say you should, just for piece of mind. Just to let you know, John (then salesman) at the marina was great and I am very happy owner of my new to 2006 FW 258. goold luck with the boat. Mark W.

Author:	LouC [ Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:36 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
Unless you have worked on and repaired fiberglass boats yourself you need a survey...you won't really have a good idea of what to look for and what are the danger signs of water intrusion into cores be they wood or foam...I didn't get on on my old '88...it was our first boat and what did we know...turns out not much and a few years later I wound up doing a stringer and deck replacement...a LOT of work and VERY expensive to do if you can't do it yourself...takes so many hours that you would not believe it...So...if you want to find out what can happen to even relatively new boats...do a search on user name Bas...and read his story...relatively new boat rotted transom and stringers...thousands to fix and no warrantee from FW....as they say let the buyer beware...its a buyers market so make them check every last thing...first...before any money changes hands...

Author:	offdahook [ Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:48 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
mwitkowski wrote: Congrats on the new boat! I looked at that boat......then I just bought the 258 instead. That is a GREAT boat, it was just too big for my wife and me. If you want ti install a windless on that boat its easy all the wiring is their and the fuse and switch are at the healm. I used this surveyer http://www.rvmarinesurveying.com. I had a "pre-purchase" and "engine survey". It didn't cost too much and the surveyer wash great. I would say you should, just for piece of mind. Just to let you know, John (then salesman) at the marina was great and I am very happy owner of my new to 2006 FW 258. goold luck with the boat. Mark W. Wow, congrats on the boat! We looked at that one too. I have two small kids so I wanted to get something that we could all grow into vs. having to upgrade in a few years. Thanks for the surveyor's name. I will be sure to give them a call. I'll look into the windless as well. Will you be boating out of Irwin or did you find a slip somewhere else? Tom G.

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Author:	offdahook [ Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:53 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Do I need a survey?
LouC wrote: Unless you have worked on and repaired fiberglass boats yourself you need a survey...you won't really have a good idea of what to look for and what are the danger signs of water intrusion into cores be they wood or foam...I didn't get on on my old '88...it was our first boat and what did we know...turns out not much and a few years later I wound up doing a stringer and deck replacement...a LOT of work and VERY expensive to do if you can't do it yourself...takes so many hours that you would not believe it...So...if you want to find out what can happen to even relatively new boats...do a search on user name Bas...and read his story...relatively new boat rotted transom and stringers...thousands to fix and no warrantee from FW....as they say let the buyer beware...its a buyers market so make them check every last thing...first...before any money changes hands... Thanks, great advise!