SO YOU WANT TO BUY A BOAT

In many ways, buying a boat is not much different from buying a house. You wouldn't think of purchasing your home without first deciding whether you need a patio, a pool, extra guest rooms, a big yard for the dog, and so on. You also wouldn't buy the house without a complete structural and termite report. Nor would you commit yourself without considering the kind of upkeep you're willing to take on, and whether you're making the optimum investment.

Sound obvious?

Yet, in spite of the enormous sums of money involved, it is surprising how many people fail to apply the same logic to buying a boat. Frequently, it is simply a matter of not knowing the right questions to ask.

Asking the right questions requires experience. And experience is exactly what Gerald Slakoff & Associates has to offer. As independent marine surveyors, the company specializes in the evaluation of vessels up to 200 feet in length. Our knowledge is extensive. Since 1972 over 6,000 surveys have been conducted. Survey reports issued by Gerald Slakoff & Associates are acknowledged as the most in-depth and comprehensive in the industry.

When do you need a marine surveyor?

Having the services of a marine surveyor is invaluable in a number of different instances. You may call us...

• when you're buying, financing or insuring a yacht
• to substantiate an insurance loss
• to make new boat predelivery inspections
• to conduct periodic inspections during new vessel construction
• to make periodic maintenance inspection
• before embarking on a long voyage
• before undertaking a major refit
• before embarking on a long voyage
• to provide expert witness testimony

What does a survey provide?

Typically, a marine surveyor is called in when you want to protect your investment. Gerald Slakoff & Associates will provide an impartial look at the vessel, and can reassure that you're making the right decision by separating fact from fiction. Our survey answers such questions as...

• Is the vessel seaworthy?
• Is it worth the price?
• What is the resale or depreciation factor?
• Are there any potential hazards?
• Are you really getting what you’re contracting for when you buy a new or used boat?

Determining a boat's overall condition is, itself, a major undertaking and involves looking for such things as...

• Structural deficiencies
• The status of all safety equipment
• Improper or hazardous installations
• Inoperative equipment
• Deteriorated equipment which will fail soon
• Problems which have been masked or hidden
• Cruising limits
• Sea keeping qualifications
• Upcoming expenses

All equipment including the sale will be verified. The prepurchase survey will meet all insurance requirements and satisfy the requirements of any lending organization. Gerald Slakoff & Associates' surveys are accepted by major underwriters and lending institutions worldwide.

Choosing the boat that's right for you.

There's a tendency, especially among first-time owners, to buy a boat that can cross an ocean when all they need is something to cross a river. Also, the reverse is true. Without extensive knowledge of boats, you can end up with less than you need...a frightfully expensive miscalculation.

Making the right choice involves a number of key considerations such as how you plan to use the boat. It may be for sailing, sport fishing, racing, blue water or island cruising. Other uses may include power boating, cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, or living aboard for extended periods of time.

Choosing a yacht broker

A good broker can be of great assistance. He can do much of the legwork...saving you time and money by exploring the yacht market and selecting qualified boats that fit your parameters. For example, how many people do you normally cruise with and what kind of accomodations will be needed? This will have a bearing on gallery size, locker space, and number of staterooms and heads. Also, will you want a boat with or without a bridge? There are times when either choice is appropriate. And how about an aft deck for coffee, a cockpit for fishing, and space for sunbathing? Finally what are your personal boat-handling capabilities? This could determine the size boat you should buy and whether you'll need or want a professional crew.

There are dozens of considerations in making the right decision, and each must be thought through. Your yacht broker should help you make the best selection. He'll be able to present opportunities that you would never have found on your own.

Your broker should also be a person who's sensitive who's sensitive to your needs, who's anxious to do what's best for you, rather than someone who tries to push you into a boat that's too large or expensive or not suited to your needs or desires.

It makes good sense to stay with a single broker if he's doing a good job exploring the market for you.

An overview of construction materials

ALUMINUM: strong and light, but needs additional preventive maintenance when used in salt water.

FIBERGLASS: requires little maintenance and has excellent strength; can experience structural failure with hard use

WOOD: the quietest of all materials but more likely to deteriorate; requires greater maintenance

COMPOSITE: usually wood and fiberglass; it's light and strong, but also more expensive and prone to delamination

STEEL: strong and long-lasting with proper maintenance, but is also heavier

(The brochure then goes on to provide a quick profile of Gerald Slakoff & Associates and contact information.)