We went to meet Robert Le Brunet, expert in Dinard in Ille-et-Vilaine. Robert has been a surveyor for over twenty years. He works for both professional and private clients.
There are 2 main types of invoicing for an expertise. Per meter of hull. The principle is elementary, one meter is worth a certain amount, this amount is multiplied by the length of the hull and that's it. Advantage, the price is fixed and clear from the start. Major disadvantage, the analysis of a basic sailboat ( let's say a 10 m shark ) and that of an honourably filled sailing vessel ( say a Feeling 920 ) cost about the same.
Then comes the billing that seems to us the most fair, the one based on time spent. It is, of course, a matter of trusting the expert ( but would we call in an expert if we didn't? ). This confidence is granted as for the time that he will spend, as well on the spot as in his office. Indeed, in all cases, the professional you call upon will give you a report of everything he has observed.
An expert's estimate is mandatory
As with any professional, an estimate must be drawn up prior to the specialist's intervention. This estimate must include the limits of his work ( opening or not of watertight hatches for example ) and its report ( projection of repairs, advice on work.. ).
Some firms will offer you options. For example, an oil analysis ( count a hundred euro ) will show you the operating condition of the engine at the time of the analysis. As with any expertise, it is valid at the time and in the condition seen on the day it was performed.
In the price of the expertise itself, it is advisable to include the travel and accommodation/meal expenses of the specialist. Travelling expenses are of the order of one euro per kilometre and experts with integrity will allow you to share these expenses if necessary. Why not take advantage of the specialist's visit to offer other potential buyers or sellers the opportunity to have their purchases checked. The other costs ( accommodation, meals .. ) will be billed at actual cost and, if you do not pay attention, can drastically increase the cost of the intervention.
Preparing for an expertise
Of course, it is out of the question to think " fool "This is why it is important to be able to talk to an expert, either as a seller, by showing him a boat "as new" cleaned from top to bottom. Or even, as a client, by devaluing the boat as much as possible. The principle of the expertise is to obtain an honest, reliable and sincere state of a boat.
" For this reason ", explains Robert, "which i really like a boat that I control to be on the water first. Basically, it allows me to see how it handles. Starting the engine, running it and the way the boat handles on the water are great indicators for me. Then I ask for the boat to be taken out of the water, to examine the hull, the rudder, the keel, the traces of heeling... "
But the expert has a flair for it. So, he explains to us: " When I open the saloon, I know 95% of what the survey will show. A properly maintained boat rarely smells bad. At worst it's musty, but not dirty. This is obviously subjective, but from experience I can say that if a boat has not been cleaned, it is often not maintained ". Things are clear, at least make the effort to clean the boat before the expert's visit.
The specialist continues, " You'd be surprised how many people don't have the minimum documentation on the boat. And by minimum, I mean the purchase invoice, the charter certificate for example. "Next tip, gather all the documents related to your boat and present them:
- Purchase invoice
- Engine maintenance invoices
- Invoices for added electronics
- Invoice for any repairs
- Maintenance booklet
- Expense invoices that you feel are important to the amount of the sale
On the subject of maintenance, a substantial element to which the expert we met returns: " A service done by you, by a friend or, worse, paid for by hand is simply a service not performed. This is not a question of questioning any competence, but a question of guarantee "says Robert. So you might as well think twice about the mechanic's good deal, paid in cash and without an invoice. L' economy can turn into a expense a few years later when the boat was sold.
Expert report
A survey is only as good as its report. It is, in fact, the report that will contain all the information that will allow you to buy - or not - with a clear conscience and confidence the boat you are considering. It is also the report which, if you have asked the expert, will indicate the work to be carried out, its cost and its urgency.
Finally, the crucial point is the value " by expert judgement "This is the value of the capital representing the boat and it is on this basis that you will be compensated in the event of the boat's destruction. This is the value of the capital representing the boat and it is on this basis that you will be compensated in case of destruction of the boat.
" The expert report "develops Robert" it is about as much work for me as the expertise itself, and sometimes even more in the case of a projection of the work to be done. I systematically propose a hierarchical approach in the expertise, from the most critical points to the most anecdotal ones "he continues.
" I take about a hundred photographs during the course of the survey. They serve simultaneously to illustrate my point and also to observe things inaccessible to the human eye. "Indeed, although he is equipped to go searching ( endoscopic camera in particular ), the expert cannot see everything with his own eyes, so in this case he uses these pictures to remind himself of certain points.
The report is generally about ten pages long, with all the points noted and a sentence, apprehended by some and desired by others, which estimates, according to the expert, if the proposed selling price is or is not in relation with the appraised object.
Let's talk about prices now
Robert makes no secret of his rates. They are public and, as he says: " The relationship of trust is necessary between an expert and a client. If there is any doubt, things will start off on the wrong foot, that is never right. "So he details:" The hour of expertise is around 100 euros for me. The hour of writing is around 80 euros. A thorough survey on an average boat requires 2 to 3 hours, the drafting as much time. If we include the travel expenses and possibly the meal, an expertise is worth a thousand euros on average .
Value or cost ? We won't say. In any case, having such a professional, thorough and competent look at the boat you are about to sell or buy is a guarantee of seriousness and confidence in your investment. A guarantee that only an expert, professional and aware of his market can provide.
