A surveyor is a very valuable tool when you're purchasing a larger boat (usually > 30 feet, or if it's newer or higher priced). A survey can keep you from buying a boat with major issues, much like a house inspection before purchasing a home. However, a survey is not cheap usually, especially a good one. This is also something you do not want to do (i.e. PAY FOR) unless you are serious about a specific boat. Hopefully you will only pay for one survey when you purchase a boat. You do not want to do multiple surveys. Therefore, what I'd suggest for you is a good sailboat broker. Ask around at the sailing hangouts (anchorages, yacht clubs, docks, bars, etc) for a good sailboat broker. Be sure they are a SAILBOAT broker as a great majority do mostly power boats and can be pretty clueless when it comes to sailboats. You need one that knows what to look for specifically in sailboats.
There are perhaps a number of people that could provide this service but I suspect what you are asking for could cost almost what a small boat would be worth. You may want to first make a "detailed" list of what you are looking for i.e. open water or lake sailing, live aboard or occasional use, single hand or crew, cold water of tropics, capable of handling high wind and waves or calm water sailing, fiberglass or wood OK?; inboard or outboard power, wheel or tiller steering?, fixed keel or swing?, trailer or leased slip required?, fixer-upper or perfect condition, exterior wood to maintain or not?, inventory of sails, deck hardware / racing or puttering around, furling or hank on head sail?, overnight/sleeps X adults or strictly day sailing, what length/ 14' or 40', what is your budget - cash deal or payments, will you be doing the maintenance or have it done?, do you understand the cost of owning a boat the size you decide to purchase - is it within your means on a long term basis?
This is a sample of the questions you need to consider before spending money for someone to locate and inspect a boat for you. your answers are none of our business but should be very important to anyone attempting to help you. If you can answer all of these questions plus others not mentioned above you should be able to find a boat on your own. While it is always good to have a boat surveyed before purchase most people can walk through a boat and, by looking carefully and asking countless questions, be able to determine its general condition. If it is the boat for you and everything you can see looks great then have the owner take you out on a test run and see if you like the way the boat handles. If you think you have found a boat ask members of this site for comments on the specific type of boat you are going to buy. I am sure someone on this forum has owned just about every type of boat you can think of and hopefully knows the things to look for, its strengths and its weaknesses and will be happy to provide input. If all is still "go" the next step is to find a good surveyor and find out what, if anything, you missed. This approach should work for most people. Finally, keep in mind that not all surveyors are good surveyors - get references!
Good luck! Let us know what you find...
Just curious, do you plan to have a blog to post updates about your search ?
Was watching on youtube Sailing Nervous. Their search for a liveaboard boat and surveys, was pretty interesting.
My boat measures 14 ft, but has given me much pleasure (and has taught me a lot about sailing).Wavedancer,
From you own experience... what would you say are the biggest drawbacks or worst part you've experienced yourself from owning one?