A marine "survey" is the boat-buying equivalent of a home inspection. A qualified marine surveyor conducts it. The results have an impact on the insurability of the boat as well as the final negotiations with the seller. Anything unexpected that needs to be remediated for seaworthiness is often factored into the final price.

We may have found our boat! A Catana 472 actively cruising Pacific Mexico and the Sea of Cortez. Good friends are cruising there now aboard our old boat. They know we've been…