FAQ

A Marine Surveyor is a qualified professional who conducts inspections, surveys or examinations of marine vessels to assess, monitor and report on the condition of the structure, equipment, machinery, and cargo to ensure compliance with various standards or specifications. A marine surveyor has experience with yachts, recreational, & small commercial marine vessels, accident & fraud investigation, corrosion control, cargo surveying, pollution control, and US Coast Guard Inspection guidelines.

A Surveyor who is a member of supported organization with continued education, an ABYC Certified Technician or is Certified by an Association such as U.S. Surveyor’s Association and is a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors or Certified by N.A.M.S. and other organization in which they are recognized by Insurance underwriters, lenders, marina’s, etc…

Other types of organizations such as ABYC, (American Boat & Yacht Council) NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency), NSBC, (National Safe Boating Council), all provide the guidelines needed to self regulate the industry and the best guidelines in Boat Safety and last but not least, the United States Coast Guard Regulations.

We offer many different types of marine inspections and services to address your particular needs:

• Pre-Purchase surveys
• Engine Analysis (Computerized if Available)
• Insurance surveys
• Marine vessel appraisals
• Damage reports
• Corrosion analysis
• Sea trials

We guarantee our marine surveys to be accepted by your bank and insurance underwriter. If our survey is rejected due to the quality or limitations of the report, simply have the underwriter (not the agent or broker) forward us a letter on company letterhead stating the reason for the rejection, and the survey fee will be promptly refunded.

1. If vessel is to be hauled, it must be properly blocked and secured and the hauler should be contacted to insure the time and schedule.

2. Insure the vessel is prepared and operational for the sea trial. If repairs are needed, this should be performed before the day of the sea trial.

3. Remove all anchors, chains, and ropes if they cannot be properly viewed in their lockers.

4. Have contents of lockers prepared for easy viewing and inventory.

5. Have all safety equipment together for inspection. (PFD’s, throw cushions, rings, flares, sound devices, fire extinguishers, life rafts etc.)

6. Have all bilge areas dry for viewing of pumps, thru-hull fittings, and glass work.

7. Have all necessary paper work available. (Previous surveys, maintenance records, Registration, documentation, etc.)

8. The owner or purchaser of this survey may be present during this inspection and is encouraged to do so.

9. If a sea trial is to be conducted, the owner or broker needs to be present to operate the vessel.

10. If a trailer is to be inspected, be sure to have all necessary paperwork available. (Registration, maintenance records, etc.)

The cost of a marine survey varies considerably depending on the type of vessel, the size, and how complex the on-board systems are. 

Surveyors have extensive training and experience in the specific field in which it also includes expensive yearly membership with associations that self police the industry in which protects you, the buyer, owner and seller of a vessel. The amount of travel and hours also dictate the cost along with the insurance and overhead to make the surveyor available to you. 

The experience, training, equipment and the memberships make it all happen when it comes to purchasing, re-certification of insurance, marina entrance and your knowledge as to the vessel’s condition to the best of the ability of the surveyor you hire. 

If you are buying or owning a vessel, the cost of a survey is minimal if you don’t know the condition and the worst was to occur. You have to ask yourself…. “Am I worth 14 – 18 dollars a foot?” Well the question goes without saying… yes you are worth it and your family and friends are too. 

Please contact us for a free quote based on your specific needs. 

A marine survey is a visual inspection of the condition and operation of the many vessels systems that require maintenance and care, including the following:

• Hull and structure (When hauled out) – Outside of Hull
• Hull and structure (In-Water) – Inside of Vessel
• Trim tabs, stabilizer, struts, rudders, and thrusters (When hauled out)
• Thru-hull fittings condition and operation (When hauled out) but internally when in water.
• Engines and transmission (Visual Inspection)
• Engine analysis requires a separate survey (Separate Type of Inspection).
• Oil Analysis of all power systems, and transmission(s). (Additional Cost)
• Fuel system
• Steering system
• Galley equipment
• Electrical systems (AC, DC)
• Generators
• Plumbing system (freshwater, raw water, water heater, and sanitation)
• HVAC
• Navigation electronics
• Safety equipment
• Mast and rigging (Sail Boats)

The Survey is ideally set up to meet at the boat that is either in the water or on the trailer in which we pre-inspect the vessel and then perform a sea trial and finally to the yard which is preferred for bottom inspection. Time to complete can range from 1.5 – 6 hours depending on the complexity of the vessel.

Your insurance company requires a marine survey to establish the condition and value of your vessel to accurately underwrite your policy in the event that you need to be covered during an incident. Having proof of condition will help substantiate that your vessel was in a specific condition prior to any claim.

While many boat owners are well versed in boat construction and maintenance, it is important that an independent and impartial third-party (marine surveyor) assess the condition and value when insuring or purchasing a vessel.

Establishing ‘Proof of Condition’ will also help you identify any issues prior to purchase and avoid unforeseen costs.  A marine survey is designed to help you negotiate the final price and/or repairs with the seller.

Your insurance company will also use this information to help establish your policy and premiums to ensure you are covered in the event of a claim.