Anyone can title him or herself as a Marine Surveyor and start a business. Surveyors should provide you with a professionally prepared report that can be accepted by your bank and/or insurance company. Talk with prospective surveyors and ask questions! What does the survey include and what type of reporting format is used? Do they use ABYC, NFPA and USCG standards in their surveys? How much will the inspection cost? How long will the on-board inspection take? A thorough inspection will not be rushed and will depend on the type of survey required based on vessel size, equipment and on-board systems. There may be additional services available such as engine surveys, oil analysis, galvanic and stray current corrosion testing, ultrasonic testing, core sampling and sea trials. Most surveyors do not claim to be expert mechanics. There may be additional charges for these and other services.
Well-conducted surveys can provide good information on the vessels' condition, but they are not guarantees. The surveyor reports the condition in accessible areas only as it exists at the time of inspection. The vessel is not dismantled; although there may be a recommendation of further inspection, such as core sampling, that would be additional and would require written permission from the owner of the vessel.
Why should you have a vessel surveyed? Most insurance companies and banks will require them on older vessels. They will need to know her condition and fair market value in order to finance and/or underwrite the vessel. Knowing her condition and fair market value before you purchase is also important. The most important reason to survey your vessel, however, is for your information and the safety of the passengers and crew.
Types of Surveys Marine Surveys are performed for a number of reasons,
and the procedures for each vary to best suit your needs:
Pre-Purchase Survey
This is the most comprehensive type of inspection, and is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel. Condition and overall operation of the vessel should be examined. This covers structural integrity, electrical systems, the propulsion system, the fuel system, other machinery, navigation equipment, miscellaneous on-board systems, cosmetic appearance, electronics, and overall maintenance as well as an out-of-water inspection and a sea trail. Haul out inspection is required and fees associated are the burden of the prospective buyer. Sea Trials are an additional expense.Insurance Survey
This inspection is performed so that the insurance company can determine whether or not the vessel is an acceptable risk. They are interested in structural integrity and safety for its intended use. Most insurance companies require a survey on older boats. They will also want to know the vessel's fair market value.Appraisal Inspection
This inspection is performed to gather enough information to justify or determine the fair market value of the vessel. This is normally needed for financing, estate settlements, donations and legal cases.Damage Inspection This is performed to assess the extent of damage, recommend repairs, estimate repair cost, and if requested, possible cause.
Back to the top
Preparing for a Marine Survey Time and additional expense can be saved by
preparing the vessel for inspection and making her more accessible.
Arrange to present a clean, shipshape boat, and have all papers and miscellaneous gear ready. If applicable, you will need to make arrangements with the marina to haul the vessel for bottom inspection, and retain a captain for sea trials. Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear. The surveyor should never be asked to prepare a boat for inspection. The surveyor may request minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to the suspected areas. Random removal and examination of below-the-waterline fasteners on wood boats may be required. Any dismantling and re-installation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey. The surveyor should be directing these items with permission; additional costs may be involved.
Pictures of the vessel are available upon request.
Written authorization from the owner may be needed to board and/or to remove part of the vessel.
Back to the top