Gary Lowell, Accredited Marine Surveyor
What is a marine survey?
Basically, it is a detailed inspection of a boat, hopefully done by a qualified, diligent, intelligent and honest surveyor, for the purpose of determining its current condition and seaworthiness. In particular, to determine if the vessel is safe to use in conditions for which it was designed, and what maintenance and repairs are required, or are likely to be required in the near future.
Most buyers are not experienced enough, or mechanically inclined to a point where they can make an adequate evaluation on their own. Even those who are qualified benefit immensely from a second professional, cold and unbiased opinion.
Most buyers are not experienced enough, or mechanically inclined to a point where they can make an adequate evaluation on their own. Even those who are qualified benefit immensely from a second professional, cold and unbiased opinion.
Why should I get a survey?
The short answer is to stay alive, physically and financially. The open water can be a treacherous place, subject to the whims of weather and lady luck. It is no place for a deficient boat, especially one with an inexperienced owner and an inept crew (read first time boaters). And, as the old saying goes, a bad boat is a hole in the water that you pour money into.
Buying a marine survey is buying peace of mind. It will give a better idea of exactly what you are getting into with your boat purchase, and help you learn what will be necessary to maintain the vessel in the future to keep you and your family safe, and your investment secure.
The longer answer is certain types and makes of boats have recurring problems or requirements. A good surveyor will be familiar with most models and be able to advise you on the long term suitability of your intended purchase and its equipment, particularly in relation to how and where you will be using it.
In addition, it is unlikely you will be able to secure insurance or financing without providing the insurance company or lender with an acceptable survey..... so you might as well make the survey a condition of purchase to begin with.
*Written by Don Robertson and taken from his site, www.marinesurveyor.com/whysurvy.html
Buying a marine survey is buying peace of mind. It will give a better idea of exactly what you are getting into with your boat purchase, and help you learn what will be necessary to maintain the vessel in the future to keep you and your family safe, and your investment secure.
The longer answer is certain types and makes of boats have recurring problems or requirements. A good surveyor will be familiar with most models and be able to advise you on the long term suitability of your intended purchase and its equipment, particularly in relation to how and where you will be using it.
In addition, it is unlikely you will be able to secure insurance or financing without providing the insurance company or lender with an acceptable survey..... so you might as well make the survey a condition of purchase to begin with.
*Written by Don Robertson and taken from his site, www.marinesurveyor.com/whysurvy.html
What type of survey do I need?
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 onboard systems, cosmetic appearance, electronics, and overall maintenance as well as an out-of-water inspection and a sea trial.
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
The surveyor can be retained by an insurance company to determine the cause of a loss and determine the extent of loss related damage and may be asked to recommend repairs, review estimates, and determine the pre-loss value of a vessel. A vessel owner can retain a surveyor for the same purposes, but for the owner’s behalf.
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 onboard systems, cosmetic appearance, electronics, and overall maintenance as well as an out-of-water inspection and a sea trial.
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
The surveyor can be retained by an insurance company to determine the cause of a loss and determine the extent of loss related damage and may be asked to recommend repairs, review estimates, and determine the pre-loss value of a vessel. A vessel owner can retain a surveyor for the same purposes, but for the owner’s behalf.
How should I prepare 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 reinstallation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey.
Written authorization from the owner may be needed to board and/or to remove part of the vessel.
ONCE YOU RETAIN THE SURVEYOR, HE OR SHE WORKS ONLY FOR YOU AND REPORTS TO NO ONE ELSE. THE SURVEYOR IS THERE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS!
*Copied from SAMS website, see link below
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 reinstallation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey.
Written authorization from the owner may be needed to board and/or to remove part of the vessel.
ONCE YOU RETAIN THE SURVEYOR, HE OR SHE WORKS ONLY FOR YOU AND REPORTS TO NO ONE ELSE. THE SURVEYOR IS THERE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS!
*Copied from SAMS website, see link below
