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      • 1959 Chris Craft Continental
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        • 1954 16ft Correct Craft Jr.
        • 1995 15ft Budsin Electric
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        • 1934 15ft ElectriCraft "Duke Blue"
        • 1967 19ft Lyman Runabout
        • 1935 15ft Electricraft
        • 1955 18' Chris Craft Continental
        • 1962 18ft Chris Craft Holiday
        • 1957 26ft Chris Craft Sea Skiff
        • 1956 17' Sportsman
        • 1933 18' Electricraft Double Ender
        • 1957 18ft Sea Skiff
        • 2000 15' Budsin Lightning Bug
        • K Engine
        • 1982 15' Pelican Electric
        • 1959 17ft Chris Craft Ski Boat
        • 1987 20ft Grand Craft
        • 1963 18ft Century Sabre
        • 1933 Electric Double-ender "Sea Saw"
        • 1940 19ft Chris Craft Custom Runabout "Barrelback"
        • 1942 16ft Chris Craft Special Runabout
        • 1948 20ft Chris Craft Custom
        • 1934 Electri-Craft
        • 1946 18ft Garwood
        • 1959 17ft Chris Craft Special Sportsman
        • 1982 24ft Grand Craft Triple Cockpit
        • 1982 15ft Budsin Lightning Bug
        • 1958 21ft Century Coronado
        • 1963 18ft Chris Craft Cavalier
        • 1951 22ft Chris Craft Utility
        • 1956 19ft Chris Craft Capri
        • 1995 30ft Hacker Craft triple cockpit
        • 1934 15ft Electricraft
        • 1932 15ft Electricraft
        • 1980 15ft Cold Molded Electric Launch
        • 1954 20ft Chris Craft Special Sportsman
        • 1952 20ft Greavette
        • 2008 15ft Budsin Lightningbug
        • 2003 22ft Pulsifer Hampton
        • 1955 17ft Chris Craft Sportsman
        • 1951 18ft Chris Craft Riviera
        • 1960 18ft Chris Craft Cavalier
        • 2001 26ft Skiffcraft
        • 32ft 1973 Trojan
        • 1959 17ft Chris Craft Sportsman
        • 1956 23ft Chris Craft Continental
        • 1935 Electri-Craft
        • 1996 30ft Hacker Craft Triple Cockpit
        • 1964 18ft Lyman I/O
        • 1956 26ft Chris Craft Sea Skiff
        • Lily Electric
        • KLC Engine for 1956 17' Sportsman
        • 1934 Electri-craft "Bottoms Up"
        • Other Inboards
      • Outboards >
        • 1958 15ft Dixie
        • 1955 14ft Whirlwind
        • 1960 16-1/2ft Penn Yan Niagara
        • 17ft Carolina Skiff
        • 1998 17ft BayCraft Outboard
        • Bristol Outboard Runabout
        • 1955 15ft Lyman Outboard
        • 1959 14ft Whirlwind
        • 1957 13ft Lyman
        • 14ft Penn Yan Captivator
        • 1959 16ft Barbour Silver Clipper
        • 1960 17ft Cruisers Inc Outboard
        • 1955 14ft Penn Yan Commander
        • 1964 17ft Grady White Pamlico
        • 1959 18ft Shoup Princess
        • Other Outboards
      • Sailboats >
        • 1961 19ft Celebrity Class Sailboat
        • 1960 16ft Cruisers Inc
        • Windjammer 21 Mast
        • 15ft Lazy E sailboat
        • 15 1/2ft Windmill Sailboat
        • 1939 30ft Alden/Christensen Sloop
        • 1965 19ft Abeking & Rasmusson Sloop
        • Other Sailboats
      • Non-powered boats >
        • Budsin Lightning Bugs
        • 1981 17ft Whitehall
        • 1934 18ft Old Town Canoe
        • 1920 Old Town Canoe
        • 1973 10 ft Cape Dory Sailing Dinghy
        • 7ft Duck Boat circa 1972
        • 1975 20ft Grand Laker
        • 1954 13 1/2ft Thompson Bros. Rowboat
        • 1938 10ft Dyer Dink
        • 15' Skerry Sailing Dinghy
        • Other Non-powered boats
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  Lowell Boats
  • Home
  • Shop Blog
  • Projects
    • Current Projects >
      • 1959 Chris Craft Continental
      • 1946 Garwood
      • 1970s Concordia Sloop
      • 14 ft. Punt
      • 1950 Chris Craft Riviera
      • 1965 21ft Super Sport
      • 1947 17ft Deluxe Runabout
      • 1947 18ft Chris Craft Utility
      • 1957 18ft Chris Craft Continental
      • 1953 18ft Lyman Islander
      • 1958 18ft Chris Craft Continental
      • 1958 19ft Chris Craft Riviera
      • 1948 17ft Deluxe Runabout
      • 1956 18ft Chris Craft Continental
      • 1957 22ft Shepherd Runabout
    • Completed >
      • Inboards >
        • 1954 16ft Correct Craft Jr.
        • 1995 15ft Budsin Electric
        • 1935 15ft ElectriCraft
        • 1934 15ft ElectriCraft "Duke Blue"
        • 1967 19ft Lyman Runabout
        • 1935 15ft Electricraft
        • 1955 18' Chris Craft Continental
        • 1962 18ft Chris Craft Holiday
        • 1957 26ft Chris Craft Sea Skiff
        • 1956 17' Sportsman
        • 1933 18' Electricraft Double Ender
        • 1957 18ft Sea Skiff
        • 2000 15' Budsin Lightning Bug
        • K Engine
        • 1982 15' Pelican Electric
        • 1959 17ft Chris Craft Ski Boat
        • 1987 20ft Grand Craft
        • 1963 18ft Century Sabre
        • 1933 Electric Double-ender "Sea Saw"
        • 1940 19ft Chris Craft Custom Runabout "Barrelback"
        • 1942 16ft Chris Craft Special Runabout
        • 1948 20ft Chris Craft Custom
        • 1934 Electri-Craft
        • 1946 18ft Garwood
        • 1959 17ft Chris Craft Special Sportsman
        • 1982 24ft Grand Craft Triple Cockpit
        • 1982 15ft Budsin Lightning Bug
        • 1958 21ft Century Coronado
        • 1963 18ft Chris Craft Cavalier
        • 1951 22ft Chris Craft Utility
        • 1956 19ft Chris Craft Capri
        • 1995 30ft Hacker Craft triple cockpit
        • 1934 15ft Electricraft
        • 1932 15ft Electricraft
        • 1980 15ft Cold Molded Electric Launch
        • 1954 20ft Chris Craft Special Sportsman
        • 1952 20ft Greavette
        • 2008 15ft Budsin Lightningbug
        • 2003 22ft Pulsifer Hampton
        • 1955 17ft Chris Craft Sportsman
        • 1951 18ft Chris Craft Riviera
        • 1960 18ft Chris Craft Cavalier
        • 2001 26ft Skiffcraft
        • 32ft 1973 Trojan
        • 1959 17ft Chris Craft Sportsman
        • 1956 23ft Chris Craft Continental
        • 1935 Electri-Craft
        • 1996 30ft Hacker Craft Triple Cockpit
        • 1964 18ft Lyman I/O
        • 1956 26ft Chris Craft Sea Skiff
        • Lily Electric
        • KLC Engine for 1956 17' Sportsman
        • 1934 Electri-craft "Bottoms Up"
        • Other Inboards
      • Outboards >
        • 1958 15ft Dixie
        • 1955 14ft Whirlwind
        • 1960 16-1/2ft Penn Yan Niagara
        • 17ft Carolina Skiff
        • 1998 17ft BayCraft Outboard
        • Bristol Outboard Runabout
        • 1955 15ft Lyman Outboard
        • 1959 14ft Whirlwind
        • 1957 13ft Lyman
        • 14ft Penn Yan Captivator
        • 1959 16ft Barbour Silver Clipper
        • 1960 17ft Cruisers Inc Outboard
        • 1955 14ft Penn Yan Commander
        • 1964 17ft Grady White Pamlico
        • 1959 18ft Shoup Princess
        • Other Outboards
      • Sailboats >
        • 1961 19ft Celebrity Class Sailboat
        • 1960 16ft Cruisers Inc
        • Windjammer 21 Mast
        • 15ft Lazy E sailboat
        • 15 1/2ft Windmill Sailboat
        • 1939 30ft Alden/Christensen Sloop
        • 1965 19ft Abeking & Rasmusson Sloop
        • Other Sailboats
      • Non-powered boats >
        • Budsin Lightning Bugs
        • 1981 17ft Whitehall
        • 1934 18ft Old Town Canoe
        • 1920 Old Town Canoe
        • 1973 10 ft Cape Dory Sailing Dinghy
        • 7ft Duck Boat circa 1972
        • 1975 20ft Grand Laker
        • 1954 13 1/2ft Thompson Bros. Rowboat
        • 1938 10ft Dyer Dink
        • 15' Skerry Sailing Dinghy
        • Other Non-powered boats
      • Special Projects
  • Marine Surveys
  • Boat Trailers
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  • Meet the crew

Gary Lowell, Accredited Marine Surveyor
​SAMS​

We survey all kinds of boats for all kinds of reasons. Contact us to schedule your survey or damage assessment today!

​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.

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

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.

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

More info on pre-purchase surveys:

www.boats.com/boat-sellers-guide/understanding-boat-surveys/

Links

SAMS
NFPA
American Boats and Yacht Council
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  • Home
  • Shop Blog
  • Projects
    • Current Projects >
      • 1959 Chris Craft Continental
      • 1946 Garwood
      • 1970s Concordia Sloop
      • 14 ft. Punt
      • 1950 Chris Craft Riviera
      • 1965 21ft Super Sport
      • 1947 17ft Deluxe Runabout
      • 1947 18ft Chris Craft Utility
      • 1957 18ft Chris Craft Continental
      • 1953 18ft Lyman Islander
      • 1958 18ft Chris Craft Continental
      • 1958 19ft Chris Craft Riviera
      • 1948 17ft Deluxe Runabout
      • 1956 18ft Chris Craft Continental
      • 1957 22ft Shepherd Runabout
    • Completed >
      • Inboards >
        • 1954 16ft Correct Craft Jr.
        • 1995 15ft Budsin Electric
        • 1935 15ft ElectriCraft
        • 1934 15ft ElectriCraft "Duke Blue"
        • 1967 19ft Lyman Runabout
        • 1935 15ft Electricraft
        • 1955 18' Chris Craft Continental
        • 1962 18ft Chris Craft Holiday
        • 1957 26ft Chris Craft Sea Skiff
        • 1956 17' Sportsman
        • 1933 18' Electricraft Double Ender
        • 1957 18ft Sea Skiff
        • 2000 15' Budsin Lightning Bug
        • K Engine
        • 1982 15' Pelican Electric
        • 1959 17ft Chris Craft Ski Boat
        • 1987 20ft Grand Craft
        • 1963 18ft Century Sabre
        • 1933 Electric Double-ender "Sea Saw"
        • 1940 19ft Chris Craft Custom Runabout "Barrelback"
        • 1942 16ft Chris Craft Special Runabout
        • 1948 20ft Chris Craft Custom
        • 1934 Electri-Craft
        • 1946 18ft Garwood
        • 1959 17ft Chris Craft Special Sportsman
        • 1982 24ft Grand Craft Triple Cockpit
        • 1982 15ft Budsin Lightning Bug
        • 1958 21ft Century Coronado
        • 1963 18ft Chris Craft Cavalier
        • 1951 22ft Chris Craft Utility
        • 1956 19ft Chris Craft Capri
        • 1995 30ft Hacker Craft triple cockpit
        • 1934 15ft Electricraft
        • 1932 15ft Electricraft
        • 1980 15ft Cold Molded Electric Launch
        • 1954 20ft Chris Craft Special Sportsman
        • 1952 20ft Greavette
        • 2008 15ft Budsin Lightningbug
        • 2003 22ft Pulsifer Hampton
        • 1955 17ft Chris Craft Sportsman
        • 1951 18ft Chris Craft Riviera
        • 1960 18ft Chris Craft Cavalier
        • 2001 26ft Skiffcraft
        • 32ft 1973 Trojan
        • 1959 17ft Chris Craft Sportsman
        • 1956 23ft Chris Craft Continental
        • 1935 Electri-Craft
        • 1996 30ft Hacker Craft Triple Cockpit
        • 1964 18ft Lyman I/O
        • 1956 26ft Chris Craft Sea Skiff
        • Lily Electric
        • KLC Engine for 1956 17' Sportsman
        • 1934 Electri-craft "Bottoms Up"
        • Other Inboards
      • Outboards >
        • 1958 15ft Dixie
        • 1955 14ft Whirlwind
        • 1960 16-1/2ft Penn Yan Niagara
        • 17ft Carolina Skiff
        • 1998 17ft BayCraft Outboard
        • Bristol Outboard Runabout
        • 1955 15ft Lyman Outboard
        • 1959 14ft Whirlwind
        • 1957 13ft Lyman
        • 14ft Penn Yan Captivator
        • 1959 16ft Barbour Silver Clipper
        • 1960 17ft Cruisers Inc Outboard
        • 1955 14ft Penn Yan Commander
        • 1964 17ft Grady White Pamlico
        • 1959 18ft Shoup Princess
        • Other Outboards
      • Sailboats >
        • 1961 19ft Celebrity Class Sailboat
        • 1960 16ft Cruisers Inc
        • Windjammer 21 Mast
        • 15ft Lazy E sailboat
        • 15 1/2ft Windmill Sailboat
        • 1939 30ft Alden/Christensen Sloop
        • 1965 19ft Abeking & Rasmusson Sloop
        • Other Sailboats
      • Non-powered boats >
        • Budsin Lightning Bugs
        • 1981 17ft Whitehall
        • 1934 18ft Old Town Canoe
        • 1920 Old Town Canoe
        • 1973 10 ft Cape Dory Sailing Dinghy
        • 7ft Duck Boat circa 1972
        • 1975 20ft Grand Laker
        • 1954 13 1/2ft Thompson Bros. Rowboat
        • 1938 10ft Dyer Dink
        • 15' Skerry Sailing Dinghy
        • Other Non-powered boats
      • Special Projects
  • Marine Surveys
  • Boat Trailers
  • Boats For Sale
  • Merchandise
  • Contact
  • Links
  • Meet the crew