Most people get a survey because they have to: surveys are usually required by insurance companies and lending institutions. Just like the smart boat owner, these companies want to be assured of a safe vessel and a sound investment.

      A pre-purchase survey is always considered a wise choice for any investment greater than what you can afford to lose. For safety concerns, gasoline powered inboards should always be inspected. The cost of a survey can often be recovered as major defects found can be price negotiated prior to closing. A survey can also save you money down the road by discovering small problems which can be corrected before they develop to require costly repairs.

      Anyone can title him or herself a marine surveyor. Formal designations and memberships in societies may sometimes indicate little about one's ability to do an in-depth survey. Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) status with the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) is respected throughout the industry as a benchmark for essential basic qualifications.

      One important qualification for surveying is ample time afloat. On the water is where boats get into trouble and where the practical importance of detecting subtle flaws is learned in earnest. When choosing a surveyor, ask for details on his personal boating experience.

      In addition, a top notch surveyor has a wealth of related experience in the repair, maintenance and construction of boats. As a general rule, look for a full-time surveyor with a minimum  five years experience.

      Spending a little time searching out a good surveyor will pay-off in the long run. Start by soliciting recommendations from people who have experience with the surveyors in your area. Top on your list should be input from experienced boat buyers and boatyard managers. Helpful recommendations can also be gotten from marine insurance agents and lending institutions. BOAT/U.S. (800-283-2883) maintains a list of carefully screened surveyors for specific geographical areas of the country.

      Don’t hesitate to ask your prospective surveyors for a current resume, what exactly is included in the survey, and how long the onboard inspection will take. Concerning the final report, some surveyors prefer using a quick fill-in-the-blank form, while others write a full narrative report; the latter will generally include far more detailed information and suggestions for improvements.

      Various organizations have established different guidelines to determine a vessel's safety. Look for a surveyor who adheres to the standards set by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

      Don't forget to ask how much

the survey will cost. But don't be

fooled here. A thorough survey can not be rushed and will not be offered for a discount. Shop for quality, not for price.

      In addition to a clear and comprehensive reporting, your surveyor should give you a rough idea of how much outlay will be required to make the boat and her equipment safe for you and your family. Is the vessel structurally sound and a good long-term investment? Does the vessel’s engineering and construction match the needs of your intended use? Your surveyor should be able to help with these questions and let you know if you are getting a good buy or paying too much compared to other vessels on the market.

      Be sure to let the surveyor know about any special concerns you have as he has been hired by you solely to protect your interests.

      Surveys are typically non-destructive in nature and as a result hidden flaws and latent defects which can not be discovered without dismantling the boat or equipment are not  assessed.

      In addition, the surveyor can only report on the boat's con-dition as it existed at the time of survey. No warranty of condition or performance is normally provided.

      A surveyor should encourage the buyer to be present for the  onboard inspection so the two can review salient features. Unfortunately, there is not enough time to provide both a thorough survey and a full indoctrination to the vessel. In order for your surveyor to concentrate and complete an in-depth inspection, distractions should be kept to a minimum.

      A properly prepared vessel  will allow a surveyor more time for attention to detail.  If you make the effort to work through the broker or current owner to be sure the boat is clean and ready to go, you will most likely receive a better inspection. Miscellaneous gear and personal items not being sold should be removed. Cabins and lockers should be cleared for ease of inspection. See the checklist provided for more details on survey preparation.

      Arrangements for the boat to be hauled and pressure washed are typically looked after by the broker. This is usually done as a "survey haul" at a local yard. For sea trials an owner approved captain will be needed. This is often handled by the listing broker. For larger vessels, in-depth testing of engines is recommended as a separate engine survey by a mechanic who has expertise and test equipment for the specific engine(s) involved. This will also need to be arranged and the mechanic will likely want to attend the sea trial. Additional services for haulout, power-washing and the engine survey are normally paid for by the prospective buyer.

      Pre-purchase Survey: The most comprehensive type of survey which is normally done prior to the purchase of a new or used boat. This should be an exhaustive inspection covering every detail affecting the boat's condition and safety including a thorough evaluation of all onboard systems, structural integrity, extent of existing problems, suggestions for upgrades and needed repairs. The vessel is best inspected both in and out of the water and underway for a short trial run. The pre-purchase survey also provides an opinion of fair market value, replacement cost and insurability.

      Insurance Survey:  This inspection is required by insurance companies when a vessel is acquired and at periodic intervals thereafter to insure a safe marine risk for coverage. Many aspects of the purchase inspection are covered including structural and systems analysis. Sea trials and hauling are performed only if required by the underwriters. Greater emphasis is placed on potentially hazardous flaws and safety features with less attention paid to cosmetics and minor repairs. Precise identification of all valuable gear and an opinion of the vessel's fair market value are always included.

      Appraisal: The purpose here is to establish a boat's fair market value pursuant to refinancing, setting a selling price, estate settlements, or donating the vessel. The scope is similar to that of an insurance survey, but can also include estimates as to how projected repairs or refits will change the boat's value.        

    Damage Inspection: This in-spection is often required by insurance companies after a vessel has suffered a grounding, collision, flooding, explosion, fire, lighting strike, storm or other related damage. The surveyor’s job is to ensure that the vessel is restored to her pre-loss condition at a fair and reasonable price.

    permission from boat owner

    yard manager notified

    hauling arranged

    captain hired for sea trial

    batteries fully charged

    engine(s) operable

    ac power  & WATER available

    electronics installed

    documents onboard

    maintenance logs onboard

    all gear TO BE INCLUDED WITH THE PURCHASE onboard

    safety gear onboard

    bilge pumps operational

    fire extinguishers charged

    anchor and rode ready

    water & fuel supply good

    personal items removed

        Additional Services

    FULL sea trialS

    corrosion testing

    oil analysis

    ultrasonic testing

    infrared thermography

    engine survey

    sail surveY

 

I impose no time limits for an onboard inspection. Whether it’s dial indicating shafts, load testing generators or stray current corrosion analysis, you’ll find I take the time needed to probe and test almost every facet of a vessel. The result is an uncompromised, first-class inspection.

Be forewarned, I don’t use fill-in-the-blank forms and my reports aren’t short. Every finding of the survey is spelled out in understandable language. Recommended repairs and practical suggestions to improve a vessel’s safety and comfort are included, and each survey provides an estimate of fair market value to ensure you don’t pay too much.

A very thorough inspection will reveal both major and minor problems in the vessel. The little things can be remedied before they develop into expensive hazards. Typically, the cost of major repairs may be negotiated prior to closing, and armed with an in-depth survey, you could save hundreds or thousands of dollars.
 

S.A.M.S. Accredited Yacht Surveyor - A.M.S. #341

BOAT/U.S. Approved surveyor

N.C. State licensed insurance adjuster

Over 30 years professional experience in the boating industry

Managed full service shipyard

Surveyed yachts of all materials to 100 tons

Professional diesel mechanic training (Mac Boring, NJ)

Seminar training in laminate failure analysis

Over 75,000 ocean going miles with four trans-Atlantic  crossings

Member: American Boat and Yacht Council

US Coast Guard 100 ton license since 1976

· Delamination, osmotic blister and moisture meter analysis

· Stray current corrosion analysis with Ag/AgCl2 test cell

· Strut supported shafts checked with dial indicator for straightness

· Propellers targeted to determine blade bending

· Complete external inspection of all engines with infrared temperature analysis

· Cycle frequency load testing analysis of auxiliary generators

· Carbon pile battery load testing

· Magnaflux die testing for any suspect weld cracks

· Structural analysis impact testing of hull, deck and super-structure

· Thorough systems analysis: plumbing, electrical, bonding, lightning ground systems, etc. where accessible

· Onboard testing of all electronic and accessory equipment

· Detailed inventory of major miscellaneous gear

· Compliance check with USCG legal requirements and major ABYC safety standards

· Full Sea trials if requested with noise, vibration, & engine  phototachometer analysis

· Bonding system resistance metering