The Marine Survey Report

The documentation provided by the marine surveyor will consist of a detailed report of the

surveyor's findings, a list of all deficiencies found on the boat and its equipment, an evaluation of

the severity of each deficiency, the surveyor's recommendations for repairs, and notes and

comments. Most surveyors include charts, diagrams, and photographs as needed to illustrate or

document their report.

A serious problem such as a hull separating will be noted in the surveyer's primary report as a

required repair.

The length of the marine survey report and the amount of information contained in it will vary with the

size of the boat and the systems it includes. Survey reports may be anywhere from a few pages to 2 or

3 dozen pages. The survey report on your boat may be provided to you via e-mail, fax, or snail mail, or

you may pick it up at the surveyor's office. Check with your surveyor for his preferences and practices.

Some of the key items in the survey report include the

following:

Overall Vessel Condition

The surveyor will provide an overall rating of the boat, note whether the boat presents any permanent

problems that cannot be repaired, and assesses the boat's overall fitness for its intended use.

Safety Equipment and Deficiencies

In addition to general observation and commentary on the safety aspects of the yacht, the survey will

note in particular any safety equipment that must be replaced, and will make special note of any

repairs or replacements that must be completed before the boat can be considered safe and

seaworthy.

Recommended Repairs

Most marine survey reports will not only document recommended repairs, but will distinguish between

repairs that would be desirable, those that are essential to the boat's operation, and those that are

required for the yacht to be in compliance with the law.

Marine insurance companies may require that all damage and deficiencies noted in the primary portion

of the report be repaired or replaced before a policy will be written on the boat. Most marine surveyors

will note serious deficiencies in their primary report, with minor or purely cosmetic defects noted in

their secondary comments.

Have Your "Dream Boat" Surveyed By

A Professional Marine Surveyor

Make Your Offer Contingent On A Satisfactory Marine Survey

Buying a used sailboat can be a very smart decision. Just as with new cars versus used

cars, a "pre-owned" sailboat can offer better value for the money than buying a new

sailboat. But unless you yourself are an expert in surveying boats, the cost of a

professional marine survey of the vessel prior to purchase is almost always a good

investment.

A comprehensive inspection by a professional marine surveyor of the sailboat you're

considering can uncover a host of problems that your own closest inspection wouldn't

reveal. The surveyor goes through a comprehensive survey checklist, and also

performs additional inspection as needed, based on his years of experience inspecting

all types of boats. Minor problems can provide you with a negotiating platform for

getting the boat for a better price. Major problems may cause you to decide not to

purchase the boat, or at least to insist on a professional repair prior to purchase, paid

for by the seller.

The smaller and less expensive the boat, the less necessary a survey is, but with larger

sailboats, particularly vessels that are more than a few years old, you should consider

a boat survey as a routine part of the cost of buying the boat, just as a professional

home inspection is part of the cost of buying a home.

Who Pays For The Marine Survey?

Marine surveys are typically paid for by the buyer — you, as the buyer of the boat,

want the surveyor to have a fiduciary responsibility to you, rather than to the seller.

Commonly, an offer is made on the baot contingent upon a satisfactory survey (and

often contingent upon a sea trial, as well). After the seller accepts the offer, the survey

is performed, paid for by you, the buyer. Most surveyors include inspection of the hull

and bottom if the boat is hauled out of the water (also paid for by the buyer).

After the survey is completed, the surveyor will provide you with a marine survey

report: a comprehensive list of all the things wrong with the boat. At that point, you

can make an informed decision about whether you still want to purchase the boat, and

whether you want to negotiate for any price concessions or repairs from the seller.

 

What Is A Sailboat Survey?

A survey can be referred to by a variety of terms: Marine survey. Boat Survey.

Condition and Valuation Survey. Whatever it's called, it refers to a comprehensive

inspection of a boat by an individual with expertise in evaluating the condition of

boats. The marine survey evaluates many different aspects of the boat's conditions —

providing many of the same evaluations that home appraisers, code inspectors, home

inspectors, and fire marshalls perform when inspecting homes.

After the survey is complete, the surveyor provides you with a comprehensive and

detailed written report of his findings and listing all discovered defects in the boat,

often complete with color photographs. The marine survey report will also include the

surveyor's recommendations regarding required repairs that must be performed for

the boat to be considered safe to operate, and recommendations on other repairs to

ensure the boat meets accepted standards for reliable function and operation. Having

a professional marine survey performed on a boat before you purchase it will give you

the information you need to make an informed decision about purchase and pricing, as

well as provide you with peace of mind about the vessel.

How The Survey is Performed

A professional marine surveyor will be guided by recommendations of the American

Boat and Yacht Council, as well as rules and regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard

and statutory requirements. The Federal Rules and Regulations for Recreational Boats,

and the voluntary Standards and Practices for Small Craft, both available from the

American Boat and Yacht Council, form the basis for most marine survey reports.

Even the most experienced marine surveyor will be unable to detect all damage

or potential damage. This sailboat, blown off its jackstands by a hurricane, was

written off by the insurance company because the inner hull mold may have come

loose. But a surveyor would be unable to determine whether this actually

happened without cutting up the boat itself.

The surveyor will use a variety of methods to determine, to the extent possible, the

condition of the boat's hull and superstructure, plumbing and electrical

systems, mechanical operation, cosmetic condition, and more. The surveyor is

limited to using non-destructive methods of inspection, of course, and cannot rip out

decking or use other destructive techniques in performing the survey.

Sometimes surveys reveal problems or possible problems that can only be evaluated

thoroughly by using invasive or destructive techniques. This would require the explicit

permission of the boat's owner. In the absence of such further inspection, you may

decide not to purchase the boat, rather than risk buying problems the extent of which

are unknown.

Sailboat surveys typically involve inspections of the rigging from deck level only. Do

not expect your surveyor to go up the mast in a bosun's chair unless he specifically

states that he will do so. Many surveyors who specialize in sailboat surveys make it a

standard part of their survey to go aloft, but many do not. If you have concerns about

rigging that cannot be accessed or inspected from the deck by your surveyor, you may

want to hire a professional rigger to go up for an up-close examination. For most

sailboat purchases, inspection by a professional rigger shouldn't be necessary, but if

you are planning long-distance cruising in your sailboat — particularly in open ocean

waters — you may want the additional protection and peace of mind that such an

inspection could provide.

The survey will include inspection of stays, shrouds, spars, boom and mast,

sheets, lifelines — virtually all running rigging and standing rigging on the sailboat.

The surveyor will power up and test electronic and electrical equipment, and

perform a visual inspection of all visible electrical wiring and connections. The survey

will typically not include any removal or disassembly of electrical parts or components.

Very few vessels of any age, once placed into service, meet all of the recommended

standards for marine electrical equipment and installation. The corrosion and decay of

the marine environment speed up the aging of electrical components, particularly if

the sailboat has been used in or around salt water. You should expect some negative

findings regarding the electrical equipment; a good surveyor will note when the

problems may lead to critical failures, fires, or explosions, which could have

devastating consequences.

In addition, the surveyor will inspect and observe the functioning of the boat's head

and other aspects of its plumbing systems, and will visually inspect holding tanks

and storage tanks, to the extent that they are accessible. He will also examine

chain plates, through-hull fittings, sea cocks, and hatches.

In addition to visual inspection and operational testing, marine surveyors may use a

variety of other tools and techniques during the survey. These may include touching

surfaces, knocking, and listening to the resulting sound or echos, tapping surfaces or

equipment with a small mallet, probing with a spike point, and testing with a moisture

meter. The sounds the surveyor hears from knocking and tapping can reveal hidden

wood rot, hollow areas, delamination, bonding failures, or other problems.

The surveyor brings to such testing all of his prior experience with boats in general and

that specific type of boat in particular to determine whether the produced sound is

normal, abnormal but harmless, or abnormal and potentially serious. Similarly, the

surveyor brings his experience to bear in deciding whether a minor water stain might

be the result of a spilled coffee or a serious leak somewhere. Depending on the type of

boat being surveyed, its age and condition, its onboard systems, and the surveyor's

own preferences and habits, any or all of these methods may be used.

Types of Marine Surveys

Insurability and valuation report — designed for use by marine insurance

underwriters and financial lending institutions. These surveys provide a basis for

the boat's qualification for insurance and loans; such a survey is usually required if

you want to finance the purchase of your boat, or to insure it.

Appraisal inspection — needed for financing, and also for estate settlement and

legal matters.

Damage and insurance claims — used to determine the extent of damage and

to estimate repair costs after any type of accident involving the boat. This survey is

most often ordered by an insurance company when a claim is filed.

Partial surveys and external hull inspections — Some marine surveyors offer

these more limited surveys. These types of surveys will be less expensive than a

full marine survey, but it is very important that you understand what you are

getting — and what you are not getting — in these surveys.

 

Sailboat Surveys  

Sailboat Surveys

What is a Boat Survey?

Marine Survey FAQs

Preparing for a Marine Survey

Sailboat Survey Checklist

The Marine Survey Report

Marine Survey Pricing Guide

Professional Marine Surveyors

Boats for Sale in Florida

Tropical Boating

Copyright 2007-2010 Tropical Web Works. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy

Frequently Asked Questions About Marine

Surveys

Who pays for the survey?

In a typical sailboat purchase, the buyer of the boat pays for the survey.

Who does the surveyor actually work for? Who is the survey report provided to?

The marine surveyor "works for" the individual or business entity hiring him. That individual or

business entity which commissioned the marine survey will receive the surveyor's report.

Marine surveyors typically will not provide the survey or share any survey results with anyone

other than the individual who hired him, unless instructed to do so by that person.

Are marine surveyors licensed?

No, there is no governmental body or agency that licenses marine surveyors. However,

surveyors can receive accreditation from the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors

(SAMS) or the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS). Both SAMS and NAMS

require at least 5 years of experience and administer exams that must be passed for the

surveyor to be accreditation. Both organizations also require continuing education to main

surveyor accreditation. Boat US, as well as other boat insurance companies and boat loan

lenders, maintain lists of yacht surveyors whose surveys they accept for purposes of financing

a boat or insuring a boat.

How long does a marine survey usually take?

The survey itself generally can be completed in a few hours to a full day. The surveyor may

need several days after the physical survey to complete his written report. The larger the boat

and the more systems it has, the longer the survey and report will take. Your surveyor can give

you a more precise estimate of his schedule and time frame.

Should the buyer be present during the survey?

While a survey can be performed without the buyer being present, it can be helpful for the

buyer to be there during the survey itself. The surveyor may be able to point out certain items

and explain their meaning more easily while on the boat itself. Surveyors may also make

comments or observations that aren't significant enough to include in the final report, but

which may add to the buyer's understanding of the boat's condition. The buyer also has an

opportunity to ask the surveyor questions and ask for clarification of the surveyor's comments.

Who else should be present for the survey?

The owner of the boat, an authorized representative, or a licensed captain should be present to

operate the boat and its systems. The surveyor must be able to focus his attention on

inspecting and evaluating, not on operating unfamiliar equipment. The owner or his

representative should stay out of the survey process except to operate the boat and its

equipment as needed.

Who should not be present for the survey?

Generally, a marine survey will proceed most smoothly if there are no children or pets present.

Additionally, friends and relatives who will not have an ownership interest in the boat will often

be more of a distraction.

Should the boat be in the water or out of the water for the survey?

Ideally, most surveyors would prefer to have an opportunity to evaluate the boat while it is

operating in the water, particularly to evaluate the functioning of the engine and the running

rigging of a sailboat, as well as to inspect the boat out of the water. The in-water part of the

survey can often be done during the sea trial, but some boat surveyors prefer that the sea trial

be conducted separately from the survey. Most marine surveyors consider a survey incomplete

if they are unable to evaluate the boat both in and out of the water.

Who pays for the marina's haulout fee?

The buyer of the boat (the person who is commissioning the survey) is responsible for all costs

associated with the survey, including the haulout fee.

What should be done to make sure the boat is ready for surveying?

If the boat has been winterized, or is in storage at a marine or at the broker's yard, the seller

or the broker should re-commission the boat as would be done at the beginning of the boating

season. Gear stowed elsewhere should be returned to the boat. Batteries should be charged.

Water and fuel tanks should be filled. The engine and generator should be started and tested.

In general, the boat should be made ready for taking out on the water as if for a day sail.

These preparations are not the surveyor's responsibility, and should be completed prior to his

arrival at the boat.

How are the rigging and sails surveyed?

All surveyors visually inspect the rigging from deck level. Since most of the moving parts and

the most corrosive effects of salt water occur at this level, the most serious problems are likely

to be observable during this inspection. Some surveyors are willing to go aloft to inspect the

top of the mast and the upper part of the rigging more closely. Most surveyors who are willing

to go aloft will charge an additional fee for the service, and require advance notice that the

buyer wishes the extra service. Be sure you discuss the details with your surveyor prior to

engaging his services, to ensure that his services coincide with your expectations of what will

be inspected and how. The mast can be unstepped to allow for a more complete and thorough

inspection without the surveyor going aloft, but this is rarely done.

Sails will be inspected to whatever extent reasonable based on the sail's location and status —

bagged jib sails can be removed from the bag, for example, and if an in-water survey is

conducted, the surveyor can inspect a mainsail and a roller-furled jib when they are set out for

sailing. For racing or cruising sailboats with many different expensive sails, the sails can be

inspected separately in a sail loft.

Can a sailboat be purchased without a marine survey?

If the buyer doesn't plan to finance or insure the boat, the decision to engage a marine

surveyor is entirely up to the buyer. A survey is generally required when financing the boat's

purchase, or to insure the boat. A survey is strongly recommended for older boats and boats

with multiple complex systems, such as plumbing, electrical systems, generators, and other

systems. The newer the boat, and the smaller and less complex it is, the less a survey is

needed.

Is a marine survey needed for the purchase of a new sailboat?

Buyers who commission the construction of a custom boat often retain a professional marine

surveyor to monitor the construction process and provide professional insight into the quality

of the construction procedures and their compliance with recommended and required

guidelines and regulations. Less commonly, buyers may hire a surveyor to perform a survey

prior to closing on the boat purchase — but since any defects in the boat will generally be

covered under the new boat warranty, and there's no possibility of damage from previous

usage, buyers are far less concerned with surveying a new sailboat and generally forego the

expense. Some sailboat owners who buy new sailboat like to use their new sailboat for a

season, then have it professionally surveyed before the warranty expires.

Preparing Your Boat for a Marine Survey

To perform a proper marine survey, the surveyor needs a boat that is ready for an inspection. If your

boat isn't properly prepared for the survey, the surveyor may not be able to inspect certain parts of

the boat, or if delays occurs, the surveyor may charge additional fees.

A marine surveyor will want to see the boat out of the water to inspect the keel and bottom of

the hull

Have the owner or broker at the boat, on time, prepared to start the boat, run the engine, and pilot

the boat. The marine surveyor does not drive the boat.

Have readily available all keys to the engine, the cabin, the engine room, and all cabinets and

storage lockers.

Clean the boat as thoroughly as possible, and remove all personal items, or at least as many as

possible.

Notify marina or ship yard ahead of time, and have them standing by to haul the boat out of the

water, if the boat isn't already out. Make sure the marina has the name and phone number of the

surveyor and the seller.

If the boat is docked or otherwise stored at a private residence, make sure the owner of the

property is aware of the survey. Any locked fence gates need to be unlocked, and dogs or other

animals should be kept out of the way.

Have all ship's papers — registration, documentation, manuals, and owner's guides — on board and

readily available.

Make the decision ahead of time if the boat will have a bottom cleaning during the haul-out, and

notify the marina.

Make sure the batteries are fully charged and that shore power is available for testing electrical

systems.

Have phone numbers available for the seller, the buyer, the listing and selling broker, and the

surveyor — even those who are supposed to be present for the survey. If there are any delays or

schedule changes, you'll need to be able to notify the appropriate individuals.

Limit the number of people who will be present during the survey.

Learn ahead of time, as accurately as possible, the transit time from where the boat is located to

the marine or shipyard where it will be hauled. Let the surveyor know of the estimate time.

Survey Checklist

Date and time scheduled and confirmed with marine surveyor

Payment arrangements confirmed with marine surveyor and marina

Location of boat, and location of actual survey, confirmed with surveyor

Survey permission from boat owner, and date and time of survey confirmed with owner

Marina or shipyard notified of survey date and time, haulout, and any work that will be done during

haulout.

Batteries charged and ready

AC shore power available

Fuel in fuel tanks

Engines tested and ready, keys available

Water in water tanks, water system tested

Heads checked and ready for inspection

Bilges cleaned and dried

Personal gear removed

Lazarettes, storage lockers, and all other storage areas emptied

Navigation lights, compass, electrical systems tested and ready

Required safety gear on board and tested, including PFDs, sound signalling devices, visual distress

signals, and fire extinguishers

Bilge pumps tested and ready

Anchor and rode on board and ready for use

Required plaques, notifications, and informational materials on board: No Oil Discharge plaque, No

Pollution plaque (over 26'), Inland Navigation Rules (over 39'4"), Waste Management Plan (over 40')

Additional services scheduled and confirmed with marina, surveyor, or others — bottom job, rigging

inspection, oil analysis, engine and machinery survey, etc.

Preparing Your Boat for a Marine Survey

To perform a proper marine survey, the surveyor needs a boat that is ready for an inspection. If your

boat isn't properly prepared for the survey, the surveyor may not be able to inspect certain parts of

the boat, or if delays occurs, the surveyor may charge additional fees.

A marine surveyor will want to see the boat out of the water to inspect the keel and bottom of

the hull

Have the owner or broker at the boat, on time, prepared to start the boat, run the engine, and pilot

the boat. The marine surveyor does not drive the boat.

Have readily available all keys to the engine, the cabin, the engine room, and all cabinets and

storage lockers.

Clean the boat as thoroughly as possible, and remove all personal items, or at least as many as

possible.

Notify marina or ship yard ahead of time, and have them standing by to haul the boat out of the

water, if the boat isn't already out. Make sure the marina has the name and phone number of the

surveyor and the seller.

If the boat is docked or otherwise stored at a private residence, make sure the owner of the

property is aware of the survey. Any locked fence gates need to be unlocked, and dogs or other

animals should be kept out of the way.

Have all ship's papers — registration, documentation, manuals, and owner's guides — on board and

readily available.

Make the decision ahead of time if the boat will have a bottom cleaning during the haul-out, and

notify the marina.

Make sure the batteries are fully charged and that shore power is available for testing electrical

systems.

Have phone numbers available for the seller, the buyer, the listing and selling broker, and the

surveyor — even those who are supposed to be present for the survey. If there are any delays or

schedule changes, you'll need to be able to notify the appropriate individuals.

Limit the number of people who will be present during the survey.

Learn ahead of time, as accurately as possible, the transit time from where the boat is located to

the marine or shipyard where it will be hauled. Let the surveyor know of the estimate time.

Survey Checklist

Date and time scheduled and confirmed with marine surveyor

Payment arrangements confirmed with marine surveyor and marina

Location of boat, and location of actual survey, confirmed with surveyor

Survey permission from boat owner, and date and time of survey confirmed with owner

Marina or shipyard notified of survey date and time, haulout, and any work that will be done during

haulout.

Batteries charged and ready

AC shore power available

Fuel in fuel tanks

Engines tested and ready, keys available

Water in water tanks, water system tested

Heads checked and ready for inspection

Bilges cleaned and dried

Personal gear removed

Lazarettes, storage lockers, and all other storage areas emptied

Navigation lights, compass, electrical systems tested and ready

Required safety gear on board and tested, including PFDs, sound signalling devices, visual distress

signals, and fire extinguishers

Bilge pumps tested and ready

Anchor and rode on board and ready for use

Required plaques, notifications, and informational materials on board: No Oil Discharge plaque, No

Pollution plaque (over 26'), Inland Navigation Rules (over 39'4"), Waste Management Plan (over 40')

Additional services scheduled and confirmed with marina, surveyor, or others — bottom job, rigging

inspection, oil analysis, engine and machinery survey, etc.

Sailboat Survey Checklist

A comprehensive marine survey of a sailboat typically will include inspection,

evaluation, and possibly testing of the following:

The boat's deck, topsides, cockpit, superstructure, and rigging. All parts of the

boat that are reasonably accessible will be inspected.

Marine surveyors will check the boat thoroughly for signs of leaks, which will

be noted in the survey report

Deck and deck core: Inspection includes visual examination for moisture

penetration and delamination

Deck fittings such as cleats and chainplates: Will be inspected for soundness,

water-tightness, and miscellaneous damage and wear. When water or moisture

gets into the deck core, delamination can result.

Hatches, lockers, and lazarettes: Will be inspected for fit and operation, signs of

damage, excess caulking that could indicate prior repairs, stress cracks, and

wear and tear. Ideally, all lockers and lazarettes will be empty, or can be

emptied, so that the surveyor can get a good look at the entire interior.

Transom

Rails, lifelines, pulpit, stanchions, cleats, fairleads, winches

Helm station

Mast and rigging

Mast, boom, and poles

Rigging wire will be inspected for broken strands and chafing.

Turnbuckles and other connections will be examined

Eye terminals will be checked for corrosion, cracks, and shape

Mast should be straight, even, and sound, without corrosion or damage

Mast pulleys, welds, winches, and other moving parts will be examined

Spreaders and fittings will be examined for corrosion, wear, or chafing

Dodger, bimini, and other canvas attachments

Halyards, reefing, sheeting, leads, cleats and jam cleats, traveler, vang

The boat's interior

Sole (cabin floor) will be inspected for damage and signs of leaks

Layout and finish

Galley

Stove, oven, refrigeration

Propane storage and system

Sink and faucet

Sleeping accommodations, furnishings, doors, drawers, latches, interior storage

areas

Engine and engine room

Engine beds and mounts

Fuel, oil, coolant fluids, exhaust

Drive train

Bilge and bilge pumps

Most surveyors will check to make sure thru-hull fittings are of bronze, not

PVC, and that thru-hull valves are ball valves, not gate valves. Additionally,

many surveyors will make note if hoses attached to thru-hulls do not have two

hose clamps, and if any hoses are kinked or bent.

Thru-hulls and thru-hull fittings, including valves, clamps, and hoses

Fuel system, including tank and mounts, fuel lines, filter, and shutoff

Holding tanks and water tanks, including mounts, hoses, and shore connections

Hull, keel, bottom, propeller, skeg,. All components of the survey below the

waterline require haulout of the boat. The surveyor will also look for signs of

grounding or impact damage, stress cracks, repairs, or distortions.

Keel: Damage or signs of repair on the bottom or leading part of the keel are

common in boats sailed in shallow water. An experienced surveyor will be able

to evaluate the severity of the damage.

Swing keels: The surveyor will want to get under the boat with a flashlight to

look up into the keel housing.

Hull: The hull inspection includes examination for blisters or signs of potential

blistering in the fiberglass. Minor blistering usually isn't something to worry

about, as most boats will develop some blistering over the years, but serious

blistering can be problematic and can be costly to repair.

Thru-hulls, grills, sea valves: All thru-hull openings will be inspected for a

variety of possible problems resulting from damage or normal degradation and

wear.

Propeller, shaft, and supporting struts: The prop should be sound, the shaft

straight and true, and supports strong and sturdy without excess looseness.

Steering

Rudder: The surveyor will be looking for easy, smooth rudder motion, and also

checking for looseness or wear in the hinges and for signs of water seepage

into the rudder itself.

Tiller

Wheel and linkages

Autopilot

Structural integrity

Anchors and ground tackle

Design features and aftermarket structural modifications

Cosmetic condition and finish.

Overall maintenance

Electrical equipment (both AC and DC), power supply, and circuits

Installation: Is the equipment installed in compliance with safety

requirements and sound practices?

Operation: Does all electrical equipment function properly?

Plumbing

Seacocks: Are all seacocks operational, with free movement when opening or

closing

Head: Toilet, sink, faucet, shower, drain, pump

Taps: Do all interior and exterior taps, faucets, and sprayers operate properly,

and is there any leakage?

Hoses, screens, strainers: Are hoses cracked or brittle? What is the condition of

screens and strainers? What is the condition of all hose clamps and supports?

Is there any moisture or any water puddles or stains anywhere that may be a

result of any leakage or failure in the plumbing system?

Safety equipment: The presence and condition of:

PFDs (personal floation devices)

Fixed and portable fire extinguishers

Visual distress signals

Sound-producing devices (audible signals)

Navigation lights

Engine exhaust blowers and engine room ventilation

Oil discharge and garbage disposal placards

Any auxiliary safety equipment, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide

detectors, and first aid kits

Ship's papers, documentation (if documented), vessel registration, and hull

numbers

Compliance with Coast Guard requirements, recommendations of the American

Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), and recommendations of the National Fire

Protection Association.

Not Normally Included In A Marine Survey

The construction techniques and materials used in construction of yachts make it

impossible for surveyors to examine every part of the boat. Wire and plumbing runs

are hidden from view; bulkheads and other structural components block access to

various areas; and in general the surveyor is simply unable to see or otherwise

evaluate various elements of the boat. The professional marine surveyor should make

clear what parts of the boat and its systems he was unable to inspect.

Additionally, weather conditions, mechanical breakdowns, boatyard delays, or other

factors may prevent the surveyor from completing all of the factors that would

normally be surveyed. These items should also be noted by the surveyor in his report.

Most surveyors will not make a return trip to survey such items, unless special

arrangements are made.

Marine surveys typically will not include the following, unless special arrangements

have been made with the surveyor and/or the owner:

Inspection of rigging, mast and equipment mounted above deck level (e.g., top of

mast, radar dish mounted on top of mast)

Inspections that would require disassembling parts of the boat, electronic

equipment, or machinery.

Full mechanical testing and analysis: The surveyor will visually inspect the engine

for wear, loose wires or clamps, etc., and will have the engine run to watch and

listen to it — but the marine surveyor is not a marine mechanic. If you want a

complete mechanical inspection, you should make arrangements with a marine

mechanic.

Drilling holes, removing paneling, paint or gelcoat, or other destructive actions.

Removal of carpeting, headliner, cabinetry, liners, or other parts.

Opening or removing holding tanks, water tanks, or gas tanks, or pressure tests of

tanks, lines and plumbing.

The surveyor typically will not perform any calibrations, adjustments, or repairs.

Boats do not "pass" or "fail" a marine survey. Rather, the surveyor provides a detailed

report of the boat's condition, its systems, and any defects found, and provides

recommendations for repairs and an evaluation of the boat's fair market value, based

on the surveyer's expert opinion. The buyer who commissioned the boat survey then

decides if he wishes to proceed with the purchase, cancel the purchase, or re-open

negotiations with the seller for price concessions or repairs based on the survey report.

The surveyor also does not make insurance or financing decisions; the insurance

companies and lending institutions make their own independent decisions about boat

loans and boat insurance, based in part on the survey report. The lender or insurance

company may refuse to insure or finance the boat, or they may require that certain

repairs or replacements be performed before they will issue the boat insurance or boat

loan.

 

Sailboat Surveys  

Sailboat Surveys

What is a Boat Survey?

Marine Survey FAQs

Preparing for a Marine Survey

Sailboat Survey Checklist

The Marine Survey Report

Marine Survey Pricing Guide

Professional Marine Surveyors

Boats for Sale in Florida

Tropical Boating

Copyright 2007-2010 Tropical Web Works. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy

The Marine Survey Report

The documentation provided by the marine surveyor will consist of a detailed report of the

surveyor's findings, a list of all deficiencies found on the boat and its equipment, an evaluation of

the severity of each deficiency, the surveyor's recommendations for repairs, and notes and

comments. Most surveyors include charts, diagrams, and photographs as needed to illustrate or

document their report.

A serious problem such as a hull separating will be noted in the surveyer's primary report as a

required repair.

The length of the marine survey report and the amount of information contained in it will vary with the

size of the boat and the systems it includes. Survey reports may be anywhere from a few pages to 2 or

3 dozen pages. The survey report on your boat may be provided to you via e-mail, fax, or snail mail, or

you may pick it up at the surveyor's office. Check with your surveyor for his preferences and practices.

Some of the key items in the survey report include the

following:

Overall Vessel Condition

The surveyor will provide an overall rating of the boat, note whether the boat presents any permanent

problems that cannot be repaired, and assesses the boat's overall fitness for its intended use.

Safety Equipment and Deficiencies

In addition to general observation and commentary on the safety aspects of the yacht, the survey will

note in particular any safety equipment that must be replaced, and will make special note of any

repairs or replacements that must be completed before the boat can be considered safe and

seaworthy.

Recommended Repairs

Most marine survey reports will not only document recommended repairs, but will distinguish between

repairs that would be desirable, those that are essential to the boat's operation, and those that are

required for the yacht to be in compliance with the law.

Marine insurance companies may require that all damage and deficiencies noted in the primary portion

of the report be repaired or replaced before a policy will be written on the boat. Most marine surveyors

will note serious deficiencies in their primary report, with minor or purely cosmetic defects noted in

their secondary comments.

Sailboat Survey Pricing Guide

What Will the Marine Survey Cost?

An expert, comprehensive marine survey by an experienced surveyor will not be cheap. Nor

should you expect it to be. If you want cheap, buy a canoe. Not only is your sailboat a major financial

investment — You will be trusting your life to the boat's structural integrity and overall condition. Some

experienced boat buyers view the pre-purchase survey as essentially free — often the lower price that

can be negotiated based on the survey report will save the buyer more money the cost of the survey

itself!

The cost of the marine survey for any particular boat will depend on the size of the boat (usually based

on LOA), the number and complexity of the boat's systems, the geographic location, the surveyor's

expertise and experience, and possibly the time of year. The most experienced and knowledgeable

surveyors may be booked several weeks in advance, and can charge a premium fee over less

experienced surveyors, who may be more likely to miss subtle signs of a looming problem.

Prices and fees are most often calculated based on the boat's length: The surveyor may charge a fee

of so many dollars per foot, and often the price-per-foot goes up as the boat's length increases. A 60-

foot sailing yacht will be much more than twice as complex as a 30-foot sailboat. Surveyors often

charge a minimum fee regardless of boat size — the minimum fee might typically be in the $250-$400

range. Many surveyors also charge for travel time, sometimes only for boats outside their usual service

areas, others for all travel time, regardless of the boat's location.

Here are some approximate marine survey fees that you might expect to pay for a professional

sailboat survey:

$10-$17 per foot up to 30 feet

$14-$22 per foot for boats from 31 feet to 40 feet

$16-$20 per foot for boats over 40 feet

Based on these rough estimates, the base cost of a marine survey for a 28-foot sailing yacht might be

about $300 to $500, while a 42-foot yacht survey might cost around $600 to $800. Additional fees for

travel time or special services may be involved. Be sure to check with your marine surveyor for any

additional fees.

Surveys for obtaining boat insurance or financing are frequently offered at a lower fee. Such surveys

are less comprehensive than a full pre-purchase marine survey. Many surveyors also charge extra fees

for additional services, such as going aloft to inspect the tops of masts and rigging, subcontracting

specialty inspections for in-depth mechanical and electrical systems, or other special services.

Professional Marine Sailboat

Surveyors

A marine surveyor will provide a full report of his findings, including such

problems as this leaking chainplate.

Anyone considering hiring a marine surveyor should be aware that there is no

regulation or licensing of marine surveys. Virtually anyone can hang out a shingle and

advertise their services as a marine surveyor. You should make sure that any surveyor

you are considering engaging is an accredited member of the Society of Accredited

Marine Surveyors (SAMS) or the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS).

Surveyors of yachts and small craft provide inspections and assessments of the

condition, value, construction, damage, and required repairs of sailboats and

powerboats up to about 300 feet in length. Other surveyors specialize in large

commercial passenger or cargo vessels.

When you need to hire a boat surveyor for the purchase of a sailboat, it is particularly

important that your surveyor have the specialized knowledge and experience

needed for surveying sailboats. Many surveyors have extensive experience

surveying powerboats, but know little or nothing about the special rigging and gear

used on sailboats. Nearly every part of the sailboat can be considered part of its

propulsion system: the keel, the height — and strength — of the mast, the hull, the

tensile strength of the halyards, stays, and boomvang, the balance of the helm, the

vessel's tacking and pointing capabilities.

A boat surveyor needs to understand sailboats, their special equipment, and

how they operate in order to provide you with the best possible survey of the

sailboat you are considering purchasing. Your marine surveyor should have specific

experience surveying the type and general size of the sailboat you wish to purchase.

Selecting a marine surveyor is an important decision that should be based on

his training, credentials, and experience, his reputation and recommendations from

previous buyers who have used his services, and accreditation from a nationally

recognized marine survey accrediting organization. Accreditation alone does not

guarantee the quality of the survey, any more than a medical or legal license

guarantees the skills and expertise of a doctor or lawyer — but reputable, quality

marine surveyors will generally hold at least one nationally recognized accreditation.

Don't forget, you can ask your yacht brokerage and boating friends for

recommendations.

When you speak with a surveyor about retaining his services, don't be hesitant to

question him about his experience in surveying the type of boat you are

considering, how he performs the survey, how much time he spends on the survey

and on the report, and how he arrives at his conclusions and recommendations. Most

surveyors will be willing to provide you with a sample survey report, with identifying

information removed; you should examine this report carefully to see if reflects a

thoughtful, unhurried survey and if it addresses all of the key areas listed in the

marine survey checklist.

Your primary concern should not be the surveyor's fee, but the quality of the survey.

Saving a few dollars by hiring an inexperienced or careless surveyor could end up

costing you tens of thousands of dollars, or even your life.

 

Marine surveyor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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A Marine Surveyor is a person who conducts inspections, surveys or examinations of marine vessels to assess, monitor and report on their condition and the products on them. Marine Surveyors also inspect equipment intended for new or existing vessels to ensure compliance with various standards or specifications. Marine surveys typically include the structure, machinery and equipment (navigational, safety, radio, etc.) and general condition of a vessel. It also includes judging materials on board and their condition.

Marine Surveying is often closely associated with marine insurance, damage and salvage, accident and fraud investigation as insurers generally lack the training and skills required to perform a detailed assessment of the condition of a vessel. While Marine Surveyors are sometimes employed by insurers directly they maintain a certain professional autonomy in order to provide an unbiased view. Independent Marine Surveyors are often employed by the clients of marine insurers to provide evidence in support of damage claims made against the insurer. Insurance companies cannot require customers to use specific Marine Surveyors (although they often provide a list of recommended or pre-approved Marine Surveyors who are known to them).

Marine Surveyors use many credentials, letters, and terms such as "Accredited", "Certified", "Qualifed", "AMS", "CMS", and so on. There are many ways to train to become a marine surveyor including taking correspondence courses, apprenticing, or simply opening a business. However, Marine Surveyors pursue their profession independently of required organizations, and there is currently no national or international licensing requirement for Marine Surveyors. The U.S. Coast Guard does not approve or certify Marine Surveyors. All association terms and initials represent training and certification by private organizations.

Contents

[hide]

1 General duties of a Marine Surveyor 2 Types of Marine Surveyor

o 2.1 Government surveyor o 2.2 Classification surveyor o 2.3 Private surveyor o 2.4 Yacht and Small Craft surveyor

3 See also 4 Further reading

[edit] General duties of a Marine Surveyor

A Marine Surveyor may perform the following tasks:

Conduct surveys throughout the ship's life (building new ship, annual survey, interim survey, special survey) to ensure standards are maintained;

Perform inspections required by domestic statutes and international conventions by the International Maritime Organization (IMO);

Witness tests and operation of emergency and safety machinery and equipment; Measure ships for tonnage and survey them for load line assignment; Attend court as an expert witness and assist in coroner's inquiries; Investigate marine accidents.

[edit] Types of Marine Surveyor

[edit] Government surveyor

A Government surveyor performs ship registration surveys, surveys of foreign-going ships and local craft, and generally enforces ship safety standards to insure marine industrial safety. Government-appointed Marine Surveyors belong to two groups, which are not mutually exclusive: Flag State surveyors report to the government with whom the vessel is registered, and Port State surveyors report to the government into whose territory the vessel has entered. The Port State surveyors usually have the authority to detain vessels considered to have defects that may result in adverse impacts on life or the environment. Based on their government's legal framework, Flag State surveyors can impose conditions on the vessel such that failure to comply will result in the registration of the vessel being suspended or withdrawn. In this event, the vessel will find it almost impossible to trade.

[edit] Classification surveyor

A Classification surveyor inspects ships to make sure that the ship, its components and machinery are built and maintained according to the standards required for their class. Classification surveyors often have two roles: one is as a representative of the Classification

Society; and the other as an inspector on behalf of the country with which the vessel is registered (the Flag State). The Classification role is to ensure that during construction the vessel initially complies with the Classification Society's Rules for construction and outfitting, and thereafter is maintained fit to proceed trading (***class surveyord no longer used the term "seaworthy"). The Flag State role is based on a clear set of guidelines issued by the registering country. On satisfactory completion of any survey, the Classification surveyor makes recommendations to the Classification Society and/or the Flag State. These may be that the vessel has a clean bill of health, or that various defects must be corrected within a given time.

Increasingly, both Government and Classification surveyors are becoming involved in confirming compliance with international treaties associated with such things as pollution, international security, and safety management schemes. They may also examine cargo gear to ensure that it meets various requirements or regulations. Government and Classification surveyors are usually marine professionals mariner, such as a qualified ship's master, engineer, naval architect or radio officer.

[edit] Private surveyor

A private marine surveyor may be asked to carry out a wide range of tasks, including examining ships' cargoes or onboard conditions such as fuel quality; investigating accidents at sea (e.g., oil spillages or failure of machinery or structures which are not considered to be critical); and preparing accident reports for insurance purposes, and conducting draught surveys to analyse how much cargo has been lost or gained.

Private surveyors also carry out condition surveys or pre-purchase surveys to determine the condition of the ship prior to charter or an acquisition. Many companies as P&I clubs, Ship-owners, broker, etc. employ or contract the services of a private marine surveyor in order to determine the condition of the ship.

Many traditional companies conduct private surveys. Examples include [1] Bureau Veritas (BV), [2] International Registries of Shipping, [3] Iamsa Bureau of Shipping, Lloyd Registers, DNV, NKK, and others.

[edit] Yacht and Small Craft surveyor

Yacht and Small Craft surveyors specialize in inspecting smaller vessels that are most often used for pleasure boating (both power and sail). Y&SC surveyors may be employed directly by larger marine insurance companies, but most often they are independent practitioners. Since using boats for pleasure (or "yachting") is a relatively recent phenomena, having only been widely practiced for the last century or so, Y&SC surveying has many unique aspects that are not shared with the more traditional forms of marine surveying described above