FAQs
Why do I need a marine surveyor?
We can answer that by telling you the advantages that a survey provides:
- A list of safety hazards that may endanger you and/or your family
- A list of deficiencies that can effect the price of the vessel and/or help in your negotiating a purchase price
- An insurance record of the condition of the vessel at the time of survey, which is invaluable in the case of a collision/allision, sinking or fire
Do I want an out-of-water survey or in-water?
If the insurance company is asking for the survey, ask them exactly what they are looking for so you don’t waste any money obtaining services beyond what the insurance company requires. If you are purchasing, an out-of-water and in-the-water survey and sea trial from a qualified surveyor will give you the most thorough picture of the vessel you are buying.
What geographic areas do you cover?
Our main area is Lake Michigan, but we have performed marine services all over the country and the UK. Professional, travel and administrative fees apply.
Can I be present during the survey?
All surveyors are different, but we prefer that the customer is present after the condition of the vessel and all its systems have been discovered. The survey process is very complicated and requires a lot of focus. It is impossible to apply 100% concentration on the thousands of details necessary to complete a thorough report if there are other people present. Therefore, we are happy to spend as much time with the customer after the surveyor has a complete picture of the vessel and then can convey that during the consultation.
What do you do as part of a survey?
We inspect every accessible area of the vessel for bow to stern. We are inspecting the hull and deck structure, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems. We do not engage in destructive testing, meaning we do not disassemble systems or compartments to gain access to every part of the vessel. Compartments, joinery, or fixed parts are not considered “accessible” within the normal scope of an inspection. If circumstances arise in which some disassembly is required to determine the condition of a particular system or hull area, the surveyor may recommend, as part of the report, further inspection by a qualified marine technician.
Also, the report includes the surveyor’s opinion of the vessel’s fair market value, which will help you set a sale price or negotiate a purchase price.
Do you perform moisture checks of the boat’s hull?
This service is available on its own or it is included with every survey. This includes:
- A visual inspection of any signs of water infiltration
- Sounding the hull with a plastic hammer to discover any areas of delamination
- Analysis with a moisture meter
