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Why
should I have a vessel surveyed?
Buyers use marine surveyors to provide objective assessments
of the new or pre-owned vessels they may purchase.
How
do I select a surveyor?
A good
marine surveyor should be:
1. independently qualified
2. a member of a professional survey organization
3. use the latest information, tools and technology
4. conduct the survey and issue reports based upon ABYC “American
Boat and Yacht Council”, NFPA “National Fire Protection Association”
and US Coast Guard safety and inspection guidelines and standards.
How long does
a survey take?
Surveys
are booked on a first come first served basis. During busy times, the
week's schedule fills up quickly - book your survey as soon as you know
you would like me to do it for you. I can usually perform the survey within
48 hours, and it can take as little as 3 hours or as much as 3 or 4 days,
depending on the size of the vessel, and 3 to 10 hours in the office to
prepare the report. Completed survey reports are usually ready in 48 hours
after the survey has been completed.
Does the boat
have to be hauled for the survey?
If
this is a pre-purchase survey, yes. The arraignments and costs involved
with hauling a vessel are the responsibility of the person ordering the
survey. If this is a survey for insurance, you should contact your insurance
company and find out if they need an in-water or an out of water survey.
Do you inspect
the rig aloft?
I
do not go aloft for rig inspections. Disassembly of fittings and internal
parts such as pins, sheaves, and socket type terminals as well as inspecting
the heel and mast step can only be done when the mast is down.
Do you inspect
sails?
If
possible, sails will be set on a sea trial or unfurled at the pier if
weather permits. On boats with large inventories of high-tech and expensive
sails we will make inspections in a sail loft
Do you carry
out compression tests of the engine?
No but if we think that it is worthwhile; we will recommend several choices
of marine engineers.
Do you conduct
a sea trial as part of the pre purchase survey?
Yes, up to one hour of underway time is included in the standard pre purchase
survey price if it is done at the time as the survey. More extensive trials
and the extra time will involve additional cost. I
do not operate the boat during the survey or sea trial. The owner, his
broker, or a hired captain should be present to operate the boat.
How
do I pay you for your services?
I require payment by check or cash at the time of the survey inspection.
In cases requiring unusual travel or other expenses we may require payment
in advance. If you are present for the survey we accept certified checks,
travelers checks, or cash. If you are not present for the survey, you
can pay in advance by mail or through Pay Pal.
What are the
responsibilities of the seller or representative of the seller?
1) All normally accessible compartments should be open and unobstructed.
2) The boat should be reasonably clean, and extraneous possessions should
be removed.
3) The ships papers or title and registration should be available.
4) The seller, the broker or other representative of the seller should
operate the boat, engine, or other equipment on sea trial and to deliver
the boat to the yard for the haul out.
What are the responsibilities of the Buyer?
1) After contracting for the survey with us, the buyer should make arrangements
with the repair yard for a "quick haul" and pressure wash. Often
the broker will coordinate this for you.
2) The buyer must also make the necessary financial arrangements with
the yard (usually payment at the time of haul out).
3) We require payment for the survey before delivery of the report. Generally
it is easiest to pay by check or cash at the time of the survey inspection.
In cases requiring unusual travel or other expenses we may require payment
in advance.
Can
I be present at the survey?
I welcome all clients to be present and I have no problem
explaining as I conduct the survey.
How soon
do I get a report?
A. Reports are sent by mail in paper format, usually within two to five
days.
Do your reports
include photographs?
Yes we take digital photos and add them to the report.