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

o Deck and deck core: Inspection includes visual examination for

moisture penetration and delamination

o 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.

o 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.

o Transom

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

o Helm station

 Mast and rigging

o Mast, boom, and poles

o Rigging wire will be inspected for broken strands and chafing.

o Turnbuckles and other connections will be examined

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

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

damage

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

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

o Dodger, bimini, and other canvas attachments

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

vang

 The boat's interior

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

o Layout and finish

o 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

Jump to: navigation, search

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