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If you are in the market to buy a used boat, then a marine survey is an absolute must. A marine surveyor will inspect the boat from top to bottom and inside out so you know exactly what condition the boat is in. The survey determines what repairs or upgrades may be necessary to get a boat into a safe operating condition and help you determine the actual value of a boat. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and costly repairs. Fortunately, you can follow a few easy steps to identify the type of survey you need, find a good price for the service, get the marine survey done, and sail the blue waters worry-free.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 6:Determining if You Need a Survey Done
Part 1
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1Understand that if you are buying a new boat, then a marine survey might not be necessary. A marine survey is likely only needed if you're buying a big and very expensive superyacht where you to monitor a new build and get a pre-delivery inspection. [1]
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2Know that a survey is extremely important if you are considering buying a used boat. There are a few reasons why, and they are outlined below:
- An expert boat surveyor knows all systems and components of a boat, from the fort to aft. This allows the surveyor to see problems hidden from view and that would need a professional to spot.
- A survey helps determine what repairs and upgrades will be necessary to make your boat safe.
- You will know the condition and performance of the boat, which will help you determine the actual value of the boat and give you leverage to negotiate the final price.
- Furthermore, many lenders and insurances won’t finance or insure a used boat that has not been surveyed making it mandatory to have a marine survey report.
- Getting a survey done will save you from expensive repairs associated with a breakdown of maritime systems.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 6:Finding the Survey Type You Need
Part 2
There are multiple different types of marine surveys. Depending on your needs, you can choose one of the following boat inspection types.
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1Understand what a pre-purchase survey is. A pre-purchase survey is a “Condition and Valuation” (C&V) survey that includes maritime inspection in and out of the water, sea trial, and operational testing of all systems and equipment.[2]
- It does not include full engine surveying, because marine surveyors are not a professional mechanic and might now be equipped with technical knowledge to spot engine problems. Engines are the most expensive part of any vessel, which is why it is recommended to have a full engine inspection.
- The Surveyor will check the condition of the vessel based on general marine experience. If the particular vessel needs a detailed inspection of the different parts, order an additional detailed survey from an expert for those specific parts of the vessel.
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2Know the parts of a pre-purchase survey. Any pre-purchase survey for any type of boat should include the following three inspections:
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The haul out to inspect the underbody
- This is done while the vessel is ashore with full access to the underwater body.
- The side shells and deck roofs are inspected by testing using a moisture meter to determine the structural integrity of the vessel.
- The keel, rudder, hull penetrations, and propulsion components are evaluated.
- Electrical systems and electronics are tested.
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The static, in-water inspection
- This is done while the vessel is afloat and tanks filled and all systems operating.
- Propulsion machinery is operated, but in a static mode only and not under load.
- The integrity of sea valves and hull penetrations can be verified.
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The sea trial
- Sea trials are at the request of the client with the vessel operated by the owner or the owner's authorized agent.
- Sea trial will be underway with all machinery and systems operating. Propulsion machinery will be operated under load so that all systems and components can be tested under actual sea conditions.
- However, some system tests and verification of components, such as sea valves, stuffing boxes, and steering systems can only be done while afloat under operational conditions.
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The haul out to inspect the underbody
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3Understand when you may need an Insurance Survey. Insurance Survey is a Limited “Condition Assessment” (C&V) yacht inspection Performed for insurance companies. Different insurance companies may have their requirements and list what needs to be checked. It will be used to satisfy insurance company requirements and to know the yacht current market value and that it is a good risk.
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4Understand what an Engine Survey is. A full engine & generator survey is recommended in addition to the regular pre-purchase boat survey. This may include a compression check and laboratory testing of soil samples.
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5Know what a Rigging Survey is. This survey checks rigging components that are starting to fail using rig tester. It will measure the resistance, and defects that are not visible. The survey also includes inspection of all standing rigging and terminals. However, if the mast is stepped, then it will only be possible to inspect up to head height, and spars including spreaders, rigging attachment points, chain plates, and their attachment to the hull or bulkheads.
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6Understand what an Appraisal Survey is for. Appraisal surveys are used for financing, estate settlements, divorce, or if you want to donate your boat to a charity.[3]
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7Know what a Damage Survey is. A damage survey involves determining the nature, cause, and extent of damage to the vessel when something goes wrong.[4]Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 6:Find out the Survey Cost
Part 3
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1Find out how much the marine survey costs. Survey prices vary in different areas, depending on the type of inspection you want. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should plan on spending around $20 to $25 per foot for a pre-purchase survey and $15 to $20 per foot for an insurance survey. For example, the cost of a 50-foot boat pre-purchase inspection is about $1,000 – $1,300. The cost of a marine survey is a worthy investment that will ensure you are getting a high-quality boat, save you tens of thousands of dollars and assure you that you are making a solid investment well into the future.
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2Know how much a haul-out is. When trying to calculate the total marine survey cost, don’t forget about haul out fees. The buyer pays for the haul-out, which is essential to get an accurate boat check. The cost of a haul out varies depending on the surveyor, so make sure and ask about this expense beforehand.
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3Know who pays for a marine survey. Depending on the type of boat survey check you need to be performed, a different party may be responsible for payment. For example, the pre-purchase inspection is typically paid for by the buyer of the boat. While in the case of the insurance or appraisal boat survey, the burden of payment generally goes to the current owner.Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 6:Finding a Surveyor
Part 4
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1Look for members of accredited organizations that require their members to meet very strict professional, technical, and ethical standards. Finding and hiring a reputable marine expert can be the most important decision you make when buying a boat. Anyone can call themselves a marine surveyor and start a business. That is why it is important to find a professional surveyor in your area.
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2Check the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS)[5] or Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS)[6] for a listing of trusted marine survey experts.
- These organizations have rigorous testing, experience, and continuing education requirements for certified and accredited surveyors. Many insurances and banks require that a marine surveyor be a credentialed member of either the two.
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3Create list of candidates. Go through the list of certified local surveyors and compile a list of candidates to interview.
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4Get recommendations from other boat owners or yard managers. But, you should also beware of recommendations, since they may be biased.
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5Interview the candidates about their particular experience. If your boat has complex systems look for experience in those areas or find an additional specialist.
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6Check The Association of Certified Marine Surveyors[7] . This way, you'll get more listings and information on marine surveys.
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7Ask the prospective surveyor important questions such as: What the survey will include, the type of format they will be using, will they use ABYC[8] , NFPA[9] , and USCG[10] standards in their surveys, how much will the inspection cost and how long will the onboard inspection take?
- A surveyor should let you see a “sample” survey report before you proceed to hire them.
- Surveyors should provide you with a professionally prepared report that can be accepted by your bank and/or insurance company.
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Part 5
Part 5 of 6:Get Ready for the Survey
Part 5
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1Make sure that all paperwork and documentation are on board. This includes all three of the following:
- Registration
- Service records
- Insurance
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2Get the boat ready for the in-water survey.
- Make sure that all keys and lock combinations are available for the survey.
- Empty all compartments and storage areas of any personal items.
- Make sure all of the equipment, electronics, sails are on board for inspection.
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3Get the boat ready for the out of water survey.
- Haul out the boat if the survey starts from out of water inspection.
- Have the bottom clean and do a power wash.
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4Know what to expect during the survey. Quite a bit occurs during the survey, and a general idea of what you can expect is outlined below:
- Buyers and owners can be present, but it is not necessary. But a captain or the owner will need to pilot the boat. The marine surveyor will not pilot the boat.
- The survey time will depend on the length of the boat, the number of engines and generators to be inspected. It might take anywhere from a couple of hours for a small boat to a couple of days for a large boat or yacht. Generally, for a typical cruiser boat, you would expect the Surveyor to be onboard for a full day depending on the age and condition of the boat.
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Part 6
Part 6 of 6:After the Survey
Part 6
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1Be ready to get the report in 1 to 3 days after the survey is done. You will have a detail of all the critical yacht systems to give your documentation of the findings to the purchaser.
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2Know when the next survey is required.
- Once you get the survey done and buy the boat, the next survey will be dictated by your insurance company or government regulator if it is a commercial boat.
- Generally, the insurance company will want regular out-of-water surveys once the boat becomes over 10 years old.
- Government regulators will want anything between yearly to once every 5 years, depending on the risk category of operation.
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Things You'll Need
This is a list of main checks to be performed during a survey. The list is general and some checks may not apply to some types of yachts.
| Out of the Water: |
|---|
| Hull below waterline: |
| Blisters |
| Moisture readings and osmosis check |
| Soundings on steel vessel |
| Propeller |
| Propeller shaft |
| Keel/Centerboard |
| Rudder |
| Knot meter and other sensors |
| Cathodic protection |
| In water: |
|---|
| Documents: |
| Registration |
| Service records |
| Insurance |
| Hull, deck and Structure: |
| Topsides above waterline including Rubbing strake etc. |
| Deck molding |
| Coachroof |
| Cockpit |
| Hull-to-Deck Joint |
| Bulkheads and structural stiffening (including internal moldings) |
| On Deck: |
| Hatch(es) |
| Pulpit, pushpit, lifelines, stanchions and jackstays |
| Rigging attachment points |
| Helm Station and gauges |
| Hardware (winches, blocks, cleats, etc.) |
| Ground tackle and mooring arrangements |
| Other deck gear and fittings |
| Davits and boarding ladders |
| Windshield |
| Railing |
| Locker Space |
| Steering System |
| Shifting System |
| In water (continued) : |
|---|
| Riggining: |
| Spars |
| Standing rigging |
| Running rigging |
| Sails and covers etc. |
| Lines |
| Mast(s) |
| Safety: |
| Navigation lights |
| Bilge and bilge pumps |
| Keel bolts |
| Fire fighting and Safety Equipment |
| Lifesaving and emergency equipment |
| Water Tightness |
| LPG and CNG systems |
| Engine: |
| Engine and installation |
| Fuel system, exhaust system |
| In water (continued) : |
|---|
| Onboard Systems: |
| Galley equipment |
| Accommodation general |
| Gas installation |
| Fresh water tanks, pumps, hoses, heaters |
| Head/Holding Tank |
| Bilge and bilge pumps |
| Keel bolts |
| Electrical installation |
| Electronic and navigation equipment |
| Heating and refrigeration |
| Seacock(s) |
| Battery |
| Wiring Connection |
| Electrical Equipment: |
| Navigation equipment/ electronics |
| Air Conditioner |
| Sea Trial: |
|---|
| Engine Run: |
| At max rpm for 15-20 min. Check temp and exhaust |
| Maneuvering & reverse |
| Sails and Rigging: |
| Raise all sails and inspect each for condition |
| Make a couple of tacks |
| Check sailboat rigging under load |
References
- ↑ https://americanboating.org/buysell-surveying-new-boat.asp
- ↑ https://abycinc.org/mpage/surveytypes
- ↑ https://abycinc.org/mpage/surveytypes
- ↑ https://abycinc.org/mpage/surveytypes
- ↑ https://www.namsglobal.org/
- ↑ https://www.marinesurvey.org/
- ↑ http://acms-usa.com/index_files/directory.html
- ↑ https://abycinc.org/
- ↑ https://www.nfpa.org/
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