Yacht Surveying Q&A

---

A marine or yacht survey is a comprehensive inspection of your vessel with the purpose of determining its condition, value, and general performance. A survey may be required by your insurance provider or financial under-writers to determine its condition and value. 

The Surveyor will determine if your boat meets safety criteria set forth by the American Boat and Yacht Council, Code of Federal Regulations, and National Fire Protection Association. The findings uncovered by the inspection will determine the fair market value of the vessel and is often used as a negotiation tool when going to the table to purchase your new vessel.

Our rates depend on which service you will require. The pre-purchase survey often pays for itself when large repairs are uncovered. Although we service all areas of Florida, additional costs may apply for travel, and/or lodging if required. Contact us to discuss your needs, and we will supply you with a proper quotation for your required services. 

A Pre-Purchase survey is highly recommended before buying any vessel. This survey is our most comprehensive inspection and covers examining the hull, propulsion systems, electrical systems, fuel system, navigational equipment and other components. It includes an out-of-water inspection (short haul) and a limited trial run to document performance. This is the type of survey is critical to evaluate the condition and valuation of the vessel and is highly recommended if you are purchasing a used or even new vessel.

This inspection is performed so that the insurance company can decide whether the vessel is an acceptable risk. Typically, the provider is interested in structural integrity, safety for its intended use, fair market value, and replacement cost. Before you schedule an insurance survey, contact your insurance provider to verify if an inspection of the vessel's wetted surfaces, and performance is required. For sailing vessel's confirm if an inspection of the vessel's standing rigging aloft is required.

The boat appraisal survey (or "C & V" condition and valuation) is conducted to determine the fair market value and condition of a vessel. The appraisal survey is often required for financing, estate settlements, donations, and legal cases. The survey can be performed in or out of water. The focus of the marine appraisal survey is limited to setting a fair market value based and overall condition.  The survey report will contain basic vessel information, comments and establish the fair market value.

We offer Oil Analysis as an added service. With an oil analysis, you can get a look inside your equipment and get the story without costly teardowns or unnecessary lubricant changes. This can reduce maintenance costs as well as provide peace of mind knowing that your equipment is safe and not wearing out at an excessive rate. We are able to provide quality analysis no matter which type of lubricant you use. An oil analysis can help you extend the life of your engine and transmission by finding problems before they become disasters. We will be able to see what your mechanics can not. With this service we will take oil samples and send them to our lab for a full analysis. A report will be supplied for each sample in about three to five business days. Our oil tests are suited to on-going system maintenance, inspections, and surveys. Contact us for more details and to schedule your appointment soon.