A good marine survey covers more than the obvious. Problems do not appear independently of anything else, and when an issue is uncovered it's important to know if there any problems associated with it.
A marine survey is not a quick, slapdash process. It takes time and care. For example, inspecting the hull from different angles and in different light throughout the day is necessary in order to reveal problems not evident under a single set of conditions.
Selling your boat? Make it as appealing to potential buyers as possible by taking the initiative and having a marine survey conducted to reassure potential buyers that they are purchasing a quality vessel.
In many ways, buying a boat through a private sale is like purchasing a car or truck, and you need to know the exact condition of the vessel before you make a commitment. A marine survey lets you know if the vessel has suffered damage and, if so, if repairs were properly made.
Before purchasing a boat, have it inspected by a qualified marine surveyor if the seller can't provide a valid report. This is the best protection you have against buying a vessel that's not seaworthy.
If you haven't had a marine survey performed on your vessel, the insurance company will require one before issuing a policy. While not as extensive as a pre-purchase inspection, it does cover safety and structural integrity as well as fair market value.
Even a new vessel should have a pre-purchase marine inspection. Different manufacturers produce their inventory differently, and materials and manufacturing techniques vary. A marine survey reports on the condition of the vessel and assesses how it was built so you know its true value.
If you are in negotiations with your insurance company over damage assessment and payment, a marine surveyor can provide you with information regarding damage and needed repairs to make sure the insurance company isn't underpaying on their obligation.
Do you need to know the fair market value of your vessel, whether for estate purposes, a donation, financing, or other reasons? An marine appraisal survey addresses its condition and value.
Buying insurance for your vessel? A marine survey works to make sure you have the necessary coverage at the correct amount. As with other property or goods, being over- or under-insured is a waste of money.
If the owner of the vessel you're buying can't provide a log of all repairs and who made them, a marine survey is needed. It makes sure all aspects of the boat meet mandated marine safety standards.
One of the techniques used during a survey is “tapping,” and that is just what it says: tapping the hull to listen for sound changes that indicate delamination, core separation, excessive moisture, or rot.
In many ways, buying a boat through a private sale is like purchasing a car or truck, and you need to know the exact condition of the vessel before you make a commitment. A marine survey can let you know if it has suffered hurricane damage and, if so, whether or not all repairs were properly made.
When purchasing a boat, a marine survey is your best resource for knowing the true condition of the vessel. Surveyors comb every inch of the boat, assessing its condition and pointing out problems that may compromise her seaworthiness.
A marine survey is not intended to test the honesty of a boat's seller, it's simply to assess the condition of the vessel. The vast majority of owners aren't shady, they simply lack the expertise to identify all problems that may exist.
We know that you take meticulous care of your boat and work hard to keep it in shipshape condition. However, time and the elements can take their toll, creating problems that go undetected to the untrained eye. A marine survey uncovers unseen problems.
When purchasing a boat, a marine survey is your best resource for knowing its true condition. Surveyors comb every inch of the boat, assessing its condition and pointing out problems that may compromise seaworthiness.
It is a good idea to make yourself available when the marine survey is conducted. It may be necessary to have parts of the vessel disassembled for assessment, and this needs to be performed by qualified personnel of your choice.
If you're selling your boat, you want to make it as appealing to potential buyers as possible. Taking the initiative and having a marine survey conducted is one of the best ways to reassure buyers that they are purchasing a quality product.
Even a new vessel should have a pre-purchase marine inspection. Different manufacturers produce their inventory differently, and materials and manufacturing techniques vary. A marine inspection not only reports on the condition of the vessel, it assesses how it was built, letting you know its true value.
A thorough marine survey will require lifting the boat from the water so that the hull, paint, keel, rudder, and all below-waterline areas can be inspected. You will need to arrange with your marina to have the vessel lifted.
Once you've scheduled the survey for the vessel you want to buy, write down any questions that you have about it. Then, be sure to attend the inspection and ask them, along with any new questions that come to mind.
Do you plan on arranging financing in order to purchase the boat you're interested in? Most lenders will require a certified marine survey before they will release funds.
Although there are no structural or design differences between saltwater and fresh water boats, the effects of saltwater on a vessel are different. A marine survey searches for signs of saltwater damage so that there are no surprises later.