FAQ’s2021-12-20T15:44:05+00:00
What are some of the most common findings on a survey?2016-08-08T20:47:10+00:00

Here are a few of the most common findings I run across when doing surveys.  Most of these items are recommended by the American Boat& Yacht Council (ABYC) or they are required by the US Coast Guard, some may not be officially required or recommended like the Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Detectors.  They just make good sense!

  • Batteries are not secured against movement.
  • Batteries are not in spill proof acid-resistant containers.
  • The ungrounded terminals are not covered.
  • Fire Extinguishers are out of date, discharged or just plain old.  If the fire extinguisher is older than you are; Do you really want to trust it?
  • No Flares present, or they are out of date.
  • There are no Smoke Detectors installed.
  • There are no Carbon Monoxide Detectors installed.
  • There is no bilge alarm system installed.
    Bilge pumps are not secured against movement.
  • Bilge pump is inoperative.
  • Wire nuts used for connections instead of marine grade butt splices.
  • Life Jackets are not readily accessible.
  • Bilges and engine compartments need to be cleaned and non-essential equipment removed.
  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) either not installed or will not test.
How should I prepare for a marine survey?2017-05-19T12:14:03+00:00

A properly prepared vessel will allow the surveyor more time for attention to detail in a Pre-Purchase inspection. If you make the effort to work through the broker or current owner to be sure the boat is ready to go, you will receive a better inspection.  All miscellaneous gear and personal items not being sold with the boat should be removed. Cabins and lockers should be cleared of excess gear to promote ease of inspection. Please refer to the following checklist for additional details.

Arrangements for the boat to be hauled and pressure washed are typically looked after by the broker. This is usually done as a short “survey haul out” at a local yard that is acceptable to the current owner. For sea trials, an owner approved captain will be required, however this job is often performed by the yacht broker or someone at the owner’s direction.

For Pre-Purchase inspections on larger vessels, in-depth testing of machinery (engines and auxiliary generators) may be recommended to be accomplished by a separate technician who has expertise and test equipment for the specific engine types involved. This must also be arranged and the technician will likely want to attend the trial run.

These additional services: the haul out and machinery analysis are not covered in your surveyor’s fee.  Typically machinery technicians and surveyors will work concurrently to complete your inspection, thereby limiting the time you need to be present.

When signing a purchase agreement (which is subject to the results of a survey) you should allow at least two weeks after the signing to complete the survey and the closing.

When you are preparing for a Marine Survey, follow these steps to insure that your boat or yacht is properly prepared for the survey.  This will insure that the survey is complete with no omissions due to systems not being properly prepared or equipment or belongings blocking access.

Should I attend the survey?2017-05-19T12:14:03+00:00

By all means!  If you are on hand, I can show you things that may be ‘show stoppers’, or perhaps just need to be explained a little more clearly in person rather than through an email or a late in the day telephone call.  At the very least, I can break away from my checks and brief you periodically on any findings of import.

What is checked during a Sea Trial?2017-05-19T12:14:03+00:00

I start a sea trial by first inventorying the safety gear.  Life vests, fire extinguishers, etc.  I document the tankage, the current condition of the bilge (are there any fluids currently below the engines (leaks), how big are they.  We then start one engine at a time, monitoring how long it takes to start, the color of its exhaust, how smoothly does it idle.  How smoothly does the transmission shift?

After we cast off and get to an area where it is safe to maneuver, I like to bring the boat gradually up to Wide Open Throttle (WOT) by stepping through specific RPM settings for several minutes at each level;  Idle speed, 1000 RPM, 1500 RPM, 2500 RPM, 80% of Full Throttle and finally WOT.  At each step I check and document the speed of the vessel, RPM, Oil Pressure, Voltage, and Engine Temperature (Both Indicated and via IR at the Engine Thermostat and at each exhaust riser.) and any unusual vibration.

I check cockpit visibility, operation of the generator, trim tabs, engine trim and any other systems.  We also perform a ‘backdown test’ which reveals any structural deficiencies with the engine mounts, stringers or other supporting structure.

Finally, at the conclusion of the sea trial at the dock, the bilge is again monitored and documented.  All of this data is then captured and collated and included within the survey report.

Why should I have the boat hauled?2021-03-14T12:43:52+00:00

You wouldn’t buy a car without checking the tires or looking under the hood would you?  The soundness of the hull is what keeps the vessel afloat, and there are thousands of things that boats can hit or run aground on, not to mention what nature can do on its own without human intervention.  When you are making a major purchase like a boat, make sure you don’t cut a corner that you’ll regret later on.  In many cases, the Insurance Carrier will insist on an Out of Water inspection before they will underwrite the policy or continue it.

Who do you work for? (The seller or his broker gave me your name…)2018-07-11T11:21:57+00:00

I work strictly for you, my client.  Many brokers maintain a list of area surveyors that they provide to their buyers as an aid in finding a surveyor.  When I survey a boat, it is without prejudice or bias in anyway.  To use an old phrase, “I don’t have a horse in the race.”  The boat will speak for itself through the reported condition and the findings.  As the client you have engaged my services to develop information and rightfully so, that information will be shared only with you or someone else with your written consent.  Unless there is an imminent safety issue that could result in damage or injury to people or property.

What areas do you cover?2021-03-14T12:47:24+00:00

My general coverage area is eastern Tennessee, western North and South Carolina, northern Georgia and Alabama and southwestern Virginia.  It averages out to any lake or facility within a 200 mile radius of Knoxville.

Why should I hire a Marine Surveyor?2017-05-19T12:14:03+00:00

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You hire a Marine Surveyor for the same reason you have a home inspected before you purchase it.  You want to know everything that is wrong BEFORE you make the purchase.  If there are problems you want to know what they are and their ramifications so you can make the decision of whether to proceed with the purchase, walk away or negotiate the price down to mitigate their impact.  Being armed with a well written and thorough survey at the bargaining table increases the probability that you will get the boat you want at the right price.  The survey is prepared exclusively for you.  You are not bound to disclose it to anyone for any reason (With the exception of items that can genuinely impact the safety of others).

Why hire a SAMS® or NAMS® surveyor?2017-05-19T12:14:07+00:00

Anyone can proclaim themselves to be a “Marine Surveyor” there is no government licensing or oversight of the trade.  All it takes is a business card and ‘Ta-Dar’ they’re a practicing Marine Surveyor!

To both combat this practice and promote the quality of the profession, SAMS®, (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors®) and NAMS® (The National Association of Marine Surveyors) have established high professional standards for membership and ongoing educational requirements to maintain currency.  These two organizations require that their marine surveyor members conduct themselves and operate their businesses in a professional and ethical manner.  Both organizations have oversight and reporting processes for alleged ethical or professional violations.

Most financial and insurance organizations will insist that the surveyor be a SAMS® or NAMS® Surveyor.

What kind of boats do you survey?2021-07-19T11:28:32+00:00

I perform Pre-Purchase, Insurance or Condition and Value (C&V), and Damage Surveys on all types of recreational vessels (less than 150 ft).

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