Buying a boat? Get a marine survey

A marine survey evaluates the boat’s systems and structures, such as bulkheads, stringers, hull rigging, chain plates, seacocks, fuel lines, electrical wiring and plumbing. A marine survey is roughly equivalent to any other type of pre-purchase inspection. Industry authorities agree that a marine survey is a good investment, just as it is a good idea to pay a mechanic to give a used car a once-over. Boating Industry Magazine recently noted that marine surveyors’ moisture meters continue to prove that, in fact, there are many issues to consider when buying a used boat. DYI Boat Owner magazine also indicates that water can seep into the cores of stringers, frames, and floors, causing rot, delamination, or freeze damage.

Another trade source, BoatUS Magazine, states, “a good survey will usually save the buyer the survey fee in cost of repairs or adjustments to the purchase price for noted deficiencies.” In addition, the new owner has the piece of mind that the vessel is seaworthy and ready for use after getting the inspection.

THOUGH A MARINE survey is essential, local surveyor Phil Brown cautions, “Because many problems with a boat exist behind solid surfaces and cannot be observed, a marine survey is not a guarantee. But it is the best way you have to discover evidence of defects, damage, failure, or stuctural faults.” A marine survey may be initiated for different reasons. Surveys are conducted before purchasing, financing, or insuring a boat. Marine surveys also may be required by an insurer or lender prior to closing the deal. A seller may want a survey to be carried out as a selling point of the vessel. A survey often is required to support a tax-deductible donation of the craft to an eligible group. In the case of dividing an estate, a survey may be necessary to establish the condition and value of a boat.

A COMPLETE marine survey requires a full day or more of work by the inspector and includes many components including: document review; systems inspection; hull/deck checkout; moisture readings; sea trial; appraisal; photographs; and written report. Engine and generator evaluations are usually considered extra along with analyses of motor oil, and require an additional charge. Although there are different kinds of surveys, the most common type is a condition and value survey. This is a report on the condition of the hull, systems, and essential equipment of a vessel. Because marine surveying is not a licensed practice, one must exercise caution in selecting the person to conduct the survey. BoatUS Magazine warns consumers that the surveyor “should have absolutely no affiliations with boat brokers, dealers, boat repair shops or others whose living depends upon the sale or repair of boats.”

IT IS WISE to be skeptical of any surveyor recommended by the seller

and to ask the surveyor directly about his or her affiliations. The main thing is to make sure the surveyor represents your interests and not be too close to the seller. Price should not be the sole criteria in selecting a marine surveyor. One should consider dedication to quality, integrity, and education. Brown owns and operates Northeast Michigan Marine Surveys in Presque Isle and travels extensively to conduct surveys of all types of watercraft. He considers the dedication to continuing education as the single most important qualification for a marine surveyor because industry standards are changing constantly.

Brown recently completed intensive course wrok at the Chapman School of Seamanship in Stuart, Florida. A prospective buyer should look for the surveyor’s accreditation from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) for knowledge of ABYC standards that are recognised nationally by marine surveyors. The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) and the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) are recommended by BoatUS Magazine. SAMS also requires its members to take annual continuing education courses to maintain good standing.