Boat Surveys

A boat survey is conducted on just about any size vessel. However, some may choose to call it a marine survey or a yacht survey. The only difference is that some owners simply choose to refer to their yacht as a boat, and some refer to their boat as a yacht. In any case, one could ask for a boat survey.

Nevertheless, if we stick with the true meaning of boat as defined by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), then a vessel that is 26 feet in length is defined as a yacht. We now have the basic guidelines for a boat survey.

Boat surveys are generally conducted for the same reasons as any marine survey. The potential buyer hires a certified boat surveyor (hopefully), and they perform a diligent examination of the vessel and its paperwork. Many times, when it comes to smaller vessels, the potential owner can be hundreds of miles away, even in another county, and the boat surveyor serves as the eyes and ears of the owner in making recommendations for choosing the right vessel. A written report is then sent to the client to aid them in making an expensive purchase without having ever laid eyes on the vessel.

Occasionally a call comes in from a buyer who did not hire a boat surveyor, and now they need assistance in rectifying their poor decision. By that time it is too late. Much time and money will now have to be spent to repair the boat and/or bring it up to safety standards. This could translate into lost days they could have spent enjoying their purchase if only they had made a wise choice of hiring a boat surveyor upfront. The bottom line is it is worth hiring a qualified boat surveyor to complete a boat survey before you make the purchase. It’s worth some peace of mind that you’re making a worthy investment.

As you will see on another page of this site, there are specific items we list on the boat survey to aid the client in making the best and informed decision.

When requesting a boat survey, make sure the following information is covered in the report.

  • The purpose of the boat survey (Pre-Purchase, Insurance Underwriting, etc.)
  • Name of the client requesting the boat survey
  • Name of the party for whom the boat survey was conducted
  • Date of the boat survey and date of finished report
  • Where the boat survey was conducted; location, as well as how the vessel was observed – either in the water, out, underway or on a trailer
  • Who was present while doing the boat survey
  • The name of the vessel
  • Official number (from the U.S. Coast Guard)
  • State numbers
  • Hull identification number
  • Dimensions
  • Builder and the location where built, if available
  • Any additional documentation necessary for operation
  • Condition of stringer, transom and thru-hull fittings
  • Condition of belts and hoses
  • Condition of wiring – both AC and DC
  • Any additional inspections, such as engine, power generation, a/c or moisture reading done by the boat surveyor or others during the same time
  • Review the required safety items, and if any are missing, such as fire extinguishers
  • Boat surveyor’s summary of findings with recommendations
  • Plenty of photos of the vessel to aid in positive identification
  • An estimated value of the boat (Some insurance companies do not want replacement costs listed, as this can artificially increase the premiums with no benefit to the owner.)
  • A boat survey’s certifications stating that the facts are true and correct as of the date of the boat survey

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