Need a survey?
How do I find a “qualified” surveyor? If you are buying a boat that is: over 10 years old, made of wood or steel, or is over 26 feet in length, you will probably need to get a survey. even if you are not borrowing money, a survey is a good idea. Oh and often the insurance company will require a recent dry survey for a new purchase.
Start by looking up the organizations that certify surveyors. Three major associations train and certify surveyors: National Association of Marine Surveyors (www.namsurveyors.org), U. S. Surveyors Association (www.navsurvey.com) and Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (www.marinesurvey.org).
A good marine surveyor should not only be qualified and a member of good standing in a professional survey organization, but also a member of the American Boat & Yacht Council (www.abycinc.org). This organization is “a not-for-profit membership organization that has been developing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair for 50 years”. Surveyors that are also members of the American Boat and Yacht Council should be up to date on safety standards in the industry.
You can do a few things before hiring a surveyor.
The following are a few areas that a boat owner should check:
Exterior – Damage, loose rivets, leaks, delaminating, cleats, running lights, finish
Interior – Leaks, rot, access, electrical, safety
Engine – Wiring, oil, cables, bellows, fuel, filters
Drive units – Chips, damage, corrosion, propeller
Trailers – Tires, bearings, lights, wiring, pads, rollers
More than likely when you go to sell the boat the buyer will be required to have a survey. Make sure that you keep the boat in good shape.
Take care of some of that owner maintenance yourself. An owner should perform or have performed regular inspections of their vessel a few times each year. If it is a trailer-able boat, check it each time it comes out of the water. Seasonally moored vessels are checked at least at the start and end of the season (and sometime in-between). Owner maintenance will help reduce the “gig” or repair list on a survey. The better the maintenance on your vessel, the less the survey will find needed repairs.
Need a copy of self survey that you can use for your own maintenance review? Send em an email for a free copy.
