Preparing For A Marine Survey

How Should I Prepare for a Marine Survey?

Time and additional expense can be saved by preparing the vessel for inspection and making her more accessible.

Hamilton & Hamilton - Marine SurveyArrange to present a clean, shipshape boat, and have all papers and miscellaneous gear ready. If applicable, you will need to make arrangements with the marina to haul the vessel for bottom inspection, and retain a captain for sea trials. Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear.

The surveyor should never be asked to prepare a boat for inspection. The surveyor may request minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to the suspected areas. Random removal and examination of below-the-waterline fasteners on wood boats may be required. Any dismantling and re-installation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey.

Written authorization from the owner may be needed to board and/or to remove part of the vessel.

ONCE YOU RETAIN THE SURVEYOR, HE OR SHE WORKS ONLY FOR YOU AND REPORTS TO NO ONE ELSE. THE SURVEYOR IS THERE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS!

CAN I BE PRESENT AT THE BOAT DURING THE SURVEY?

Absolutely! In fact, I welcome my clients aboard when I’m inspecting the boat, so that I can explain the process as I go along as well as what I’m finding that is good and not so good. A few minutes of conversation and explanation about a situation can make the issues clear. If there is a problem we can discuss the severity of the situation, the best course of action to take and how much repair costs might be.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES A MARINE SURVEY TAKE TO DO?

Normally between 3-8 hours. It really depends on the size of the boat and condition. If the boat is extremely simple, open and clean, it’ll take less time. A boat that is the same size but in poor condition, dirty, or full of clutter, or complicated systems will take longer. But no matter your boats condition; I will take my time and get the job done thoroughly -no matter the time. As I am inspecting the boat I am making notes, photographing, testing and recording that information, so I can get the report back to you quickly.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WHEN YOU SURVEY MY BOAT?

It’s hard to know how to answer this question properly – there really is a lot that I am looking for. But really, my standard answer is that I look for the things that could sink the boat, cause fire, or endanger lives. So I look at everything. And just as important – I am looking for what is not there or missing – safety devices, fuses, breakers, lack of handholds, placards, guards etc.  I can’t tell you how many boat owners that I’ve saved thousands of dollars….. and not to mention the life safety issues.

WHEN DO I GET MY MARINE SURVEY REPORT?

I try my best to get your report back to you as quickly as possible. Normally, I can supply the written report to you within a very timely manner depending on the size of the vessel and the scope of the survey.

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