Expert Marine Surveys, Boat Appraisals and Inspection Services

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Hamilton & Hamilton Marine Surveyors deliver precise vessel inspections, pre-purchase surveys, and marine appraisals across Southeast Florida – from Sebastian to Stuart to Palm Beach to Miami, our experience ensures every boat survey meets the highest professional and insurance standards.

INDEPENDENT MARINE SURVEYORS

Marine Survey Services - Southeast Florida

Hamilton & Hamilton Marine Surveyors is a father-and-son team providing independent, certified boat and yacht surveys throughout Florida’s Treasure Coast. As members of the Association of Certified Marine Surveyors (ACMS®) and the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC®), we deliver thorough inspections and professional reporting you can trust.
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Power & Sail Vessels

Trawlers • Sport Fishing Boats • Sailboats & Catamarans • Center Consoles • Express Cruisers

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Inboard, Outboard & Diesel

Experienced with inboard, outboard and diesel propulsion systems.

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Hull Knowledge

Fiberglass and composite hull construction, including modern boatbuilding techniques.

Serving Southeast Florida

Sebastian  •  Vero Beach  • Fort Pierce  •  Port St. Lucie  •  Jensen Beach  •  Stuart  •  Jupiter  •  Palm Beach Gardens  • Palm Beach  •  Boca Raton  •  Fort Lauderdale  •  Miami

What Is A Marine Survey?

A marine survey is a detailed inspection of a vessel to evaluate its overall condition, safety, and value at the time of examination. A certified marine surveyor carefully inspects the structure, systems, and equipment to determine whether the vessel is seaworthy and meets safety standards.

WHAT OUR SURVEYS INCLUDE

  • A detailed marine survey typically covers:
  • Hull, deck, and structural components
  • Mechanical and electrical systems
  • Safety equipment and systems
  • Cosmetic condition
  • Deficiencies, recommendations, and findings
  • Fair market value and replacement value

You’ll receive a clear, comprehensive report to help you make an informed decision.

 Why A Marine Survey Is Essential

Purchasing or owning a boat is a major investment — and a professional marine survey is one of the best ways to protect it. For just a fraction of your vessel’s cost, a thorough survey can help you avoid expensive surprises and make confident, informed decisions.

A qualified surveyor, such as Hamilton & Hamilton Marine Surveyors, can identify recurring issues common to specific boat types, brands, and construction methods. Our expertise helps determine whether a vessel is suitable for your intended use, environment, and level of maintenance required.

 

boat insurance inspection taking place out of water in Stuart florida.
Sport fishing boat docked for pre-purchase marine survey in Stuart Florida.
Sailboat at marina during insurance marine survey on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Boat & Yacht Marine Surveys

Sebastian, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Hutchinson Island, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami

Pre-purchase marine survey of a fishing boat in Fort Pierce Florida
Pre-Purchase Marine Survey

A pre-purchase marine survey is the most detailed evaluation you can obtain when buying a boat. It provides buyers with a comprehensive report confirming the vessel’s condition, seaworthiness, safety, and fair market value. Our inspection helps identify defects, hidden damage, and operational issues, so you can make a confident and informed purchase.

Insurance marine survey for sailboat in Jupiter Florida marina
Insurance Marine Survey

A Condition & Value Survey (insurance survey) is often required by insurance carriers or lenders to issue, renew, or bind coverage. This inspection documents the vessel’s overall condition, safety, and value. A certified marine survey ensures your boat meets insurance requirements and is properly protected.

Boat appraisal and inspection for power cruiser in Stuart Florida
Boat Appraisal and Inspections

If you are selling, donating, settling an estate or divorce, or involved in other legal matters, you may need a marine appraisal survey. This inspection, completed by a certified marine surveyor, determines the vessel’s fair market value based on its condition and comparable market data. The appraisal report provides accurate valuation documentation for sales, transfers, and legal purposes.

Yacht purchase consulting and pre-purchase survey in Palm Beach Florida
Boat & Yacht Purchase Consulting

Choosing the right boat requires experience and expert guidance. Our boat and yacht purchase consulting service helps you interpret survey findings, evaluate vessel suitability, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re buying your first boat or upgrading to a yacht, our survey expertise ensures you make a smart, informed investment.

Marine Damage, Repair & Investigation Services

(Repair, Damage, Accident/Fraud, Litigation & Expert Witness)

Boat repair inspection and marine survey in Stuart Florida marina.
Repair Inspections

A repair inspection documents the condition and quality of repair work completed on a vessel. Our certified marine surveyors verify that repairs were performed correctly, safely, and in accordance with industry standards. This inspection helps protect owners from improper workmanship or hidden issues that may affect the vessel’s reliability and value.

Boat damage inspection and marine survey after fire in Fort Pierce Florida.
Damage Inspections

A damage inspection evaluates a vessel after an accident, grounding, fire, storm event, or mechanical failure. We thoroughly document all visible and hidden damage, assess structural and mechanical impacts, and provide an accurate report for insurance claims or repair planning. Our unbiased findings help owners, repair yards, and insurers move forward confidently.

Marine surveyor conducting accident and fraud investigation in Jupiter Florida.
Accident and Fraud Investigation

Our marine accident and fraud investigations provide detailed documentation and expert analysis for insurance carriers, attorneys, and boat owners. We examine the vessel, review evidence, and determine the cause and extent of damage. Our unbiased reporting helps identify legitimate claims, detect inconsistencies, and support fair resolution of disputes.

Certified marine surveyor providing expert witness testimony in Palm Beach Florida.
Litigation & Expert Witness

Hamilton & Hamilton Marine Surveyors provide expert witness and litigation support for marine-related legal cases. With experience in vessel construction, damage evaluation, and marine standards, we supply accurate technical opinions, reports, and courtroom testimony. Our certified surveyors help attorneys and clients build clear, defensible cases.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Trusted by boat owners across Southeastern Florida

EXCELLENT
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Based on 226 reviews
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Massary Group profile picture
Massary Group
2 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Hamilton is a great guy to deal with. He definitely knows everything about sailboat surveying in Fort Worth , Miami area .
Posted on Google Google
Todd Espy profile picture
Todd Espy
48 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
John was very friendly and easy to work with. He is very knowledgeable and willing to share that info on issues he sees when performing his job.
Posted on Google Google
Michael Gerlach profile picture
Michael Gerlach
72 days ago
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John was very thorough and was able to schedule a survey with short notice. Definitely recommended!
Posted on Google Google
Scott Hendry profile picture
Scott Hendry
80 days ago
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John did a great job on short notice. Overall the vessel was as expected but John found a power steering pump that was not working which the seller has agreed to have fixed.. The cost of the repair of the pump easily offset the investment of the survey. Would highly recommend - thank you John for a great job!
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Shawn Woods profile picture
Shawn Woods
99 days ago
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John was excellent to work with. I needed a sailboat survey done on short notice, and he was able to accommodate me the very next day — on a Saturday. He was thorough, knowledgeable, and generous with his time throughout the process. I learned a lot from walking through the boat with him, and his inspection gave me the confidence I needed to move forward with the purchase. He explained what he was seeing clearly, pointed out the important issues, and helped me understand the boat much better. John came highly recommended to me, and I can see why. I would also highly recommend him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and practical marine surveyor.
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Joseph Mensch profile picture
Joseph Mensch
100 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Reliable, knowledgeable and communicative.
Posted on Google Google
Michael Hargrove profile picture
Michael Hargrove
104 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very good work. Thorough and professional. Gave me great ideas on maintenance needs. Would definitely recommend.
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oliver Earl profile picture
oliver Earl
110 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
H&H Marine Surveyors is the way to go! Excellent Service and Fantastic communication! John was so easy to work with and you can tell he really knows his craft and boats. I'm up in North Carolina and buying a boat down in Florida, he took great care of me. Thank John!
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Charles CJ Williams profile picture
Charles CJ Williams
111 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
it was a genuine pleasure working with John his extensive knowledge of boats and his attention to detail was impressive highly recommend his professional and affordable service
Posted on Google Google
Noah Ramos profile picture
Noah Ramos
114 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
John runs a top-notch operation and provided excellent customer service throughout the process. I found a boat in his area that I needed inspected since I do not live nearby, and he did an extremely thorough job. He sent me hundreds of photos, spoke with me in detail over the phone about everything he found, and gave me the peace of mind I needed to move forward confidently. I would 100% recommend and trust John for any inspection needs.
Our Marine Surveyor Accreditations
Marine Survey Methods
Marine surveyor capturing inspection images and video of boat interior in Stuart Florida.
Images & Video

Can’t be present during your boat inspection? We provide detailed images and video so buyers, owners, and legal representatives can review the vessel remotely. This service is especially helpful during pre-purchase evaluations or when documenting a boat for insurance or legal matters. Clear visual records help determine whether further inspection or investment is warranted.

Thermal Imaging

Our thermal imaging service uses infrared technology to detect temperature anomalies and moisture issues that may not be visible during a standard inspection. This advanced scanning method helps identify hidden mechanical failures, electrical hot spots, wet coring, and other problems that could affect a vessel’s performance or safety.

Thermal imaging marine survey detecting heat and moisture issues in Fort Pierce Florida.
Boat undergoing sea trial during marine survey in Jupiter Florida.
Sea Trials

A sea trial evaluates how a boat performs under real operating conditions. Conducted before purchase, after repairs, or when diagnosing a problem, a sea trial allows us to assess engine performance, handling, system operation, and overall seaworthiness. Testing the vessel underway helps reveal issues that may not appear while docked, ensuring you make a safe and informed decision.

WHY CHOOSE HAMILTON & HAMILTON MARINE SURVEYORS

Certified Expertise and Honest Guidance You Can Trust

When it comes to buying, insuring, or evaluating a vessel, you need more than a simple inspection — you need a surveyor you can trust. As a certified father-and-son team, we maintain the highest ethical and professional standards set by ACMS® and ABYC.

Every report is prepared in a fully insurance- and lender-approved format, ensuring your documentation is accepted without delays or complications. Whether you need a pre-purchase survey, insurance survey, appraisal, or consultation, you’ll receive precise, accurate information that supports smart decisions.

We take pride in conducting thorough yet respectful and non-intrusive surveys, leaving the vessel exactly as we found it. With decades of hands-on experience, we’re committed to delivering unbiased, reliable evaluations for every client.

Let us help you protect your investment.

photo of John Hamilton of Hamilton & Hamilton Marine Surveyors
photo of Stu Hamilton
Service Areas

We proudly provide our marine services and marine surveys in:

Sebastian | Vero Beach | Fort Pierce | Port St. Lucie | Jensen Beach | Stuart | Palm City |  Hutchinson Island |  Hobe Sound | Tequesta | Jupiter | Palm Beach | Boca Raton | Fort Lauderdale | Miami