Marine Survey 101

We have compiled some of the information shared with us and lesson learned throughout our own process having a boat surveyed. Hopefully this will save you some of the headache that we experienced!

Survey do’s and don’ts

The surveyor

• DO find an accredited surveyor by searching www.marinesurveyor.com
• DON’T take surveyor recommendations from the seller – the surveyor should have only your interests in mind
• DO review a sample report written by surveyors you’re interested in so you know what to expect
• DON’T choose a surveyor based strictly on price – this is money well spent

The haul out

• DO locate the nearest boat yard that can haul out your specific size of boat
• DO call the boat yard to understand availability, cost, and specific conditions such as tide and current which could impact when you’re able to haul out
• DON’T just assume that you will be able to haul out any day or time

The survey

• DO have a notepad or tablet to take notes on as the surveyor points things out
• DO follow your surveyor around listening closely and asking questions
• DON’T get in the way of the surveyor doing his/her job
• DO have a list of items that you’ve noticed and specifically want to ask your surveyor about

The sea trial

• DO conduct a sea trial in addition to the regular survey
• DO have the surveyor listen and watch the engines start when they are cold (not previously started that day)
• DO have both the main sail and head sail be put up and down, and inspected
• DO consider lying down in the berth where you’ll be sleeping to experience the movement and noise
• DON’T sip cocktails and pretend you’re on a charter boat during the sea trial

The report

• DO read the report thoroughly as soon as it is provided to you
• DO ask follow-up questions to your surveyor if you have notes of things that were mentioned but not included in the report
• DON’T ask the surveyor to re-write the entire report
• DON’T ask the surveyor to adjust their recommendation of the vessel’s value to help you better negotiate price
• DO share the findings and recommendations section with the broker (and possibly the sellers)
• DON’T feel that you have to share the entire report with anyone if you don’t want to – it’s for you only

Responsibilities of the buyer and seller

Seller

• Personally deliver or make arrangements for the boat to be present on the day of the survey
• Pay for any fuel, dockage, or other costs associated with making the vessel available on the day of survey – including fuel during the sea trial
• Operate the vessel during the sea trial
• Pay for the cost to power wash the hull when hauled out of the water if necessary to conduct a thorough survey
• Either be responsible for fixing the recommendations of the survey or negotiate a reduction in price with the buyer to pass on that responsibility
• Make sure every part of the vessel is accessible during the survey and help to move any items as requested by the surveyor

Buyer

• Arrange and pay for a surveyor to conduct the survey
• Schedule and pay for the haul out at the closest (or reasonable distance) boat yard
  • Note that the location needs to be mutually agreed to by the seller, as they are the ones responsible for getting the boat to the yard

Are there any other respective responsibilities of the buyer and seller as related to a marine survey? What are your top do’s and don’ts? Let us know in the comments!