Finding The Right Boat Surveyor: Expert Tips

When it comes to buying a boat, especially a used one, it's important to get a survey done to ensure you're making an informed purchase. A boat surveyor will inspect the vessel and identify any hidden problems, helping to determine its actual value. To find a good boat surveyor, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's recommended to choose a surveyor who is a member of either the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) or the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS). These organisations maintain high standards and require their members to be accredited professionals. You can locate accredited surveyors in your area by visiting the websites of NAMS or SAMS. Additionally, some lenders or insurance companies provide lists of approved surveyors they trust. When selecting a surveyor, it's also essential to ask relevant questions such as their experience with similar vessels, the services included, and the expected turnaround time for the survey report. By following these steps, you can be confident in finding a good boat surveyor who will provide you with the necessary peace of mind before making a significant financial decision.

Check for professional accreditation

When hiring a boat surveyor, it is important to check their professional accreditation to ensure they are qualified and experienced. The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) is a well-known and respected organisation in this field. SAMS has three primary classes of membership: Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS), Surveyor Associate (SA), and Affiliate Member (AFF). To become an AMS, candidates must have at least five years of surveying experience, agree to abide by the society's code of ethics and standards, complete an application form and exam, and participate in a continuing education program. This rigorous process ensures that SAMS-accredited surveyors are knowledgeable and experienced professionals.

In addition to SAMS, another reputable organisation to look for is the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS). NAMS members are certified based on their knowledge and experience, with designations for Yachts and Small Craft, Cargo, and Hull and Machinery, including Fishing Vessels, Blue Water, Brown Water/Tugs, and Barges. NAMS also offers continuing education opportunities for its members, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments.

When hiring a boat surveyor, it is advisable to check that they are a member of either SAMS or NAMS. These organisations' accreditation processes provide assurance that the surveyor is a qualified professional who adheres to high standards and a strict code of ethics. By hiring an accredited surveyor, you can be confident that you are getting someone who is knowledgeable, experienced, and committed to ongoing professional development.

To find accredited surveyors in your area, you can visit the SAMS or NAMS websites and search by location. This will provide you with a list of certified professionals near you, allowing you to make an informed decision when choosing a boat surveyor. Remember to also ask for recommendations and check the surveyor's experience with similar vessels to your own.

Ask for a sample survey

When hiring a boat surveyor, it is important to ask for a sample survey. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from the surveyor's work and help you make an informed decision about whether to hire them. A sample survey will show you the layout, detail, and wording used by the surveyor, and you can assess whether it meets your requirements.

A good survey report should be clear, concise, and provide all the necessary information for the customer to make an informed decision. It should include the unique markings of the vessel, such as its name, hailing port, hull identification number, and registration numbers. The report should also provide published dimensions of the vessel, describe its construction, and detail the condition of the vessel and its systems.

Additionally, the survey report should include recommendations for any repairs or corrections needed to ensure the vessel is functional and safe. It is important to remember that surveyors use specific language in their reports to protect themselves from lawsuits, so even a well-surveyed boat may have unforeseen issues.

When reviewing a sample survey, pay attention to the level of detail and the clarity of the information presented. A good survey report will be easy to understand, even for those without a technical background in boating. It should also include photographs of the vessel from different angles, as well as any notable improvements or deficiencies.

By asking for a sample survey, you can ensure that you are hiring a qualified and experienced boat surveyor who will provide you with the detailed information you need to make a confident decision about your boat purchase.

Ensure they have experience with similar boats

When hiring a boat surveyor, it is important to ensure that they have experience with similar boats to the one you are considering. This is crucial because different types of boats may have unique features and systems that require specialized knowledge to inspect properly.

Ask the surveyor about their experience with similar makes and models to your chosen vessel. For example, if you are looking at a used boat and are considering a sailboat, you will want to ensure that the surveyor has experience with sailboats and is knowledgeable about the rigging and other unique features of sailboats.

Similarly, if you are considering a large yacht, it is advisable to find a surveyor who has worked with similar vessels. Large yachts often have complex systems and specialized equipment that require a surveyor with a specific skill set to properly evaluate.

By ensuring that your chosen surveyor has relevant experience, you can feel more confident in their ability to identify any potential issues or problems with the boat. This can give you peace of mind and help ensure that you are making a well-informed purchase decision.

It is also worth noting that some organizations, such as the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS), offer certification and accreditation to surveyors. By hiring a surveyor who is a member of such an organization, you can be assured that they have met certain standards and requirements, further adding to your confidence in their abilities.

Ask about the survey's scope

When hiring a boat surveyor, it is important to ask about the scope of the survey. This is because there are several types of surveys available, and the scope of each can vary.

Firstly, ask the surveyor what type of survey they will be conducting. The most common type is the pre-purchase or Condition and Value (C&V) survey, which is done when someone is looking to buy a used boat. This is a comprehensive inspection that covers the entire boat and its propulsion systems. It may also include a sea trial and operational testing of all systems and equipment. If you are buying a large, expensive boat, you may also need a separate engine survey and rigging survey.

Insurance companies often require an Insurance C&V survey, which is similar to a pre-purchase survey but less comprehensive and focused on a list of specific items provided by the insurance company.

If you need to determine the value of a boat for divorce or estate settlements, or for financing purposes, an Appraisal Inspection or Appraisal Survey may be necessary.

In the case of storm or accident damage, a Damage Inspection or Damage Survey can identify the cause and extent of the damage and determine the cost of repairs.

Additionally, ask the surveyor about the specific items that will be included in the survey report. This can vary depending on the type of survey and the requirements of the insurance company or lender. For example, a C&V survey report should include the current market value of the boat, the cost to rebuild, and a detailed description of the construction and condition of the hull and major systems. It should also indicate whether the boat complies with current boating safety standards set by organisations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC).

Finally, it is important to clarify any extra services that may be required and whether they will incur additional charges. For example, compression checks and other extra services may be offered for an additional fee. Understanding the scope of the survey will help ensure that you receive a comprehensive assessment of the boat and that all your concerns are addressed.

Check for impartiality

Marine surveyors are supposed to be impartial and unbiased. They act as expert witnesses, offering an objective analysis of a boat's condition and worth. Their job is to tell the truth about a boat or yacht, regardless of how pleasing or painful that may be.

When choosing a marine surveyor, it is important to check for their impartiality. One way to do this is to look for surveyors who are members of professional associations such as the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) or the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS). These organisations hold their members to a strict code of ethics and require continuing education credits to maintain membership. This ensures that the surveyor is up to date with industry standards and best practices, and it gives you some recourse if things go wrong.

Another way to check for impartiality is to ask the surveyor about their experience and qualifications. Find out how long they have been in the business and what type of boats they typically survey. Ask if they have experience with the type of boat you are considering. Also, inquire about their inspection process and what specific equipment they test. A good surveyor should be familiar with the type of boat you are buying and know what to look for.

You can also ask for references from past clients and check online reviews. Speaking to past clients can give you an idea of the surveyor's work ethic, attention to detail, and impartiality. Online reviews can also provide insights into the surveyor's reputation and the quality of their work.

Finally, it is important to remember that brokers will usually recommend several surveyors to preserve impartiality in the picking process. So, if you are working with a broker, take advantage of their recommendations and consider interviewing a few surveyors before making your final decision.

Frequently asked questions