What is a Marine Survey? Do you need to get one?
Purchase of a recreational boat can set oneself up for long term happiness or misery, you need know what you're getting into before you plunk down your hard earned cash. At Dependable Marine Survey, we know boats. Read on and learn about the different types of surveys that may benefit you.
Prepurchase
A Prepurchase Survey is conducted when someone is contemplating buying a vessel. It is a very comprehensive “Condition and Valuation” (C&V) survey that often includes operational testing of all systems and equipment, as well as a sea trial. Its primary purpose is to provide the potential buyers with the information that they need to make an informed purchase decision. It may also be used to satisfy insurance company and bank loan requirements.
Limited Condition & Valuation
A Limited Condition & Valuation marine survey is often done specifically for insurance purposes. Each insurance company has their own set of requirements as to what age/size vessel needs a survey, and what the survey report should include. The information contained in an insurance C&V survey report is not sufficient to make an informed decision regarding the purchase of the vessel
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Appraisal
Appraisal surveys are used for financing, estate and divorce settlements, and donation of vessels to charities. Professional marine surveyors are recognized by the IRS, courts, banks and insurance companies as boat and yacht appraisers within their area of expertise.
Damage
Damage Surveys may also be performed for insurance companies, vessel owners and other vested entities. This includes determining the nature, cause and extent of damage to a vessel when something goes wrong.
Electrical
An electrical survey is one in which aspects of safety or convenience can be the overarching factor. Pertaining to safety many older vessels are not close to meeting the ABYC safety recommendations found within the current industry build standards. For many years the aspect of electricity on vessels was at best an afterthought with little to no standardization and with today's heavy reliance on electrical devices this can place an unreasonable strain on poorly designed systems. Convenience may best be described as wanting more creature comforts from an already up to date vessel and we can determine what is needed and how much the existing system can be modified within its original design parameters. Adding things such as additional amp hour capacity from battery banks, inverters, nmea 2000 systems, lighting, entertainment, where and how to safely place these items can be part of an electrical survey. Play it safe with electricity.
Corrosion
Anodes (zincs) wasting away too quickly? Pitting on struts and propellers? Anodes are never depleted? All can be signs that a boat has some issue that will lead to an early demise of the underwater metals. Galvanic or electrolytic corrosion, both can be stemmed by understanding the processes at work, harnessing physics and employing good electrical system practices. A corrosion survey will thoroughly assess the integrity of both the AC and DC systems with tools and meters not brought into a typical prepurchase or limited C & V survey. Just as importantly, the entire bonding system will receive a multi-point inspection for resistance, materials and terminations, etc. Electrolytic corrosion can destroy underwater metals in just a matter of hours in the worst cases, if you suspect a problem, don't wait to have it addressed.
Consultation
When is it time to sell or buy? Are the modifications you've dreamed of making worthwhile for use, or resale, on a particular vessel? What type of vessel should you buy for the boating you intend? What brands are strongest for resale, trouble free use or ease of maintenance? We can help you answer these questions.