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How do I know which surveyor to hire?
Look at their web site and check for years of survey experience. Make inquiries of boaters and marinas in the area. Check for community service and reputation of the surveyor. Are they familiar with the type of boat in question? Make sure the surveyor is working for you. If you are paying for the service, he should address your concerns. There are some good surveyors who don't belong to the two recognized Professional Surveyor groups in the USA,  SAMS [ Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors] or NAMS [National Association of Marine Surveyors] These groups have very difficult membership requirements and do qualify the person very carefully.  These members did not get their credentials from clandestine groups by "mail order", or over the internet. They nave earned them the hard way. Surveying a boat is very different from being the "Captain" of a boat. It is also very different from being a Mechanic on a boat, or owning a boat company. Talk to the people and find someone you are comfortable with.  When talking to a person who claims to be a marine surveyor, ask them if your survey document will have an embossed seal saying Accredited Marine Surveyor.  If it wont have the seal, you may want to ask yourself ? why? Price should be the last requirement when hiring a surveyor.

Where can I find a list of professional surveyors?
  Many surveyors opt not to to advertise in the many different phone books because there are so many different books, and cannot be cost justified.  There are people who "pass" for a Marine Surveyor who actually have no Accreditation or formal training. Contact NAMS or SAMS for listings of professional surveyors in your area. There are links to these web sites on the "links" page of this web site.

What is ABYC ? It is the abbreviation for American Boat and Yacht Counsel. It is the body that makes the voluntary safety standards for the boating  industry. There are many standards, and they are designed for your safety. Many old, and some newer boats do not conform to these standards, and should  be upgraded . A good surveyor will help. If a boat doesn't conform to these standards, it's value will be affected.
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Why do I need a Marine Survey?
Most insurance companies and banks will require them on older vessels. They will need to know her condition and fair market value in order to finance and/or underwrite the vessel. Knowing her condition and fair market value before you purchase is also important to you.  However, the most important reason to survey your vessel is for the safety of the passengers and crew. Although you may be a life-long boater, it would be very difficult for you to know all the ABYC Standards, and pitfalls in certain boats. NAMS & SAMS  surveyors will survey a boat to ABYC standards.

When is a good time to talk to a surveyor ?
Whenever you first think of buying a boat, or think you may need a surveyor, start to look for one. It may take you a while to find one in your area. He or She may give you good advice on certain boats that may save you problems, and money in the future. Many good surveyors will give you sound advise at no cost to you. Just call me at  412 298 5393.
 

 Copyright © 2001 [Ed Gibson]. All rights reserved.
Revised: September 05, 2001