Monday, November 30, 2009

What are the common types of surveys?

Pre-purchase Survey:
It is an important type of survey which is done usually prior to the purchase of a new or used boat. It is a detailed inspection that covers every detail affecting the condition of the boat and safety including a thorough evaluation of all onboard systems, structural integrity, extent of existing problems, suggestions for upgrades and needed repairs. It also includes close inspection of both in and out of the water and underway for a short trial run.

Insurance Survey:
This type of inspection is recommended by insurance companies when a vessel is acquired and at periodic intervals in order to ensure the amount of safe marine risk for coverage. Many aspects of the purchase inspection may include structural and systems analysis. Sea trials and hauling are basically performed on the request of the underwriters. Greater emphasis is placed on potentially hazardous flaws and safety features with less attention paid to cosmetics and minor repairs.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

How can I find a good surveyor?

By a little researching, you can actually search out a good surveyor that will pay-off in the long run. You can sort the listing by checking recommendations from people who have experience with the surveyors in your desired area. You can also have a chat with experienced boat buyers and boatyard managers to get some help. Helpful recommendations can also be gotten from marine insurance agents and lending institutions and you can find the right company.

You can ask your prospective surveyor for a current resume, what exactly is included in the survey, and how long the onboard inspection will take. You can ask the prospective surveyor to make use of a quick fill-in-the-blank form, while others write a full narrative report; the latter will generally include far more detailed information and suggestions for improvements.

Various organizations have set different guidelines to determine the safety and security of a vessel. Look for a surveyor who follows the standards determined by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

Friday, November 27, 2009

Importance of Pre-Purchase Surveys :

Pre-purchase surveys are very much important in so many ways. Most of the question marks that may bug your mind can be sorted out easily by hiring a professional marine surveyor to do a pre-purchase survey. The surveyor is a paid professional who can help you as a buyer to know small details of the boat buying process. The surveyor serves only in the buyer’s best interests. This is your primary protection and is, in a sense, the cheapest insurance available.

Honestly, great boat owners may present their boats and series of deficiencies may be there which may not be visible from your point of view. They can be apparent to a professional marine surveyor. Many structural nitty-gritty need professional understanding and a variety of low tech and high tech methods. Even boats that are purchased only a few years old could have major problems. You'll not only learn of any deficiencies, but you'll also be provided with the surveyor's estimate of the boat's Fair Market Value (FMV).

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Marine Surveyor Group partners, Rollie Gordon, Baron Rohl, AMS and Blake Stahl, AMS work together to bring 100+ years of expertise to their clients, making the Group more precise and thorough while separating them from other marine surveyors.