Professional Surveys by Certified Master Marine Surveyors

A comprehensive assessment which provides a client with an informed, professional opinion of a boat’s condition and fair market value. It includes an in-depth, visual inspection of structural integrity, safety equipment and all other miscellaneous on board systems (electrical, propulsion, sanitation, potable water, navigation, etc) as well as an out-of-water hull inspection and test run or sea trial.

The written report of a C&V survey provides detailed information on the vessel and contains a list of noted discrepancies or variations from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) standards, as well as deviations from United States Coast Guard requirements and prudent seamanship. The report will also contain a “Recommendations” section listing safety, maintenance, and repair items that need to be addressed.

An insurance survey is conducted to assist underwriters in determining a vessel’s condition and insurability for initial policy issuance or renewal. The primary focus of an insurance survey is structural integrity, safety, and inspection of system installations per NFPA and ABYC guidelines. Safety gear is inspected and noted for compliance with federal requirements, while pertinent identification information is recorded for future reference, valuation and claims adjustment.

The content of a typical insurance survey’s written report is similar to that of a C&V survey, providing detailed vessel information, discrepancies, and recommendations. In many cases, an insurance survey is similar in scope to a condition and value survey. The biggest difference is that in some cases (typically policy renewal for an established client) underwriters will accept an “in water” survey.

The purpose of a Damage Survey is to assess the extent of damage to a vessel in the event of an accident. Other items typically included are recommended repairs, estimated repair cost, and determining probable cause. Boat owners should remember that when filing a damage claim, the surveyor assigned by the underwriter will be representing the insurance company's interest, which may or may not coincide with their own. Owners have the right to hire their own surveyor to inspect damage and make recommendations as to repair methods and cost estimates. Additionally (depending on the policy), underwriters may even pay for this independent surveyor, subject to deductibles and the validity of the claim. 

The Appraisal Inspection is conducted to determine the fair market value of a vessel for financing, estate settlements, donations, and legal cases (such as divorce). As the focus is to simply provide the surveyor’s overall impression of the vessel’s condition, an appraisal inspection is a less in-depth inspection as compared to a C&V. The written report will contain basic vessel information, general comments on overall condition, and an estimated fair market value.