When a boat is sold, usually the purchaser will commission a marine surveyor
to examine the boat before the deal is closed. Marine surveys are also
sought by boat owners for financing reasons, estate valuation, tax donations,
insurance
requirements, or damage appraisal. Additionally, insurance companies seeking
damage-repair reports and an occasional seller are potential customers.
NMMS conducts inspections and prepares appraisals primarily for purchasers
of pre-owned yachts and small craft. Marine surveys may also be done
for financing, estate valuation, tax donations, insurance,
or damage.
A complete survey is a written report of the results from thorough
visual inspection--while in the water, while underway in a
sea trial, and after
haul out--of the observable
surfaces in the boat, including essential equipment, for evidence of
defects, damage, failure, or structural faults.
A good survey can take an entire day, and the preferred order for
conducting the main components of the inspection are: A. Boat
now dry docked:
(1) Complete static inspection on land; (2) Launch; 3) Sea trial
(dynamic inspection).
B.
Boat now in water: (1) Start static inspection in water; (2) Sea
trial (dynamic inspection); (3) Haul out; (4) Complete the
static inspection
on land.
