Why hire a Marine Surveyor?

The basic work of a marine surveyor is to determine if the boat is sea worthy, i.e. if it can withstand the unpredictable weather and water conditions. A marine surveyor would also be able to tell you if your boat is in need of any repair or servicing to maintain it in top condition. A surveyor would also be able to tell you the urgency of those repairs or servicing requirements. But beyond these functions, you would require the services of a marine surveyor if:

1. For boat/yacht insurance purposes: You wish to insure your boat. The insurance company would ask for a document from a marine surveyor certifying the worth of the boat.
2. For boat/yacht finance purposes: If you have approached a bank for financing your boat, the bank would require a similar document, just like the insurance company before they can approve your loan application.
3. If buying a used boat or yacht: If you are considering buying a previously owned boat or yacht, it would be wise to get the opinion of a marine surveyor on the condition and the worth of the boat.
4. If selling off your used boat or yacht: If you are planning to sell off your old boat, you would require the services of a marine surveyor to help you determine the minimum quote for your old boat.
5. For safety purposes: Having your boat surveyed also helps you ensure your safety and the safety of those who accompany you on the boat, since the marine surveyor would be able to gauge the condition of the boat and point out safety concerns if any.

5 Things to do before you hire a marine surveyor

So, now you’ve decided to get your boat surveyed, but how do you select the right marine surveyor? For starters, there are independent marine surveyors as well as many companies that are into the business of performing marine surveys. Whether selecting an independent surveyor or utilizing the services of a survey company, you could take the following aspects into consideration when choosing your marine surveyor:

1. Check experience: You wish to insure your boat. The insurance company would ask for a document from a marine surveyor certifying the worth of the boat.
2. Check company credentials: If you have approached a bank for financing your boat, the bank would require a similar document, just like the insurance company before they can approve your loan application.
3. Ask for references: If you are considering buying a previously owned boat or yacht, it would be wise to get the opinion of a marine surveyor on the condition and the worth of the boat.
4. Check accreditation: If you are planning to sell off your old boat, you would require the services of a marine surveyor to help you determine the minimum quote for your old boat.
5. Ask about the fee structure: Having your boat surveyed also helps you ensure your safety and the safety of those who accompany you on the boat, since the marine surveyor would be able to gauge the condition of the boat and point out safety concerns if any.

It is always advisable to have a marine survey done at least once in a year. Once you take your boat out in the water, there’s no saying what kind of weather and waves you might encounter. Hence it is essential that you get your boat checked by a qualified professional to ensure that you and those who accompany you on your boating trips are safe.