Services
Surveys
Surveys of aluminum, fiberglass and wood vessels for commercial and recreational clients. See Types of Surveys for details.
Stray Current inspection (Corrosion Testing)
Stray Current inspection (Corrosion Testing) is an in-water test and inspection that determines susceptibility to galvanic and stray current corrosion, it is also an indication of the condition and proper operation of anodes (zincs).
Moisture Testing
Moisture testing of fiberglass hulls and decks is a non-destructive moisture test. Moisture testing determines intrusion of moisture into fiberglass laminate, susceptibility to blisters, and possible delamination.
Spectrometric Engine Oil Analysis
Spectrometric Engine Oil Analysis identifies and measures contaminates if any, such as unburned fuel, anti-freeze, fresh or salt water, carbon and dirt and metals in the oil. Wear metals can help determine problems in the engine. For example: aluminum from pistons, chromium from rings, copper and Babbitt from bearings and iron from the crankshaft. Data can be adjusted to marine engine make, total engine hours and hours since last oil change, if this data is known. Allow 10 business days for lab results and report.
Consulting and Project Management
Call us to discuss your needs.
Types of Surveys
Appraisals
Appraisals are conducted to establish a vessel’s current market value. The current market value is required by lending institutions, insurance companies and some taxing authorities. Appraisals are use when making donations to non-profits, estates, or divorce settlements. An accurate appraisal is arrived at after a detailed inspection of the vessel’s systems and overall condition.
Insurance Survey
An Insurance Survey, sometimes called a Condition and Value (C&V), is in itself a detailed inspection, but its primary focus is on any condition which could lead to the sinking of the vessel, causing a fire or endangering the crew. This assessment is performed to enable the Insurance Underwriter to evaluate the vessel’s insurability and risk assessment.
Pre-Purchase Marine Survey
This is the most comprehensive type of inspection and is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel. It is a complete inspection of the vessel to ascertain its condition as to overall operational capability. This report includes:
- Operation of all equipment and systems while the vessel is in the water (electrical systems, navigation systems, propulsion systems, fuel systems, all machinery and electronics).
- An out of water inspection, if arranged, of the rudders, props, shafts, thru-hulls, anodes, and a sounding of the hull.
- Complete inspection of interior structures where accessible.
Estimated current market value based on condition and general maintenance. - Findings and recommendations.
- This report is issued in compliance with boating standards set by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), as well as U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
Pre-Offer Inspection
A Pre-Offer Inspection is a preliminary inspection along with digital images of boats of interest at a reasonable rate. It entails a brief inspection of the vessel with the purpose of providing you with an overall assessment of the condition of the vessel in general terms. The purpose is to determine if the vessel is worthy of an offer. Some clients use this service to decide whether to come and visit the vessel before a Pre-Purchase Survey is done. This useful if the vessel is being sold by an individual or auction house. Most yacht brokers or dealers will not allow a surveyor aboard until a contract is in place.
Sea Trials
A “Sea Trial” is a critical and important part of evaluating a vessel, its performance and it’s systems. A knowledgeable boater should discuss the specific parameters that a professional evaluates prior to the sea trial. A novice boater should retain a professional to attend the sea trial to gain the beneficial experience. General vessel and engine performance, handling characteristics and in-service system operations can be assessed and reported on. Many aspects of performance can only be determined during operation and experience allows comparative analysis.
Damage Survey
A Damage Survey is usually commissioned by a specific insurance company as part of a claim investigation. Its function is to establish the cause and extent of the damage and to give an estimate of the cost of repairs. In such circumstances, the Surveyor acts as the Underwriters eyes and ears. The Surveyor works in liaison with the insured, the repair facility and other relevant participants.
Corrosion Survey
Investigation of internal and external D.C. influences on dissimilar metals within a vessel.