A marine survey is a critical milestone for every boat owner, whether you are selling your possessions, securing insurance, or buying a new vessel. A professional survey provides an objective and essential evaluation of the boat’s condition, engine health, and market value. Many boat owners make the mistake of treating it like a passive appointment.
A survey is a partnership between you and the surveyor. Taking time to properly prepare can save you time and reduce anxiety, and show that your vessel is presented in its absolute best condition. Let’s discuss how to categorically prepare your vessel for a professional inspection as given below
Inspect the vessel before the survey
It’s important to thoroughly inspect your decks long before a surveyor sets foot on your deck to identify any issues and maximize functionality and accessibility. After that, remove all the unnecessary items such as fishing tackle, personal gear, excess clothing, and general clutter from the deck, which allows the surveyor to easily inspect your boat’s structure.
In other cases, the survey can assume that there are hidden maintenance issues beneath all the clutter. It is also necessary to power up your navigation lights, test the bilge pumps manually, run the windshield wipers, and check that the horn works to ensure that the boat functions properly.
Select the SAMS Surveyors
The quality of the survey also depends on the credentials and experience of the expert performing it. Choosing a very qualified professional is important because anyone can call themselves a marine surveyor. It is recommended to choose a professional from SAMS Surveyors, short for Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, which is a premier organization in the marine industry.
It’s also important to ensure that their experience and expertise align with your vessel. Hiring a surveyor who is in accordance with your boat requirements. In addition, verify that their credentials are recognized by your specific insurance provider.
Prepare Essential Vessel Documentation
Preparing essential documentation is as important as any other above-mentioned measures for a marine survey. The surveyor has to verify that the vessel’s paperwork matches its physical layout, hull numbers, and equipment, and provide an organized file with all necessary documents ready, which shows professionalism and reduces process hindrances.
For that, boat owners are required to provide current registration or federal Coast Guard deficiency station papers. In addition, it’s also beneficial to keep records of sales tax receipts or original bills if the purpose of the survey is an exchange of ownership or boating insurance.
Address Safety And Maintenance Issues
Lastly, the surveyor has to survey safety features and mechanical maintenance. During a survey, failing a security check can immediately void the insurance survey or ruin a pre-purchase sale. It’s important to demonstrate safety equipment, like life jackets, in one organized area to show that they are free of fur and mold.
It’s essential for boat owners or bemused that all the fire extinguishers are mounted correctly and fully charged. Verifying the marine battery and ensuring a clean bilge also allows the surveyor to perform their duty with excellence by following the maintenance strategy; boat owners can easily prepare to make a good impression and achieve their required goal without extra stress.
