Our Marine Surveys
• Why Get A Survey?
• Types of Surveys
• How To Choose A Surveyor
• Preparing For the Survey

Why should you have the vessel surveyed?
As a buyer, you need to know her condition and approximate fair market value, in order to make an informed decision. Most insurance companies and banks will require a current survey on in order to underwrite and/or finance the vessel. The single most important reason to survey your vessel is for the safety of your crew and guests. Most people are unaware of inoperative equipment until they need to use it or dangerous conditions until they occur. A good survey for your boat is like a routine physical for your body, it can prevent problems before they happen.

Types of Marine Surveys
MARINE SURVEYS ARE PERFORMED FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS AND THE PROCEDURES FOR EACH VARIES TO BEST SUIT YOUR NEEDS.

PRE-PURCHASE MARINE SURVEY
This is the most comprehensive type of inspection, and is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel. Condition and the overall operation of the vessel should be examined. This includes such items as structural integrity, out of water inspection, sea trial, electrical systems, propulsion system, fuel system, machinery, navigation, miscellaneous. on board systems, cosmetic appearance, electronics, and overall maintenance. If a survey is done at any time for the previous owner it may not be totally accurate for you the purchaser, your surveyor works only for you.

INSURANCE SURVEY
This inspection is performed so that the insurance company can determine whether or not the vessel is an acceptable risk. They are interested in structural integrity and safety for its intended use. Most insurance companies require a survey on older boats. They will also want to know the vessels fair market value.

BOAT APPRAISAL INSPECTION
This inspection is performed to gather enough information to justify or determine the fair market value of the vessel. This is normally needed for financing, estate settlements, donations, and legal cases.

DAMAGE INSPECTION
This is performed to assess the extent of damage, recommend repairs, estimate repair cost for the boat, and if requested, the probable cause.

Talk with prospective surveyors and ask questions!
What does the survey include, and what type of reporting format is used? Do they use ABYC, NFPA, and IMO Code of Federal Regulations USCG standards in their surveys? How much will the inspection cost? How long will the inspection take? A thorough inspection will not be rushed. It will depend on the type of survey required, and based on size, equipment, and onboard systems. There may be additional services available such as engine surveys, oil analysis, galvanic and stray current corrosion testing, ultrasonic testing, moisture testing, as well as other non-destructive tests. There may be additional charges for these and other services.

Well-conducted surveys can provide good information on the vessel's condition, but they are not guarantees. The surveyor reports the condition in accessible areas only as it existed at the time of inspection.

“Our experience is your Advantage”
The surveyor you choose should be the best you can find, to protect your safety and investment. Anyone can title him or herself a Marine Surveyor and start a business. Certain marine surveyors are permitted to use a designation denoting membership in accrediting organizations that require members to meet strict professional, technical, and ethical standards. Surveyors should provide you with a professionally prepared report that can be accepted by your bank and/or insurance company. Advantage Marine’s experience in the construction, repair and operation of all types of vessels, provides you with the highest level of expertise.

Headed by Captain Bill Hipple AMS, with his 35 years of experience in all aspects of the marine industry, Advantage Marine provides you with the highest degree of skill and professionalism available, to produce surveys that are accurate, thorough, and cost effective. Pre-Purchase, Insurance, Appraisal Assessment, or Damage Assessment, whatever your survey questions are, Advantage Marine is your answer

No matter what the boat is made of we've been there, done that. Bill is the founder of Gel-Peel, a company that after fifteen years is still the preferred method of removing damaged laminate from fiberglass hulls for osmotic blister repair. He sold the company and it continues to operate today.

Bill was Service and Warranty Manager for Burger Boat Company in Florida. At Burger, he broadened his knowledge of construction of aluminum yachts and repair of all types of vessels. The fifteen years he spent in the commercial towing and the excursion vessel industry gives Bill extensive experience in steel hulls and Coast Guard inspected vessels.

Advantage Marine, because experience is gained not taught! Once you retain Advantage Marine, we work only for you and report to no one else. We are to here to protect your interest.

Preparing for the Survey
Preparing the vessel for inspection and making her more accessible can save time and additional expenses.

Following is a short list of items that should be checked on a regular basis. These are routine maintenance items commonly found during survey. (This is a guideline and not a complete list of items that will be checked during survey)

• Make sure the yacht is clean and neat, it makes it easier for the surveyor. Remember first impressions can be important.

• Check to be sure all relevant documents are on board and current. The surveyor will need to see documentation or registration papers. Also needed are documents for any dingies, PWC's, or motorized vehicles on board.

• Any construction drawings or manuals that can be provided may prove to be helpful to the surveyor.

• Check all U.S. Coast Guard items required for your class of yacht.

• Flares - make sure they are in date. Dates are on each flare.
• Fire extinguishers - proper number, mounted in brackets with current inspection tags. Must be tagged and inspected annually.
• Ship's bell on board.
• One approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in good condition for each person on board. Some surveyors request that as a minimum, there be one PFD for each bunk.
• Check all running lights.
• Make sure whistle (horn) works.
• There must be a copy of the Rules of the Road aboard.
• Check anchor and rode, safety wire shackles, and proper splice in the rode with thimble and bitter end secured.

• If there is an automatic fire extinguishing system, it must be in date - an annual requirement. Also make sure that the hydro date on the bottle is current - this is stamped on the bottle and is good for five years.

• All bilge pumps and automatic float switches must be working. All manual switches must be working.

• Check all alarms - bilge, fire, smoke, engine, generator, and electrical.

• Check all raw water hoses for age. If the hoses crack when you bend them, they need replacement. If they are soft or oil soaked, they need replacement.

• Make sure all the raw water hoses below the water line or under pressure are double clamped at both ends.

• Check all sea cocks or sea valves for easy operation and any leaks.

• Check exhaust hoses for age. All hose ends must be double clamped. If using ordinary screw type clamps, they really should be triple clamped.

• Check all hose clamps through out for rusting.

• Check main packing glands and rudder stuffing boxes for any excessive leakage.

• Bilges should be clean and dry.

• Check main engines and generators for oil and water. Also make sure start batteries are in good condition.

• Life rafts and hydrostatic releases must have inspection papers.

• EPIRBS must be in date. The batteries must be changed on a regular basis.

Note: Make sure all navigation and communication equipment is in good condition and operational. This includes the compass, which should have a current deviation card. This is done annually.

• If applicable, you will need to make arrangements with the marina to haul the vessel for bottom inspection, and a captain for sea trial.

• Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear and open for inspection.

• All deck hatches; inspection plates and covers should be open.

• Carpeting should be pulled back or removed to allow access to all bilge areas.

• The surveyor may request minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to certain areas.

• Qualified personnel should perform any dismantling and re-installation of these parts, which is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey.

Written authorization from the owner or representative will be needed to board and/or to remove any part of the vessel.

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