Marine Tech Survey

A full boat survey involves a detailed inspection of a vessel’s condition and systems to help potential buyers make informed decisions before purchasing. The surveyor checks hull integrity, systems, and mechanical components, providing a final report with findings and recommendations. The survey references federal regulations enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards, which are commonly followed by vessel manufacturers, although 100% adherence is not guaranteed.

Boats are surveyed without the removal of any parts, including fixed partitions, fastened panels, fittings, headliners and wall-liners, heavy furniture, tacked carpet, appliances, electrical equipment or electronics, instruments, anchors line and chain, spare parts, personal gear, clothing, miscellaneous items in the bilges, cabinets, lockers or other storage spaces, or other fixed or semi-fixed items. Locked compartments or otherwise inaccessible areas would also prevent inspection.

Most surveys come with a report include digital images and/or other supporting evidence. We use standards set by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). Also the requirements of the marine insurance underwriters and marine financiers.

The findings in our reports are divided into three categories to show the most important issues with a boat while still being able to provide a list of smaller issues that may be important to the owner/buyer.

First Priority: Findings should be addressed before the vessel is next underway. These findings could represent an endangerment to personnel and/or the vessel’s safe operating condition. Findings may also be in violation of U.S.C.G. Regulations, ABYC Voluntary Safety Standards & Recommended Practices or NFPA Codes & Standards.

Secondary Priority: Findings should be corrected in the near future, so as to maintain and adhere to certain codes, regulations, standards or recommended practices (and safety in some cases) and to help the vessel to retain its value.

Recommendations: Findings considered lower priority or cosmetic findings, which should be addressed in keeping with good marine maintenance practices and in some cases as a desired upgrade.

The report is finished off with conclusions such as the condition of the vessel as well as a valuation on the fair market value and in cases of newer vessels, the estimated replacement cost of the vessel.

Not all surveys are created equal. Look into the survey definitions on our home page and ask questions to see what type of survey you will need.