SURVEYORS FOR HIRE 

Marine surveys are performed for a number of reasons and the procedures for each vary to best suit your needs.  Here are the typical surveys performed and why you may require one on your vessel.

CONDITION & VALUE SURVEY

Sometimes refferred to as a "C&V", this type of survey is  used by insurance and/or finance companies to determine if the vessel is an acceptable risk. This is the most comprehensive type of inspection and is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel.  It may also be conducted for the purpose of obtaining or renewing insurance coverage. Condition and overall operation of the vessel should be examined. This includes such items as structural integrity, out of water inspection, electrical and fuel systems, machinery, navigation equipment, electronics, and any other miscellaneous on board systems.  Cosmetic appearance should be examined.  Any maintenance history may also be reviewed if available. Most insurance companies will require a survey on an older boat.  A fair estimate of the vessels market value is almost always included. 

APPRAISAL INSPECTION

This type of survey is performed to gather information to justify or determine the fair market of a vessel. Not all items inspected during a C&V may be inspected during an appraisal.

ENGINE AND MECHANICAL INSPECTION

This survey is a more comprehensive inspection of a vessel's engines and/or machinery.  It is a cursory inspection accomplished without disassembly of engine components.  Testing is done using modern methods for determining overall engine condition.  Fuel injectors and sparkplugs are not removed to determine condition.  Equipment used but not limited to include pyrometers; digital VOM; vacuum gages; oil and coolant sampling; and code reading computers.

ADVANCED ENGINE INSPECTION

During this type of inspection some component disassembly will be accomplished.  Spark plugs or fuel injectors may be removed in order to perform a dynamic compression test.  It may also include the removal of heads or inspection plates to facilitate inspection inside the engine(s).

DAMAGE INSPECTION

Normally this type of survey is performed to assess the extent of damage in order to recommend repair and/or estimate repair costs.  Probable cause for incurred damages may ascertained as well.