Choosing the right marine surveyor is important. Remember, you have a stake in this too. As such, attending the survey is a must and you’ll learn a lot about your potential new boat.

Know Where To Look When Choosing A Marine Surveyor

The same way you wouldn’t hire a plumber to rewire your house; the same goes for surveyors. Choosing the right marine surveyor or a specialist is a matter of knowing where to look.

• There is no regulated or licensing body for Marine surveyors. Be wary, virtually anyone can call himself a surveyor, and many unqualified people do. A good indicator of competence is a surveyor who has professional affiliations with the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), or the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) or the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS).
• When you choose the right surveyor, choose one who is familiar with the type of boat you’re interested in. Some specialize in power, some in sail, others in wooden or metal boats. A marine surveyor should not be affiliated with boat brokers, dealers, repair shops, or anyone whose living depends on the sale or repair of boats. This means they are impartial.
• Its important to remember never rely upon a survey prepared for a previous owner. History has demonstrated that a lot can happen in a little time.
• Engine surveys in particular, need to be conducted by specialists with experience in repairing gas and diesel engines. It is always the best idea to hire a certified technician who works for an authorized dealer. That way, they’ll be able to research the boat’s warranty and dealer service work, too. Hire an engine surveyor with experience on the make and model of the engine you need inspected.
• Sometimes Rigging surveyors can be a little harder to find. Ask a marine surveyor to recommend one. They typically make their living building and repairing masts, booms, and associated rigging.