and Consultants
QUARTERDECK MARINE - Surveyors
and Consultants
Hudson Office: 1500 Harbor Blvd. LHYC D-11, Weehawken, NJ 07086 201 247-4888
North Office: 137 Magee Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456 973 839-6070
yskamp.john@gmail.com Fax: 862 200 5004John Yskamp
President
How Do I Choose a Marine Surveyor?
Anyone can title him or herself as a Marine Surveyor and start a business. Some marine surveyors are permitted to use a designation denoting membership in accrediting organizations that require members to meet strict professional, technical and ethical standards. At Quarterdeck Marine Surveyors we have such designations and take pride in our achievements and assignments. Here are a few of our associations:
SUNY (State University of New York) Maritime Collage at Fort Schuyler
We will provide you with a professionally prepared report that can be accepted by your bank and/or insurance company. We invite you to talk with us and ask questions! What does the survey include and what type of reporting format is used? We use ABYC, NFPA and USCG standards in their surveys. Prior to the survey we can inform you how much will the inspection cost and approximately how long will the on-board inspection take.
A thorough inspection will not be rushed and will depend on the type of survey required based on vessel size, equipment and on-board systems. There may be additional services available such as engine surveys, oil analysis, galvanic and stray current corrosion testing, ultrasonic testing, moisture testing and other non-destructive tests. There may be additional charges for these and other services.
Well conducted surveys can provide good information on the vessels' condition, but they are not guarantees. The surveyor reports the condition in accessible areas only as it exists at the time of inspection.
Why should you have a vessel surveyed? Most insurance companies and banks will require them on older vessels. They will need to know her condition and fair market value in order to finance and/or underwrite the vessel. Knowing her condition and fair market value before you purchase is also important. However, the most important reason to survey your vessel is for the safety of the passengers and crew.
TYPES OF VESSEL SURVEYS
Pre-Purchase Survey
This is the most comprehensive type of inspection, and is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel. Condition and overall operation of the vessel should be examined. This covers structural integrity, electrical systems, the propulsion system, the fuel system, other machinery, navigation equipment, miscellaneous on-board systems, cosmetic appearance, electronics, and overall maintenance as well as an out-of-water inspection and a sea trial.
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 vessel's fair market value.
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, and if requested, possible cause.
Preparing for a Marine Survey?
Time and additional expense can be saved by preparing the
vessel for inspection and making her more accessible.
Arrange to present a clean, shipshape boat, and have all papers and miscellaneous gear ready. If applicable, you will need to make arrangements with the marina to haul the vessel for bottom inspection, and retain a captain, or be prepared to drive the boat, for sea trials. Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear.
The surveyor should never be asked to prepare a boat for inspection. The surveyor may request minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to the suspected areas. Random removal and examination of below-the-waterline fasteners on wood boats may be required. Any dismantling and re-installation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey.
Written authorization from the owner may be needed to board and/or to remove part of the vessel click here for a sample boarding agreement.
The following checklist may be handy when making preparations:
o The owner or his representative has given (written) permission for the survey
o The broker’s listing has been made available to the surveyor
o Owner’s manuals and service records are aboard
o State Registration or Federal Documentation is aboard
o Arrangements for hauling or launching have been made with the boat yard or marina
o If a sea trial has been requested arrangements have been made for:
- the vessel to be operated by the Owner or his authorized representative
- the owner has the vessel adequately insured
- sufficient fuel is on board
- the engines are ready
o Keys or combo of the locks and the ignition key are available
o Winter covers have been removed
o Batteries are charged and AC power is available
o Water tanks are sufficiently filled to test water systems * (See note below)
o Electronics are installed * (See note below)
o Toilets are ready * (See note below)
o Bilges are dry and clean and bilge pumps are operational
o The owner/broker has been requested not to hose down the vessel on the day of the survey as this
may preclude getting reliable moisture meter readings.
* Although the items noted would facilitate a complete survey; all are not always possible. We can work with that and report the condition as found. This may be acceptable in situations where the survey is for insurance or financial purposes.
For any problems with this web site please contact the WebMaster thank you
Last Updated on - 08/08/2017