Nautical Services, Inc.
Immediately servicing the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle, with regular travel to include inland and coastal States, Regions and Countries as requested.
SAMS® Accredited Marine Surveyor
ABYC® Standards Accredited
USPAP® Certificate on Appraisal Standards
What Is a Marine Survey?
A Marine Survey is a detailed inspection of a vessel, conducted by a qualified, diligent, intelligent and honest surveyor, for the purpose of determining its current state of condition, value and seaworthiness. In particular, to determine if the vessel is safe to use in conditions for which it was designed, and what maintenance and repairs are required, or are likely to be required in the near future.
Most buyers are not experienced enough, or mechanically inclined to a point where they can make an adequate evaluation on their own vessel. Even those who are qualified benefit immensely from a second professional, cold and unbiased opinion.
Why Should You Get One?
The short answer is: to stay alive, physically and financially.
The long answer is: Certain types and makes of boats have inherent problems. A good surveyor will be familiar with most model vessels and should be able to advise you on the long-term suitability of your intended purchase and its equipment, particularly in relation to how and where you will be using it.
The open water can be a treacherous place, subject to the whims of weather and lady luck. It is no place for a deficient boat, especially one with an inexperienced owner and an inept crew (read first time boaters). And, as the old saying goes, a bad boat is a hole in the water that you pour money into.
Purchasing a marine survey is buying peace of mind. It will give you a better idea of exactly what you are getting into with the purchase of your vessel, and help you learn what will be necessary to maintain the vessel in the future to keep you and your family safe, and your investment secure.
In addition, it is unlikely you will be able to secure insurance or financing without providing the insurance company or lender with an acceptable survey, so you might as well make the survey a condition of purchase to begin with, and use the survey if the vessel is purchased, for insurance and/or financial underwriting.
