Erik Bentzen Yacht Surveyor & Consultant

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Is Included In A Survey? Back to top

TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND LIMITATIONS
The undersigned surveyor will complete the vessel inspection in good faith, while the vessel is hauled out or in the water as specified in the report, in order to determine the vessels general condition assign, fair market and replacement values.

U.S.C.G. requirements, A.B.Y.C. and N.F.P.A. recommendations as well as current marine industry standards are considered and used as guidelines in the attending surveyor's comments and recommendations. The BUC books and website, the Yachtworld.com website, Soldboats.com as well as local and national listings are used as guidelines to determine and assign the fair market and replacement values.

You will agree to cooperate with the performance of this inspection and report, and agree that our professional opinions cannot be compromised. You will agree to have read, understand, and accept the terms, conditions, and limitations of the report, and that full payment for services is due upon completion of the report.

The vessel's inspection will be made as thoroughly as practical and the report has been issued without prejudice and in good faith. The vessel examination will be made by visual examination only, without making removals, or opening up to expose parts or areas ordinarily concealed, or any destructive testing or sampling, or testing for tightness, or trying out machinery and electrical equipment and electronics, and is not subject to any conditions which would have been revealed if any such procedures would have been accomplished. Other than visual inspection only, non-destructive acoustical soundings with a hammer and spot checks with a moisture meter may also be made, only where accessible, when practical and when weather permits or is favorable. If performed this would consist of, and should be considered sample type testing.

You will agree and understand the survey report and its content is in no way a guarantee or warrantee  and as such is limited to only represent, the opinions of the undersigned or attending surveyor. You will further understand and agree that any liability is strictly limited only to the origional cost of the survey report, and that no further liability shall be assigned to the undersigned surveyor due to error of judgment, default, negligence, omissions, mis-representations or mis-statement in any statement, report, or certificate.

Acceptance of the report and any subsequent use of it, in any capacity, constitutes your full understanding and agreement to the terms, limitations, and conditions, of the survey and report.

Why Should You Have A Vessel Surveyed Back to top

Most insurance companies and banks will require a survey every 5 years on vessels over 12 years old. 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.

How Should I Prepare for a Marine Survey? Back to top

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 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.

What Does a Survey Cost? Back to top

That depends on the type of survey and vessel. Typically in the Northwest it will cost $14-$20 a foot for a Condition and Valuation Survey. Travel expenses for out of area or state additional.

Are There Any Discounts Available? Back to top

Yes. Discounts are available on Insurance Surveys. Exsisting customers only, with vessel surveys on record with Erik Bentzen Yacht Surveyors. Leave your printed copy of report on vessel prior to Survey inspection.

How Long Does a Survey Take? Back to top

It depends on vessel size, a 35' boat without extensive systems roughly takes 4-6 hours aboard a vessel, and about the same time to prepare the report.

How Long Does It Take To Receive A Survey Report? Back to top

Depending on vessel size, average turn around time is 48 hours.

In What Format Will I Receive My Survey? Back to top

A secure electronic PDF file will be emailed to you upon completion.

How Many Years Has Erik Bentzen Been In Business? Back to top

Erik has been in the marine business in Seattle since 1982 and has been yacht surveying since 1998. Learn more About Us.

Are You SAMS or NAMS Certified? Back to top

Yes. Erik is an Accredited Marine Surveyor® and member of S.A.M.S.® The Society of Marine Surveyors. S.A.M.S.® is the largest and best known association of Marine Surveyors.