FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why should you have a vessel surveyed?
- How should I prepare for a marine survey?
- What does a survey cost?
- How long does a survey take?
- How long does it take to receive a survey report?
- How many years have you been in business?
- Are you SAMS or NAMS certified?
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.
How Should I Prepare 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 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?
That depends on the type of survey and vessel. Typically it will cost $14-$20 a foot for a Condition and Valuation Survey.
How Long Does a Survey Take?
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?
Depending on vessel size, average turn around time is 3 days.
How Many Years Has Erik Bentzen Been In Business?
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?
Yes, Erik is a member of The Society of Marine Surveyor or SAMS. SAMS is the largest and best known association of Marine Surveyors. Learn more about us.
