Category: Estero marine survey

More and more people are familiar with the importance of getting a marine survey. While most people only consider getting an Estero marine surveywhen buying a used vessel, there is a need for boat owners to get frequent surveys on their boats. This is because a thorough survey will help you understand the condition of your boat better and help you give it the best care. As for how often should you get a marine survey, there are several factors that come into play.

How often do you need a survey?

Typically, you should get a fresh marine survey at least once every five years. Even though it’s been less than five years since your last survey, it is highly recommended to get an updated survey that takes into account the new condition and worth if you’ve made any significant changes to your boat.

The type of boat you own will also dictate how often you get a survey done. For wooden vessels, surveys might need to be performed more frequently and out of the water. For wooden vessels, a survey is typically required every two to three years, while certain specialized insurers will increase this need to every ten to fifteen years.

At times, it is not you that needs the marine survey to be done. There are times when you are forced to get a survey done on your boat. This is more so when getting boat insurance or when you need to use your boat as collateral when getting financing. In this case, the answer to how often do I need a marine survey will depend on what you need the survey for.

Insurance companies have been more frequently seeking surveys and limiting the types and ages of vessels they will insure due to a tightening marine market over the past couple of years. Your best bet for ensuring that you get the best insurance coverage is to have a current marine survey. A current marine survey will also guarantee that you get the most protection in the event of a loss. Many marine insurers are okay with a survey report that is 4 to 5 years old. It is, however, ideal that you rely on a survey that has been done within the last 12 to 18 months when getting insurance.

There are many more factors that dictate the answer to the question of how often do I need a marine survey. The rule of thumb is to make sure you get the survey done by an experienced surveyor.

Estero Marine Survey

The question most aspiring boat owners ask is this; is a marine survey worth it? The answer is yes. This is more so when going after a used boat. With the help of a marine surveyor in Estero, you will be able to know the exact condition of the vessel as well as its fair market value. The surveyor will also help you know if the boat you are after is a good fit for your intended use. These are the main reasons why working with a marine surveyor is important. But what exactly will a surveyor look at?

You have probably done your research on what to look at when buying a used boat. Some of the top things you have to consider are signs of water damage, engine hours, and the condition of the onboard equipment. While doing this is important, you will not be able to get the exact condition of these areas. This is because you lack the experience and specialized equipment to perform a thorough marine survey. This is where the need for a professional Estero marine survey comes in. Here are the top things a surveyor will do.

Cracks and blisters

The first thing a marine surveyor will do is check the bottom and the transom for blisters and cracks. Cracks and blisters indicate there is water intrusion. If there are cracks and blisters, the surveyor will use specialized equipment such as a moisture meter to examine the extent of water intrusion. What the surveyor finds in the bottom and the transom will help him know where to look and what to look for on the boat. The findings of the surveyor can help you know whether to proceed with the purchase or pull out.

Compression and leak-down tests

The purpose of this test is to determine the ability of the engine to generate cylinder pressure. A leak-down test helps determine the engine’s ability to hold that pressure. This test is important when buying a pre-owned boat.

Leaks

The surveyor will also check for leaking fuel tanks. These are some of the most expensive repairs. This is because fuel tanks are hard to get to since they are among the first components that are installed on a boat. In most cases, repairing a fuel tank involves cutting through the cockpit. If there is a fuel leak problem, the boat will be a lot more expensive to repair.

There are many more areas that are looked at by a surveyor. The surveyor will further compile a report with all their findings. You can use the report to negotiate a better deal with the seller or avoid buying a doomed vessel. As for the question of is a marine survey worth it, you can see why the answer is a resounding yes.

Is a Marine Survey Worth It