Since I have a marine repairers background, consisting of hands-on experience in boat handling, fiberglass building and repair, wood boatbuilding and repair, mechanical, rigging, minor electrical, finish work, repair estimates and contract writing, as well as customer relations and more, I feel especially qualified to survey wood and fiberglass boats and yachts, power and sail, and can help develop close costs for related repairs, which are needed when developing a close fair market value. According to my customers, most of which are repeat or by referral, my personal attitude and willingness to work hard and hold the interests of my customers foremost are strong points. A general resume and history is available. Many professional and personal references are also available.
Many of my survey clients have many years of experience and appreciate the thoroughness of my survey inspections. Several clients have me perform yearly pre-purchase format inspections to keep up on their vessels changes and needs over time. Many professional repair yards have me provide my opinions and repair recommendations, as well. Most customers and clients expect a thorough inspection, no matter how long it takes and most don’t mind paying for thoroughness and guidance, during and after the survey. I can be contacted for ongoing support and discussions any time after the inspection and it is encouraged, not always the case with much of my competition.
Thoroughness means that every aspect of the vessel be covered. Everything possible is accomplished…a complete and comprehensive structural evaluation, which requires a full internal and external evaluation of the vessel, experienced composite evaluation regarding solid or cored hulls and decks, condition of below waterline hardware, regarding the affects of galvanic corrosion or electrolysis, serious seatrials with specific information regarding performance and recommendations, the operation of all AC/DC systems and electronics, including no load, full load testing of generating systems and anything else that can be accomplished. With sailing vessels, an aloft rigging inspection is included and sails examined. The primary suite of sails is deployed during the seatrial. Most surveyors will not go aloft to examine rigging and many do not include a detailed engine inspection. Most suggest that an outside contractor be retained, which means there are costs above and beyond the basic survey. The only engine testing I cannot offer is compression testing of diesel engines, but in may cases the exhaust manifold ports are accessible and temperature testing of each port can expose poor injector performance and combustion, since manifold port temperatures should be within 15 degrees or so of each other. Most new evolution, large diesel engines will require an outside contractor to perform testing, since most new age diesel engines are computerized and have electronic controls and chips requiring mechanics to use computer programs for evaluation. Gasoline engine compression is offered at an additional charge. Complete fluid analysis is available as well.
Being specific is very important. How is the survey information presented? How many surveys do I see where the surveyor simply checks a yes or no box?
I see many surveys with little or no recommendations, or boiler plate comments. How many boats do I survey and find problems with decks, hulls, machinery, etc. that a previous surveyor did not even allude to, or mention in their reports? A lot! Being a competent surveyor requires that you report on what you find and you cannot find anything unless you look at everything possible. This takes all the time needed and although time spent on the survey is important, it cannot be the driving factor for the surveyor. He or she must charge enough to keep the beat-the-clock mentality out of the equation. Typically, the less expensive the survey, the less time will be spent on the boat. Negative findings can be difficult for some surveyors to report, since it may break the deal, or upset a broker or seller; or perhaps they are not familiar enough with the condition to make proper comments or recommendations. Not everything marine is taught in a classroom or listed in a book of codes, standards, or suggested practices. Although these codes, standards and practices are very important, actual field experience, either at a boatyard, or by spending a reasonable amount of time looking at construction and repair methods, consulting with professionals, as well as working on personal marine projects, is needed to develop a sense of theory and conviction. What are we surveyors being paid for, but to report all findings and make reasonable recommendations? There are few things more aggravating to me than surveying a boat that several surveyors have been hired to examine in the past, or even in the prior couple weeks and the owner of the vessel knows nothing about certain expensive and value altering conditions.
I do remember all who have helped me achieve my reputation and success in my field. Many clients, who were entry level twenty five or so years ago, have now moved through several vessels. Some have graduated to very large and expensive yachts. Others have gone larger, then down-sized. They know I’m there for them, even years after the survey. Everyone has to start somewhere. I am happy to work with entry-level buyers, perhaps purchasing their first boat, simple and inexpensive, or those purchasing larger more elaborate yachts. I understand that they may need more help and discussion to allow them to understand what they are buying and to give them the information they need to make an educated decision.
Something else that separates me from my fellow surveyors, is that quite often, especially on large yachts, all pertinent information is enter on a laptop while onboard to avoid missing details and important information and to avoid the act of simply not reporting on overlooked aspects of the vessel. An extensive photo shoot is accomplished on all vessels to further insure all details are included in the report, no matter how minor, or major. I attempt to offer repair options and solutions as well. All reports are typically available within 48hrs of the inspection.
A partial, labeled photo shoot of specific issues may be available as well. The entire photo shoot can be made available to the client for an additional office fee. These photos may help the buyer, broker, banks and insurance companies understand certain reported conditions. Between a detailed survey report and the photo shoot, many customers indicate they feel well informed and understand how to proceed.
The American Boat & Yacht Council is an important part of the marine industry. The ABYC researches and writes standards for the industry and should be given credit for tightening building and repair standards. I have been a member of the ABYC since 1982 and refer to the standards often. It is indispensable for the experienced and inexperienced alike. But simply listing the ABYC standard in the survey report is not enough and should be accompanied by other pertinent information derived by experience and theory.
Other marine industry associations have developed over the years, such as Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, or SAMS & The National Association of Marine Surveyors, or NAMS and they have their place, but no organization is as important to marine surveyors, boat builders, banks and insurance companies as the American Boat & Yacht Council, who has developed boat building standards for the industry for decades. I abide by the ABYC standards, take their continuing education classes yearly and have been a member since 1982. Over the years I have been a NAMS and SAMS member, but I am no longer associated with them since they appear to be no more than lobby groups, to encourage banks and insurance companies to use only their membership. No other real benefit is realized, plus they cost thousands of dollars a year to remain a member. They also limit my ability to consult, since they only want their membership to make note of findings, but do not want the member to make comments, suggestions, give estimate of cost or help the client through their purchase experience. I have found these organizations to be limiting and feel I have outgrown them.