Marine Surveys: What They Cover and How to Choose a Surveyor

A marine survey is a professional inspection of a boat. Think of it as the boating version of a home inspection, with a valuation added. If you're buying a used boat, it's the best protection you have against expensive surprises. This guide explains the main types of survey, what a surveyor typically looks at, what the SAMS and NAMS credentials mean, and how to get the most out of the report.

Why get a survey?

Discover Boating, the boating industry's consumer program, says a survey is generally "a must" when buying used, and gives several reasons:

• Financing. Many lenders won't finance a used boat that hasn't been surveyed.
• Insurance. Many insurers won't cover a used boat without a survey.
• Hidden problems. Used boats can have problems that are out of sight and need a professional to find.
• A repair list. A survey helps work out which repairs or upgrades the boat needs to be safe.
• Value. It helps establish what the boat is actually worth, which gives you a basis to negotiate.

A survey is less often needed on a new production boat, though it's sometimes done for large or custom yachts.

The main types of survey

According to Discover Boating, surveys fall into a few categories:

• Condition and Value (C&V) survey. This is the most common type and is what you'll usually want when buying a used boat. It's a comprehensive inspection of the whole boat and its propulsion systems. On very large boats a separate engine survey is sometimes done, and on large sailboats a rigging survey may be added.
• Insurance C&V survey. Similar in idea, but done for insurance purposes, so it's generally narrower and focuses on the items the insurer wants checked.
• Appraisal survey. This establishes approximate value only. It's often used in estate settlements or divorces, and occasionally a lender asks for one.
• Damage survey. Done after a storm or accident to work out the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs. Insurers often require one after a claim.
• New yacht survey. Usually only for large, expensive or custom boats. It may involve visits during construction.

If you're buying, ask for a pre-purchase C&V survey, and tell the surveyor that you're the buyer and the survey is for you.

What a pre-purchase survey usually covers

Every surveyor works a little differently, and the scope should be agreed in writing before the survey. A typical pre-purchase C&V survey looks at:

• Hull and deck structure: looking for structural problems, signs of past damage and repairs. Ask the surveyor which test methods they use.
• Below the waterline: with the boat hauled out, the surveyor checks the bottom, running gear, through-hull fittings and blisters.
• Systems: fuel, electrical, plumbing, steering and controls.
• Safety equipment and compliance: for example, whether the boat carries the federally required equipment for its size (see Required Safety Equipment by Boat Length) and has an operable ventilation system if it's a gasoline-engine boat built after July 31, 1980.
• Identification: whether the Hull Identification Number matches the paperwork.
• A sea trial: to check performance and how the systems behave under load.
• A valuation: the surveyor's opinion of fair market value.

The result is a written report with findings, usually ranked by urgency, and recommendations. Discover Boating notes that surveyors generally sketch a rough budget for the repairs they find, based on average costs, so treat those figures as estimates.

Engines. A general survey may only include a basic look at the engines. For larger boats, diesel engines or high-hour boats, think about a separate engine survey by a qualified mechanic. Ask the engine specialist which tests they'll run.

SAMS and NAMS: what the credentials mean

Surveyors' qualifications vary, so buyers often look for membership in one of the two main professional organizations. Discover Boating recommends choosing a surveyor who belongs to one of them, because both set membership requirements and standards.

SAMS: Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors

SAMS awards the Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) designation. The U.S. Department of Labor's My Next Move certification profile summarizes the requirements:

• at least five years of experience;
• passing a written examination set by the SAMS testing committee;
• meeting continuing education requirements to keep the credential.

NAMS: National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMSGlobal)

NAMSGlobal describes itself as the oldest professional organization of marine surveyors, serving the industry since 1962. It has three levels of membership: Apprentice, Associate Marine Surveyor and Certified Marine Surveyor (NAMS-CMS). According to its published membership procedure, applicants go through:

1. sponsorship by a NAMS-CMS or Retired Life Member;
2. applicant screening of experience and qualifications;
3. an ethics test;
4. a CMS test, for those seeking Certified Marine Surveyor status.

Applicants may also have to submit five survey reports.

When you hire, ask which designation the surveyor holds, at what level, and in which specialty. Small craft, yachts, and hull and machinery may be treated differently. Both organizations have directories on their websites.

How to choose and hire a surveyor

• Choose your own surveyor. Discover Boating notes that people often get recommendations from brokers, sellers or lenders, and that some lenders and insurers keep approved lists. Even so, the surveyor should work for you. Check in advance whether your lender or insurer requires someone from its list.
• Ask for a sample report so you know what you'll get.
• Confirm the scope and price in writing: haul-out, sea trial, engine survey, and who pays the yard fees.
• Ask about experience with your type and size of boat.
• Be there. You don't usually have to attend, but Discover Boating recommends it, and you'll learn a lot about the boat.

Timing. Discover Boating says a survey can take anywhere from a couple of hours for a small boat to a couple of days for a large boat or yacht.

Cost. Discover Boating gives a rule of thumb of about $20 to $25 per foot of boat, and notes that many surveyors have a minimum charge. Prices vary by region, so get quotes. Remember to add haul-out and any engine survey costs to your total. You can include survey costs as a one-time expense when you run the True Cost tool.

Using the report

1. Sort the findings into safety items, items needed for insurance or financing, and cosmetic or optional items.
2. Renegotiate or walk away. If your offer was subject to survey, use the findings to ask for repairs, a lower price, or to cancel.
3. Share it with your insurer and lender if they asked for it, and fix any items they require before the deadline.
4. Keep it. The report is a useful baseline for maintenance and for future resale.

If the price changes after the survey, recheck your monthly payment in Shop by Payment.

Sources

• Why survey, survey types, choosing a surveyor (NAMS or SAMS), time, cost rule of thumb ($20-$25 per foot; minimum charges), repair budget: Discover Boating (NMMA). https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/marine-surveys-and-surveyors
• SAMS AMS requirements (5 years of experience, written exam, continuing education): U.S. Department of Labor, My Next Move certification profile. https://www.mynextmove.org/profile/certinfo/3588-C
• NAMSGlobal history (since 1962) and membership levels and steps (sponsorship, screening, ethics test, CMS test, five reports): NAMSGlobal. https://www.namsglobal.org/about-namsglobal and https://www.namsglobal.org/membership-requirements
• Federal safety equipment and ventilation requirements: 33 CFR Part 175. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapter-S/part-175
• HIN requirement: 33 CFR Part 181. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapter-S/part-181