Preparing for a Marine Survey

 Arrange to present a clean, shipshape boat, and have all ship’s papers, manuals, maintenance records, and ancillary gear ready. If applicable, you’ll need to make arrangements to haul the vessel for a bottom inspection and a captain for the sea trial. Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear. The surveyor should never be asked to prepare a boat for inspection, nor will a professional surveyor operate the vessel for the sea trial. The surveyor may request minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to suspect areas. Random inspection of fasteners on wood boats below the waterline could be examined for condition. Any dismantling and re-installation of these parts should be performed by qualified personnel, which is the responsibility of the individual ordering the survey.

We’ve noticed that the survey requirements of insurance carriers and finance companies are different from one company to another, so it’s important to confirm if you're bank or underwriter has specific requirements. For example, most underwriters require a haul-out for an insurance renewal survey. This was not the case just a few years ago.