Frequently Asked Questions

A marine survey is a comprehensive inspection of a boat's structure, systems, and overall condition — similar to a home inspection but for a vessel. If you're buying a boat, a pre-purchase survey protects you from hidden problems that could cost thousands to repair. It also gives you negotiating leverage and peace of mind that you're making a sound investment.

Our pre-purchase survey covers the hull and deck (gelcoat, blisters, delamination), engine and drivetrain, electrical systems, plumbing and fuel systems, safety equipment, steering and controls, electronics, interior condition, and structural integrity (stringers, bulkheads, transom). It also includes a sea trial to test performance on the water. You receive a detailed report with photos and clear recommendations.

A typical survey takes 3–5 hours for the physical inspection, depending on the size and complexity of the vessel. The sea trial adds additional time. Most clients receive their complete written report within 72 hours of the survey — we prioritize thorough, accurate reporting to give you the confidence you need.

Survey pricing depends on the vessel's size, type, and location. We provide free, no-obligation quotes so you know the cost upfront before committing. Call us at (609) 389-3065 or fill out our contact form with details about the boat you're considering, and we'll get you a quote within 72 hours.

A sea trial is an on-water test of the boat's performance — engine operation, handling, electronics, and overall seaworthiness under real conditions. Yes, the sea trial is included as an essential part of our pre-purchase survey. We consider it non-negotiable — a boat on land only tells half the story.

Absolutely. Many of our clients are buying boats sight-unseen from across the country. We handle everything on-site — the inspection, coordination with the seller or broker, and sea trial — and deliver a comprehensive photo report that gives you total confidence in your decision, no matter where you're located.

We survey a wide range of recreational vessels: center consoles, sportfishers, cruisers, sailboats, pontoon boats, and personal watercraft. If you're unsure whether we cover your boat type, give us a call — we'll let you know.

We work hard to accommodate your timeline. In most cases, we can schedule a survey within a few days of your request. We also handle last-minute schedule changes — flexibility is part of our commitment to great service.

Yes. We are fully certified and carry professional liability insurance. Our surveys follow ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) standards, and our reports are accepted by all major marine insurance providers and financing institutions.

Yes — in fact, we encourage it. Being present lets you see the boat through a surveyor's eyes and ask questions in real time. We'll walk you through what we're seeing and explain our findings as we go. If you can't be there (long-distance buyers, for example), we provide a thorough report with extensive photos.

Our report gives you a clear picture of the boat's condition so you can make an informed decision. You may use the findings to negotiate the price, request that the seller make repairs, or walk away from a bad deal. Either way, the cost of the survey is a fraction of what unexpected repairs could cost you.

Call us at (609) 389-3065 or fill out the contact form. We'll ask about the boat (make, model, year, location) and provide a free quote. Once you're ready to proceed, we coordinate the scheduling with all parties involved.