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How Often Do I Need a Marine Survey in Baltimore?

The majority of people are aware of the value of receiving a Baltimore marine survey when purchasing a used boat. Only a small number of boat owners, however, think of engaging a pro for a follow-up marine survey after taking ownership of the vessel. This is due to the fact that for the majority of consumers, a survey is only necessary when buying a pre-owned boat. This cannot be further from the truth.

You still need to know the precise state of your boat even if you give it the best care. Getting frequent marine surveys is crucial for this reason. But how often do I need a marine survey? There isn’t a simple answer to this. This is due to the fact that a variety of factors will determine how frequently you should update the survey report.

A maritime survey should typically be performed at least once every five years. You’ll have a clear understanding of your boat’s condition after doing this. All in all, it is important to remember that not all boats require an update to their survey report after five years. You might need to update the survey report sooner if you have made significant changes to your vessel. This should be done in order for the survey report to accurately reflect both the current value of your boat and its new condition.

The frequency of survey report updates will also depend on the type of boat you possess. You might need to have a survey performed more frequently if you own a wooden boat. To evaluate the boat more accurately, the survey needs to be conducted out of water. Wooden boats need to be inspected at least once every two to three years. This is mainly because wooden vessels are more vulnerable to damage.

The question of how often do I need a marine survey will also depend on what you need the survey for. Even though some lenders and insurers will accept a survey report that is five years old, your boat’s condition and age may compel them to ask for a more recent assessment. For instance, some insurance firms accept survey reports that are four to five years old. But you must get a more recent maritime survey completed if you want to receive the best coverage. You will gain more knowledge about your boat and be able to receive better coverage with a survey report that is 12 to 18 months old.

As you can see, a lot of things determine how frequently you should get a marine survey done. You only need to confirm that the survey is carried out by a qualified marine surveyor in Baltimore. Make sure you obtain the insurer’s list of items that must be inspected for insurance purposes.

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How Do I Choose a Marine Surveyor in Baltimore?

Getting expert services in a Baltimore marine survey guarantees that the assessment of the hazards involved with a future marine enterprise is accurate. On the other hand, selecting the incorrect surveyor can leave you ill-equipped to control the risks involved and guarantee the effectiveness and safety of your vessel and crew. One of the most crucial choices a boat owner has to make is choosing the best marine surveyor before buying a boat. This post is a quick guide outlining the key areas to consider when hiring a surveyor.

Training and Certification

As you learn how do I choose a marine surveyor, you must familiarize yourself with marine survey certification and accreditation organizations. That is because choosing a marine surveyor that is a member of an organization like the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) guarantees that you end up with the best and most knowledgeable marine surveyors in the business. Making sure a marine surveyor is a member of any recognized organization guarantees you get the best marine survey services.

Part of being a member of a training and certification organization means the surveyor takes ongoing training and adheres to strict ethics and quality standards. The requirement for ongoing education to keep one’s certification is a big benefit of being a qualified marine surveyor. That implies that they will be knowledgeable about the most recent changes in the sector.

Keep in mind that there are many different certifications available for marine surveyors. However, you should opt for a maritime surveyor with accreditation if you want someone who is highly qualified. An accredited surveyor has both the experience and expertise needed to perform a thorough survey.

Services Offered

Obviously, this will be influenced significantly by the type of vessel you want to survey as well as specific marine survey requirements. Generally speaking, you should look for a marine surveyor who is renowned for providing expertise in a variety of areas such as:

  • Pre-purchase survey
  • Insurance survey
  • Engine analysis
  • Sea trials
  • Cargo damage report
  • Boat appraisal

These are the most typical tasks carried out by marine surveyors, so choosing a surveyor with expertise in all of them will put you in a far better position to handle any unforeseen problems that may crop up. This further means you won’t need to search for a different marine surveyor for every problem.

Hopefully, this post has answered the question of how do I choose a marine surveyor. As a parting shot, always choose a surveyor you feel comfortable working with. The best surveyor should not only be experienced but also have remarkable communication skills.

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Baltimore Marine Survey – What You Should Know About a Boat Survey

Are you wondering who typically pays for a boat survey? The answer is the person that needs the services of a marine surveyor. This means the surveyor can be hired by a boat owner that wants more details about the condition of their boat or a buyer who wants in-depth knowledge of the boat they want to buy. There are also situations where a survey is mandated. This is more so when trying to use the boat as collateral or when applying for boat insurance. In this post, we will be taking a look at the crucial points you need to understand about boat surveys.

What impacts the cost of a marine survey?

As you get ready for a Baltimore marine survey, it is important that you understand the various factors that impact the cost of a boat survey. They include the following:

  • Size of the vessel
  • Hull construction. Is it solid fiberglass or cored?
  • Age of the vessel. Boats that were built pre-1970s will cost more to survey.
  • Hull material. The common materials are steel, fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and ferro-cement. Each material requires a different approach during a boat inspection.
  • What is included in the survey? A haul-out and a sea trial will cause the cost of a survey to go up.
  • The surveyor you hire. Marine surveyors do not charge the same rates for their services. Some charge more mainly because of affiliation or experience.
  • Location of the boat. A surveyor will charge you for their transport costs if the boat is too far from the areas they serve.

Boat surveys give you peace of mind

Just as when buying a home, car, or any other long-term investment, you want to be aware of what you are getting. Some of the questions you want to be answered before choosing a boat are:

  • Is it reasonably priced?
  • How much should you set aside for improvements and changes?
  • The most crucial question is: Is it safe?

For the first time, the value of used boats is rising. It’s crucial to make sure the boat you buy is worth what you are paying for. Any potential issues will be revealed by a marine survey or valuation. You can use the revealed information to negotiate the price, start work to address them or withdraw your interest. You can buy the boat with confidence if the inspection reveals that it is in good shape. Additionally, with a survey report, you will have a list of adjustments you can make at your convenience to raise the quality and value of your vessel.

While the answer on who typically pays for a boat survey might surprise you, it is good to note that the input of a surveyor can save you a lot of money. Always work with an independent surveyor that has a great track record.

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Baltimore Marine Survey – Types of Marine Surveys

Are you in the process of buying a pre-owned boat? Do you want to know how much your boat is worth? Do you need a survey done to help with boat insurance or to get financing? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you definitely need a Baltimore marine survey. Marine survey services are offered by many people all over the state of Maryland. The problem is not every surveyor you hire will offer the quality services you need. That is why you have to be careful before choosing a surveyor. But is a marine survey worth it? This is the question this post is here to answer. We will be doing so by taking a look at the importance of various types of boat surveys.

Condition and value survey

This type of survey is requested mostly when buying a boat. It is the most comprehensive type of boat inspection. It is meant to offer a client an informed and professional opinion on the condition of a vessel as well as its fair market value.

This type of marine survey includes an in-depth visual inspection of the vessel’s structural integrity, safety equipment as well as all miscellaneous onboard systems including sanitation, propulsion, electrical, and navigation equipment. In many cases, the survey will also include an out-of-water hull inspection as well as a sea trial.

With that being said, is a marine survey worth it? The answer is a resounding yes. At the end of the survey, you will be provided with a detailed survey report. As a buyer, you can use the information in the survey report to determine if the boat you are after is in good condition. The survey report will also inform you of the fair market value of the vessel. You can use this information during negotiations. For boat owners, the survey report helps them know if there is an issue with the boat and also helps them get financing or get approved for boat insurance.

Appraisal inspection

Do you want to know how much your boat is worth? If you do, the input of a marine surveyor will come in handy. Part of a boat inspection is to determine the fair market value of a boat. An appraisal may also be needed for estate settlements, financing, legal cases, and donations. An appraisal is less in-depth. The main purpose is to determine the fair market value of the boat.

Damage survey

Were you involved in an accident? A marine survey will help determine the extent of damage your boat incurred. The survey report will also include recommended repairs, estimated cost of repairs, and the probable cause of the accident.

There are many types of boat surveys. The type of survey you get will depend on what you need a survey for. All you have to do is find a dependable marine surveyor to work with.

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Marine Surveyor Baltimore – Should You Buy One or Two Engine Boat?

If you are a boater like many others, you may experience the “two-foot fever”. This is a gloomy condition that makes you imagine how much happier you would be if your boat was two feet longer. Well, the feeling continues even after you purchase the boat you believed would end your 2-foot fever, and soon the boats you are considering are 30 feet or longer. At this point, you may need to choose between one engine and two. Needless to say, it is always good to run this idea by an experienced marine surveyor Baltimore. The boat surveyor is not only there to help you evaluate the condition of a vessel but also to offer expert advice. You can ask the surveyor any question you may have.

Back to the issue at hand, it is a tough decision to choose between a single and a two-engine boat. This is because the choice has numerous variables including maintenance cost, fuel consumption, and a range of other expenses. The main issue, however, is how your experience will be once you get on the water.

For most boaters, having twin engines makes more sense for boats that run in the ocean or larger water bodies. This is because the twin-engine offers more power and control. However, if your vessel is less than 30 feet, getting a boat with two engines may not be worth it. The use of twin engines starts at 26 feet or thereabout for outboard-powered vessels.

One thing your marine surveyor Baltimore will tell you about a twin-engine is that you will not have any problem maneuvering with it around the docks. This is more so if the engine has a propeller that rotates outward. While a single-engine boat with a dual, counter-rotating drive is good, it is not as handy for the dock because it tends to push the boat faster at idle speeds.

The beauty of a twin-engine boat is that it operates with less load. This means you will need less RPM to achieve the desired cruising speed. For fuel economy, there are some vessels with fuel-injected small blocks which help achieve better fuel mileage than a single large big block. Needless to say, twin outboards will definitely consume more fuel eventually than a single engine.

When considering boats in the size range that requires making the decision between single and twin engines, it is always wise to involve a marine surveyor in Baltimore. The surveyor will make you aware of all the facts you need to know before making the final decision. The input of a surveyor can save you from a lot of frustration.

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SAMS Survey – The Different Types of SAMS Surveys

SAMS stands for the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors. The organization has about a thousand surveyors across the globe that adhere to strict standards and codes of ethics. To get a SAMS survey, a surveyor has to be SAMS accredited. There are various prerequisites a surveyor has to meet to become SAMS accredited. Those who fail to meet these requirements can either be surveyor associates or affiliates.

Now that you know who can perform a SAMS survey, let’s take a look at the type of boat survey services you can get from an accredited marine surveyor. They include the following.

Condition and valuation survey

This is a pre-purchase survey that is very thorough and done before the purchase of a watercraft is finalized. With this type of survey, the surveyor performs various tests such as operation testing of the equipment and systems while the boat is in and out of water. Keep in mind that a marine surveyor is not qualified to tear down an engine for a closer look. If anything other than basic analysis is required, the boat surveyor may recommend hiring a specialist for further inspection. At the end of the survey, you will be provided with a survey report that will help you understand the current condition of a vessel. The report also highlights necessary improvements or repairs that are needed as well as documents the market value of the watercraft.

Limited condition and valuation survey

This type of marine survey is done mainly for the purposes of insurance. It covers evaluations and tests of a full condition and valuation survey but is not as comprehensive. In most cases, the insurer will provide a list of items that need to be inspected during the survey.

Damage inspection

This survey is required after a vessel sustains damages due to grounding, severe weather, or collision. In this case, the SAMS survey works closely with a repair shop and boatyards to determine the cost of repairs as well as repair recommendations.

Appraisal

The purpose of this type of survey is to determine the fair market value of a boat. The survey is mostly requested by financial organizations when using a boat as collateral.

Sea trial

A boat inspection may include a sea trial. This is often offered as an additional service. It evaluates the handling, performance, reliability, and sea-keepings of a boat while it is afloat. The surveyor observes the vessel while it is running.

The above are just some of the services that are offered by a SAMS surveyor. Make sure you hire a surveyor that you feel comfortable working with.

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Facts About Preparing a Boat for a SAMS Survey

Some of the best marine surveyors in Baltimore to work with are those that are SAMS accredited or associated. This is because to offer a SAMS survey, a surveyor is required to meet strict requirements. The surveyor must be a SAMS member which requires them to have at least five years of experience in boat survey as well as complete admission exams. The surveyors also adhere to strict codes of ethics and standards. This means the survey you get will be beyond reproach. If you plan on using a SAMS-accredited boat surveyor in Baltimore, there are a couple of things you will have to understand when getting ready for the service.

The first fact you need to understand is that a lot of time and money can be saved when you take the time to prepare your vessel for a boat inspection. A lot goes into this. For the best experience when getting a SAMS survey, here are the top things you should do.

Present a clean, ship-shape boat

The last thing you want is for the marine surveyor to waste a lot of time waiting for you to get the boat ready. The surveyor may end up charging you for the time they spent waiting for you to get the boat ready. Some of the things you should do when getting ready for a boat survey is to ensure the boat is clean and easy to access. Second, you need to make sure that all the paperwork is in order. This means you have to liaise with the boat owner to get things ready. You may have to pay a down payment before the seller agrees for an inspection to be done. You will also need authorization from the seller not only to get the survey done but also to get some components dismantled during the survey.

If you cannot provide proof that you have authorization from the owner of the boat, you may not get the survey done. With that in mind, make sure the seller can provide all the paperwork on the boat’s ownership. They should also give you an authorization for an inspection in writing.

Hire the right team

As aforementioned, the surveyor may require that you dismantle some components. This should only be done by a professional. Make sure there is a qualified professional on-site to help with this. If you cannot drive a boat, make arrangements for a captain to be on-site during the survey. The role of the captain will be to help with the sea trials. You will also need someone to supervise the hauling of the boat.

SAMS surveys are very thorough. Making the above arrangements as you get ready for an inspection will help avoid time and money wastage.

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Boat Surveyors Baltimore – How to Get the Best Deal on a Boat

One of the best places to buy a boat is at the boat show. This is because there are so many boats and dealers here. However, this does not mean you ignore the input of boat surveyors Baltimoretrusts. The input of a surveyor is indispensable. However, before you get to the survey phase, there are a couple of things you will need to do.

Set a budget

Before you head to a boatyard or boat show, the first thing you must do is set a budget. You need to figure out how much you can afford. If you plan on financing the purchase, know how much you can afford for a down payment and monthly payment. You should then stick to your budget when you start shopping. Having a budget will also help boat surveyors Baltimore help you determine if the purchase you are about to make is a wise one. Make sure your budget accounts for repairs and maintenance costs.  

Know what you want

It is good to have a game plan before you head to the boat show. A game plan in this case is knowing what you want to buy. Do you need a fishing or cruising boat? How big should the boat be? Which pieces of equipment must the ideal boat have? Compiling a list of all the things you want in a boat will keep you from being overwhelmed at the boat show. Needless to say, knowing what you want in a boat helps a boat surveyor determine if the vessel you are considering is a good fit for your intended purpose.

Get the boat inspected

Even where the boat is being sold by the most reputable dealer in the region, you should take some time to inspect the vessel. Start by getting on the boat and inspecting everything on it. If all seems to be in perfect order, go ahead and bring in an independent marine surveyor. The surveyor will use specialized equipment to assess the condition of the boat. The surveyor will also provide you with details on the fair market value of the boat. You can use this information to negotiate a good deal.

Keep shopping

If you haven’t found exactly what you want, don’t settle. Keep shopping. This is because there is nothing more heartbreaking than settling and paying for a boat only to find your dream boat in a different boat show. Before you settle, make sure you exhaust all your options. Only settle for what you want and not what is available.

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Surveyors Near Me – Buyer’s Guide for First Time Boat Purchase

The excitement of owning a boat can cause you to overlook important things such as which size of the boat would be perfect for you and how much you can afford in boat maintenance. That is why before you start shopping, you should take a step back and think over your decision with a sober mind. In addition to working closely with surveyors near me for the inspection of your dream boat, there are a couple more things you will have to do.

Identify the type of boat that makes the most sense for you

This is the most important step you must take when buying a boat. If you have no idea which type of boat you would like to buy, you will end up being overwhelmed once you hit the market. You have to create a list of things you plan on doing with your future boat. This list will help you know whether to go for a cruising boat, a fishing boat or a water sports boat. The best thing is marine surveyors near me can help you determine if your selected vessel is a good fit for your intended purpose or not.

Do you plan on taking your family out on weekends on your boat or entertaining clients? Do you plan on staying overnight on the boat? What you need the boat for will determine which boat will be ideal for you. If you are new to boating, consider buying a smaller boat. You can upgrade to a bigger boat once your boating skills improve. You also need to keep in mind that a marine survey will offer the best insight on a boat. Retain a good surveyor.

Try out the boat in person

Thanks to the Internet, it is possible to buy a boat online and have it delivered to you. While this is convenient, you have to consider that a boat is a huge investment. You don’t want to pay for a boat you will hate right away. That is why when it comes to the purchase of boats, brand new or pre-owned ones, you need to try it out in person. Take a trip to a local boat dealer and see the boat you are interested in. You should then make plans for a sea trial. The objective is to determine if the boat is perfect for you.

Only use reputable dealers

When buying a boat, you have to think of the purchase as if you are buying a car. You shouldn’t buy a boat from just anyone. You need to buy from a reputable seller that can prove the boat is theirs and they got it through the proper channels. You also have to consider the fact that the salesperson is not your friend; no matter how friendly they are. They are in it for the commission.

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Marine Surveyor Baltimore – Where Can You Buy a Boat?

When it is time to buy a boat, you will be spoilt for choice. For starters, there are so many types of boats to choose from. The problem is not all boats will be perfect for your intended purpose. Second, you have so many places to buy a boat from. In whatever you do, never buy a boat without first getting the opinion of a marine surveyor Baltimore. This is because a surveyor will help you know the problems that a boat has, its fair market value and if it is ideal for your desired use.

The purpose of this post is, however, not to talk about the importance of working with a marine surveyor Baltimore trusts. While the importance of working with a boat surveyor cannot be stressed hard enough, in this post we will be looking at the various places where you can buy a boat.

Boat dealership or brokerage

There are many benefits that come from buying a new or used boat from a boat dealership. The main benefit is the fact that a dealership can help you with the various aspects of buying a boat including finding the vessel that is perfect for you, making your desired customizations, helping you secure financing and linking you up with the best boat surveyor in Baltimore.

The best thing about buying a boat from a broker is that brokerages have strong networks as well as remarkable ties with specific brands. They serve as intermediaries between you and the manufacturer or seller of your desired boat.

Boat shows

If you are not interested in buying a boat, you might believe that boat shows are where boat owners show off their boats. The truth, however, is boat shows are for selling boats. These shows offer the perfect opportunity to view amazing boats that are for sale as well as give you a chance to land great deals on both used and new boats. Most of the available options are through dealerships. This means you stand a chance of getting great discount rates on your desired vessel. It is important that you act swiftly when buying a boat at a boat show. This is because there are so many interested buyers. All in all, this does not mean you drive away with a boat without getting the input of a boat surveyor in Baltimore.

From manufacturers

The third option is to buy your dream boat directly from the manufacturer. This option is for people interested in brand-new boats. While most yacht builders prefer selling their boats through a brokerage, there are smaller-scale manufacturers that may sell directly to consumers. Make sure the manufacturer is certified and meets the U.S. Coast Guard minimums as well as the American Boat and Yacht Council standards.

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