More and more people are now familiar with the importance of getting a marine survey. They understand that their safety, that of their passengers and of their investment depends on how comprehensive a marine survey is. The question, however, that most boat owners and buyers ask is how much does it cost to put a boat in survey? There is no direct answer to this question. This is because so many factors come into play. If are searching for answers to this question, this post is meant to give as much detail as possible to help you get a better understanding. Let’s get started.
The most important point you need to understand before requesting a Baltimore marine survey is the price varies depending on a range of factors. One such factor is that different marine surveyors have varied fees for their services. The more seasoned surveyors typically request more than the novices who are merely trying to improve their portfolios.
The depth of the required survey will also be important when determining cost. A surveyor will need to spend more time checking a boat’s numerous onboard systems. The complexity of the systems will have an impact on the survey’s average cost. This is due to the fact that complex systems necessitate a more specialized approach during surveys.
The type of survey you require will also have an impact on the price you pay for boat inspection. Some surveys are more in-depth than others. This implies that they take longer to finish than others. An insurance condition and value survey is less comprehensive than a pre-purchase condition and valuation survey. With that fact in mind, you should budget additional money for a pre-purchase survey. You can also expect to spend more if you need a sea trial or a haul out. Hiring a mechanic for a closer examination of the vessel will also have an impact on the total cost of a survey.
To give you an overview of how much it will roughly cost to survey a boat, here are some of the known average costs:
- Pre-purchase survey: $28 to $35 per foot.
- Insurance survey: $24 to $28 per foot.
- Haul out: $10 to $15 per foot
- Marine appraisals: The base price is $300 plus hourly rates which will depend on the type of boat.
- Expert witness fees: Half day $600, full day $1,200.
- Corrosion testing: The base price is $250 plus the hourly rate that depends on your boat.
- Consulting: Minimum is one hour charged at a rate of $150. After the first hour, billing is done at a ¼ hour increment.
As you can see, it is not possible to give a definitive answer to the question of how much does it cost to put a boat in survey. There are many things you have to consider. You must, however, ensure that you work with the most competent surveyor in order to get the best value.