Andrew Gallant
Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® (SAMS®) Surveyor Associate
ABYC Certified Master Advisor
Call or Text: 919.820.9257
Why You Need a Marine Survey?
A Marine Survey is a professional evaluation of a vessel’s condition, value, and compliance with federal and industry standards. It identifies issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, often saving buyers from costly repairs.
The stories below illustrate how our surveys have helped clients avoid costly repairs, uncover safety concerns, and protect their investments.
Extended Vessel
During the survey, it was discovered that the vessel had been extended from its original length of 37 feet to over 45 feet. While the owner achieved a visually appealing result, the structural modifications were not done according to best practices. Coosa Board was used to extend the hull, with fairing compound applied to smooth the surface, followed by a layer of gelcoat for a polished finish. However, no fiberglass or tabbing was used to properly secure the extension to the original hull, raising concerns about its structural integrity.
Self Inspection - Submerged Object Damage
This 430-horsepower wake boat seemed ready to go, and the buyer was set to finalize the purchase—until the insurance company asked for a pre-purchase survey. During the inspection, we found the boat had hit a submerged object, bending the tips of every blade on the propeller. The owner hadn’t noticed because the powerful engine masked the performance issues. But the damage didn’t stop there: the propeller shaft was bent, destroying the cutlass bearing; the rudder post was damaged, allowing water to leak in; and the hydraulic steering ram had been ripped from its mount and was moving freely beneath the engine, completely out of sight. Thanks to the survey, the buyer negotiated the necessary repairs before closing the deal, saving themselves from a costly surprise.
New Boat
This was a new 2024 vessel with less than 14 hours of use. The owner reported that the boat was sitting low in the water and experiencing performance issues. Upon inspection, several problems were identified. The return fuel line clamp was not properly secured to the barb, and none of the positive terminals had the required protection, as specified by USCG regulation 33 CFR 183.420. Additionally, the power distribution lugs were overstacked and incorrectly ordered, violating ABYC E-11 standards, which allow no more than four conductors per terminal, stacked from largest to smallest. Manufacturing debris clogged the bilge pumps and limber holes, preventing proper drainage of standing water, which added unnecessary weight to the vessel. The trim tabs were not calibrated, and although the indicator lights showed they were functioning, the tabs were not actually moving. Furthermore, the mounting bracket hardware had already started to corrode.
Professional Affiliations
