
Thinking of buying a boat in North Carolina? Don’t take the plunge without a professional boats preliminary survey.
At Marine Surveys of North Carolina, we provide expert evaluations that help you identify hidden issues before you commit to a purchase. Our boat’s preliminary survey service is designed to protect your investment by assessing the vessel’s condition, spotting red flags, and ensuring it aligns with federal safety and industry standards.
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A boats preliminary survey is a professional visual assessment of a vessel’s overall condition and systems before committing to a full purchase. Unlike a complete marine survey, a preliminary survey is designed to quickly identify major red flags that might indicate hidden damage, neglect, or safety concerns.
At Marine Surveys of North Carolina, our surveys are not just visual inspections; they’re strategic evaluations based on years of hands-on experience, deep technical knowledge, and adherence to the strictest industry standards.
Whether you’re considering a motorboat, sailboat, or luxury yacht, our team delivers honest, detailed insights to guide your next move with confidence.
At Marine Surveys of North Carolina, we offer a range of specialized services tailored to meet the unique needs of boaters, brokers, and first-time buyers. Our services include:
Our expert vessels preliminary survey covers a wide range of craft, from recreational cruisers to workboats. We analyze structural integrity, visible damage, maintenance status, and overall suitability for use.
If you’re considering a larger or more luxurious vessel, we offer specialized expert yachts preliminary survey services. Yachts often have complex systems and higher market values, and our goal is to ensure your investment is safe and sound before you move forward.
New to boating? A preliminary marine survey is the perfect first step before diving into ownership. Our team explains what we find in easy-to-understand terms and helps you determine the next best steps.
We also assist brokers and dealers by offering yachts preliminary survey services for listing assessments. This helps sellers set accurate pricing while disclosing any needed repairs upfront.
No matter the type or size of vessel, our expert preliminary survey services are designed to uncover potential risks, protect your investment, and help you make fully informed decisions
Don’t take unnecessary risks with your marine investment. A boats preliminary survey can save you thousands of dollars, uncover safety issues, and give you confidence in your purchase. Whether it’s your first boat or your next big upgrade, let us help you make an informed decision.
Here’s why choosing a qualified marine surveyor makes a difference:
An expert survey can uncover structural issues like hull cracks or deck delamination before they become costly repairs or safety hazards.
Many vessels hide maintenance red flags. Our expert vessels preliminary survey checks for outdated, corroded, or neglected systems that could fail unexpectedly.
From faulty wiring to non-compliant installations, a marine preliminary survey can expose safety risks that threaten both your investment and your crew.
Our yacht’s preliminary survey helps determine whether a vessel fits your intended use, ensuring you’re not stuck with a boat that doesn’t meet your needs.
Not every boat is worth further inspection. A professional survey helps you decide if a deeper investment is justified.
We follow U.S. Coast Guard regulations, Federal Codes (CFR), and ABYC and NFPA guidelines to provide precise, unbiased, and actionable findings.
Chris Kaufman2025-06-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andrew is very knowledgeable and also able to explain things so that even those with far less experience can understand it. This is an invaluable skill in a surveyor. While some people simply want a survey for insurance purposes. I want the detailed report and punch list for me to go through and repair, restore and maintain my sailboat. Andrew is generous with his time and wants to make sure you understand the report and the needs of your boat. Highly recommended! Jason Napoletano2025-04-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andrew was more — in every way. Andrew Gallant was more in every sense of the word: **more thorough, more knowledgeable, more communicative, and yes — more expensive — but every bit of that extra cost was worth it.** From the start, he was patient and considerate of my limited knowledge, taking the time to clearly explain everything without making me feel rushed or overwhelmed. He waited extra time (without complaint) while we had to call the owner to come move the boat onto the trailer, and still maintained a calm, professional demeanor throughout. Unlike the mechanic I brought, who offered mostly grunts and vague answers, Andrew was clear, methodical, and extremely helpful in pointing out the important things — without overreacting or unnecessarily condemning items. I genuinely felt more comfortable and confident having him there. When you're making a big purchase like a boat, you need someone like Andrew in your corner. Don't be pennywise and pound foolish — go with someone who gives you peace of mind. Andrew was worth every bit *more* he provided. Nate Oswald2025-01-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience working with Andrew as my boat surveyor. From start to finish he was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and thorough. Andrew answered every question I had, both before and after the survey, with great detail, ensuring I fully understood the process and results. It was clear that his goal was to help me make an educated and financially sound decision which I truly appreciated. His expertise and dedication gave me total confidence in the survey and my eventual purchase. I couldn’t recommend Andrew enough to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled boat surveyor! Amy Whetzel2024-11-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marine Surveys (Andrew) came out and did a survey for our 48 foot Albin after the marina damaged her during a haul out. The marina wanted to handle the damage at their own expense and got their own estimates that did not truly reflect the level of damage. After we provided them with this survey, they filed an insurance claim and now our boat is being properly handled for repair. Huge thank you!!!!!
A boats preliminary survey is a quick, visual inspection focused on identifying major issues. A full marine survey is more comprehensive, including haul-outs, sea trials, and detailed system testing.
Schedule an expert boats preliminary survey before making an offer or placing a deposit. It helps uncover deal-breaking issues early in the buying process.
Yes, a marine preliminary survey helps reveal hidden damage, safety concerns, and signs of neglect, saving you from costly mistakes and unsafe investments.
If the boat passes the preliminary inspection, a full marine survey is still recommended for a complete assessment, especially if financing or insurance is involved.
An expert vessels preliminary survey usually takes 1–2 hours, depending on the vessel’s size and complexity. We provide clear, actionable feedback immediately after.
We inspect a wide range of vessels including sailboats, fishing boats, cruisers, and luxury yachts as part of our boats preliminary survey services.
Absolutely. An expert yachts preliminary survey ensures complex systems are functioning and helps protect your high-value investment before purchase.
Yes, first-time buyers greatly benefit from a marine preliminary survey, as it highlights potential issues in simple terms and guides them through the next steps.
The survey can uncover structural damage, corrosion, wiring hazards, moisture intrusion, and evidence of poor maintenance or DIY repairs.
Costs vary based on vessel type and size, but our boat's preliminary survey is competitively priced. Contact us for a custom quote.
1401 Spencer Ave, New Bern, NC 28560, United States