FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a marine surveyor and why do I need a marine survey? In short terms, a marine surveyor is a home inspector, but for yachts and marine cargo. When purchasing a new or used vessel, an inspection and marine survey report is almost always required no matter the size of the boat. Whether it's for peace of mind, insurance or financing reasons, having a trained professional examine your boat from stem to stern will give you confidence of the condition of the vessel and if you are getting a fair deal on your prospective purchase. A marine survey report provided by CHS Marine Survey is
a buyer's assurance of the vessel's true condition without prejudice. Websites and photos do not always accurately represent the entire story of the boat and a quick walk-through will almost always overlook issues that could swing a sale. The marine survey report will also provide a carefully researched fair-market and replacement values using resources not available to the public.
What type of vessels do you typically survey? Anything from small crafts to yachts. This includes center consoles, sailboats, commercial vessels, motor yachts, offshore sportfish, family style deck boats and bow-riders, pontoon boats, cruisers and above. CHS Marine Survey also specializes in marine cargo inspections including pre-site loading visits to review materials and on-site inspection services for the cargo loading and lashing process at the Port of Charleston and beyond. CHS Marine Survey can also provide insurance claim services, including a written incident report with photographs for containers, vessels, and/or materials damaged during shipment.
What is included within each inspection and marine survey report? Depending on vessel accessibility, a typical survey includes an out-of-the water comprehensive hull exterior, bottom, keel and running gear inspection, onboard AC and DC electrical systems inventory and tests, a sea trial, visual inspection and inventory of all propulsion systems, full cosmetic and structural analysis of the hull and a copy of the marine survey report which includes dozens of photos, a list of findings and recommendations and carefully researched fair-market value on the vessel. CHS Marine Survey also provides marine damage claim, marine cargo loading and inspection services.
Who pays for the survey? That depends on the type of inspection being completed. Almost always, the prospective buyer of the boat will pay for a Pre-Purchase Survey, but an insurance or appraisal inspection would be paid for by the current owner of the vessel.
How much does an inspection and marine survey report cost? In most instances, CHS Marine Survey charges by the foot (length overall) for the inspection and marine survey report. We also offer engine surveys including more in-depth, diagnostic and compression testing for additional fees. Not every marine survey or circumstance is the same and we will work with you to create the perfect experience for your budget. Please contact Nick at 978.479.3864 or check our rate sheet here for a prompt estimate. Travel charges are added to all surveys outside of Charleston County, South Carolina, USA. All major credit cards accepted via Square, PayPal, Venmo as well as cash or check.
How long after the survey is completed can I expect the written survey report? Typically within three to seven business days after the inspection was completed. Rush service is available.
Will you travel to complete a survey? Certainly. CHS Marine Survey will travel just about anywhere to satisfy their client's needs. CHS Marine Survey has completed marine surveys, damage claims and cargo inspections throughout the United States.
Your rates are competitive, but why should I trust CHS Marine Survey? Marine surveying currently is an unregulated industry. Nick is a second generation marine surveyor, 2014 graduate of the Yacht & Small Craft Marine Survey program at the Chapman School of Seamanship, Clemson University graduate, NAMS®, Better Business Bureau®, ABYC®, IAMI® and NFPA® member. Nick has had many years experience working inshore and offshore aboard private and commercial vessels from Boston to Key West. CHS Marine Survey would be glad to provide you with an example marine survey report to illustrate the amount of work that goes into each inspection. Contact Nick at 978.479.3864 or charlestonmarinesurvey@gmail.com for more information.
a buyer's assurance of the vessel's true condition without prejudice. Websites and photos do not always accurately represent the entire story of the boat and a quick walk-through will almost always overlook issues that could swing a sale. The marine survey report will also provide a carefully researched fair-market and replacement values using resources not available to the public.
What type of vessels do you typically survey? Anything from small crafts to yachts. This includes center consoles, sailboats, commercial vessels, motor yachts, offshore sportfish, family style deck boats and bow-riders, pontoon boats, cruisers and above. CHS Marine Survey also specializes in marine cargo inspections including pre-site loading visits to review materials and on-site inspection services for the cargo loading and lashing process at the Port of Charleston and beyond. CHS Marine Survey can also provide insurance claim services, including a written incident report with photographs for containers, vessels, and/or materials damaged during shipment.
What is included within each inspection and marine survey report? Depending on vessel accessibility, a typical survey includes an out-of-the water comprehensive hull exterior, bottom, keel and running gear inspection, onboard AC and DC electrical systems inventory and tests, a sea trial, visual inspection and inventory of all propulsion systems, full cosmetic and structural analysis of the hull and a copy of the marine survey report which includes dozens of photos, a list of findings and recommendations and carefully researched fair-market value on the vessel. CHS Marine Survey also provides marine damage claim, marine cargo loading and inspection services.
Who pays for the survey? That depends on the type of inspection being completed. Almost always, the prospective buyer of the boat will pay for a Pre-Purchase Survey, but an insurance or appraisal inspection would be paid for by the current owner of the vessel.
How much does an inspection and marine survey report cost? In most instances, CHS Marine Survey charges by the foot (length overall) for the inspection and marine survey report. We also offer engine surveys including more in-depth, diagnostic and compression testing for additional fees. Not every marine survey or circumstance is the same and we will work with you to create the perfect experience for your budget. Please contact Nick at 978.479.3864 or check our rate sheet here for a prompt estimate. Travel charges are added to all surveys outside of Charleston County, South Carolina, USA. All major credit cards accepted via Square, PayPal, Venmo as well as cash or check.
How long after the survey is completed can I expect the written survey report? Typically within three to seven business days after the inspection was completed. Rush service is available.
Will you travel to complete a survey? Certainly. CHS Marine Survey will travel just about anywhere to satisfy their client's needs. CHS Marine Survey has completed marine surveys, damage claims and cargo inspections throughout the United States.
Your rates are competitive, but why should I trust CHS Marine Survey? Marine surveying currently is an unregulated industry. Nick is a second generation marine surveyor, 2014 graduate of the Yacht & Small Craft Marine Survey program at the Chapman School of Seamanship, Clemson University graduate, NAMS®, Better Business Bureau®, ABYC®, IAMI® and NFPA® member. Nick has had many years experience working inshore and offshore aboard private and commercial vessels from Boston to Key West. CHS Marine Survey would be glad to provide you with an example marine survey report to illustrate the amount of work that goes into each inspection. Contact Nick at 978.479.3864 or charlestonmarinesurvey@gmail.com for more information.
