FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do I need a marine survey? When purchasing a vessel, a survey is
not required. But having a trained professional examine your boat from
stem to stern will give you confidence that you are getting a fair deal on
your prospective purchase. A survey report provided by Charleston 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 by a client will almost
always overlook critical issues that could swing a sale, no matter their experience. Additionally, a survey report will provide a carefully researched market value and a replacement value using resources not available to the general public.
What type of vessels do you typically survey? Anything from small crafts to yachts. This includes center consoles, sailboats, commercial vessels, family style deck boats and bowriders, pontoon boats, cruisers and above. CMS also specializes in marine cargo inspections including pre-site loading visits to review materials, as well as on-site inspection services for the cargo loading and lashing process at the Port of Charleston and beyond. CMS 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 water and bottom inspection, onboard systems inventory and tests, a sea trial, full cosmetic and structural analysis, list of findings and recommendations, carefully researched fair-market value on the vessel and a PDF copy of the marine survey report which will include dozens of photos. CMS also provides marine damage claim, 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 a survey cost? For most vessels, Charleston Marine Survey charges by the foot (length overall) for the inspection and marine survey report. Not every survey or circumstance is the same and CMS will work with you to create the perfect experience and invoice for your budget. Please contact Nick at 978.479.3864, via email at charlestonmarinesurvey@gmail.com or check our rate sheet here for a fair and prompt estimate. All major credit cards and PayPal accepted, as well as cash or check.
How long after the survey is completed can I expect the written survey report? Typically within three to five days after the inspection was completed. Rush service is available.
Will you travel to complete a survey? Certainly. Charleston Marine Survey will travel just about anywhere to satisfy their client's needs. CMS has completed marine surveys, damage claims and cargo inspections throughout the United States.
Your rates are competitive but why should I trust Charleston Marine Survey? Marine surveying is an unregulated industry. Anybody can call themselves a marine surveyor. Nick is a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®), is a certified Marine Technician by the American Boat and Yachting Council (ABYC®) and a 2014 graduate of the Yacht & Small Craft Survey program at Chapman School of Seamanship in Stuart, FL. Nick has had many years experience working offshore and inshore aboard private and commercial vessels from Boston, MA to Key West, FL. Charleston Marine Survey would be glad to provide you with an example survey to illustrate the amount of work that goes into each inspection and report. Contact Nick today at 978.479.3864 or charlestonmarinesurvey@gmail.com for more information.
not required. But having a trained professional examine your boat from
stem to stern will give you confidence that you are getting a fair deal on
your prospective purchase. A survey report provided by Charleston 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 by a client will almost
always overlook critical issues that could swing a sale, no matter their experience. Additionally, a survey report will provide a carefully researched market value and a replacement value using resources not available to the general public.
What type of vessels do you typically survey? Anything from small crafts to yachts. This includes center consoles, sailboats, commercial vessels, family style deck boats and bowriders, pontoon boats, cruisers and above. CMS also specializes in marine cargo inspections including pre-site loading visits to review materials, as well as on-site inspection services for the cargo loading and lashing process at the Port of Charleston and beyond. CMS 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 water and bottom inspection, onboard systems inventory and tests, a sea trial, full cosmetic and structural analysis, list of findings and recommendations, carefully researched fair-market value on the vessel and a PDF copy of the marine survey report which will include dozens of photos. CMS also provides marine damage claim, 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 a survey cost? For most vessels, Charleston Marine Survey charges by the foot (length overall) for the inspection and marine survey report. Not every survey or circumstance is the same and CMS will work with you to create the perfect experience and invoice for your budget. Please contact Nick at 978.479.3864, via email at charlestonmarinesurvey@gmail.com or check our rate sheet here for a fair and prompt estimate. All major credit cards and PayPal accepted, as well as cash or check.
How long after the survey is completed can I expect the written survey report? Typically within three to five days after the inspection was completed. Rush service is available.
Will you travel to complete a survey? Certainly. Charleston Marine Survey will travel just about anywhere to satisfy their client's needs. CMS has completed marine surveys, damage claims and cargo inspections throughout the United States.
Your rates are competitive but why should I trust Charleston Marine Survey? Marine surveying is an unregulated industry. Anybody can call themselves a marine surveyor. Nick is a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®), is a certified Marine Technician by the American Boat and Yachting Council (ABYC®) and a 2014 graduate of the Yacht & Small Craft Survey program at Chapman School of Seamanship in Stuart, FL. Nick has had many years experience working offshore and inshore aboard private and commercial vessels from Boston, MA to Key West, FL. Charleston Marine Survey would be glad to provide you with an example survey to illustrate the amount of work that goes into each inspection and report. Contact Nick today at 978.479.3864 or charlestonmarinesurvey@gmail.com for more information.
