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Please visit our partner YachtWorld.com as you seek a marine surveyor and more information!
We are also listed with the Boat Owners Association of the United States!
Please visit our information on BoatUS.com!
Robert
Kress
Grand River Professional Suites
14998 Cleveland Street, Suite K
Spring Lake, Michigan 49456
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Thoughts on the Criteria for Selection of a Marine Surveyor
Other General Notes
When selecting a marine surveyor remember that anyone can title himself as a Marine Surveyor and start a business. Only a few marine surveyors are graduate naval architects or marine engineers. Only a few have more than 45 years of marine related experience and expertise including the drafting of recreational craft standards and commercial vessel systems specifications. Obviously more have been surveying for almost 15 years. More details on this surveyor are outlined in my resume.
Most marine surveyors use various designations denoting a level of membership in a professional organization that requires members to meet certain professional, technical and ethical standards. I site membership in the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, (SNAME), and the American Boat and Yacht Council, (ABYC). Both organizations have professional, technical and ethical standards their members are required to meet. I have been an active member of both for decades.
Most insurance companies and banks will require a Condition and Value Survey on older vessels. They will need to know the vessels condition and fair market value in order to finance and/or underwrite the vessel. Knowing her condition and fair market value before the purchase of a vessel is also important. However, the most important reason to survey a vessel is for the safety of the passengers and crew.
This surveyor provides you with a professionally prepared report that has been accepted by various clients, banks and/or insurance companies. My surveys frequently reference ABYC, NFPA and USCG standards. A thorough inspection will not be rushed and will depend on the type of survey required based on vessel size, equipment and on-board systems. There may be additional services available such as engine surveys, oil analysis, galvanic and stray current corrosion testing, ultrasonic testing, moisture testing and other non-destructive tests. There may be additional charges for some of these and other services.
Well conducted surveys can provide good information on the vessels' condition, but they are not guarantees. The surveyor reports the condition in accessible areas only as it exists at the time of inspection.
Four sites listing and referencing this surveyor are found at:
1. BoatUS.com
2. YachtWorld.com
3. IMCAinc.com
4. ABYCinc.org
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Definition of Types of Surveys Conducted by 
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Comprehensive (Pre-Purchase) CONDITION and VALUE SURVEY
This is the most comprehensive type of inspection, and is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel. Condition and overall operation of the vessel should be examined. This covers structural integrity, electrical systems, the propulsion system, the fuel system, other machinery, navigation equipment, miscellaneous on-board systems, cosmetic appearance, electronics, and overall maintenance as well as both an out-of-water inspection and vessel sea trials.
Standard (Insurance or Financing) CONDITION and VALUE SURVEY
This inspection is performed so that the insurance company can determine whether or not the vessel is an acceptable risk. They are interested in structural integrity and safety for its intended use. Most insurance companies require a survey on older boats. They will also want to know the vessel's fair market value. To review sample standard Condition and Value Surveys,
Note: Therefore, my Comprehensive Condition and Value survey differs from my standard Condition and Value survey with the inclusion of Sea Trials, monitoring a certified mechanic's survey the engine and possibly propulsion system and in verification of the functionality (as opposed to merely powering-up) of the other auxiliary systems, equipment electronics, etc. The report for a comprehensive survey can exceed 36 pages while a standard survey is twenty pages plus limited photos an a Valuation Worksheet. The additional time and the clients special requests accounts for the cost differential as noted on my fee schedule. In addition the selection of a standard Condition and Value Survey acknowledges that Sea Trials, while an important part of a more costly Comprehensive Condition and Value Survey, are not typically required for the purpose of insurance or financing. Consequently if you chose a standard Condition and Value Survey with this marine surveyor, you are in fact releasing him from the responsibility for not observing and recording data during Sea Trials.
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APPRAISAL
This inspection is performed to gather enough information to justify or determine the fair market value of the vessel based on a cursory overview to establish its condition. This is normally needed for financing, estate settlements, donations and legal cases.
DAMAGE SURVEY
This survey is performed to assess the extent of damage, recommend repairs, estimate repair cost, and if possible the proximate cause of failure. For sample damage surveys,
Notes to Service Managers Preparing Damage Estimates and
Yacht Insurance Claimants
One US firm which focuses on servicing insurance companies with their damage claims in North America will note that;
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"This survey report is presented and was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any party, policy of insurance or provisions of law concerned |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||. The attending surveyors herby certify that they have no present or contemplated future interest in the subject of the survey or any other interest which might prevent a fair and unbiased finding. This report is the best expression of the survey's findings and opinions and the surveyor reserves the right to amend or extend this report upon receipt of additional information." |
The above statements are misleading for their marine surveyors are instructed to establish "Measure of Damage" with emphasis on their estimate of damages covering only those items that in there opinion are directly related to the incident consistent, again in their opinion, with the claim made by insured vessel owner. The firm referred to keeps statistics on such savings to their clients and uses such in their marketing efforts to insurance companies in obtaining their business for damage Surveys. Those statistics are also used to evaluate their marine surveyors performance and worth to the company.
Service managers estimating repairs typically covered by insurance should, when asked by their client, suggest that their client select a qualified marine surveyor they wish to conduct the damage survey and advise their insurance company of there intentions; for many insurance companies won't pay, subsequently, for a second opinion or survey. Insurance companies will, however, typically concur with their clients request if made at the time of the submission of the claim. This latter approach is a better solution to insure an objective, fair and unbiased Damage Survey in the client's (boat owners) behalf. |
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PRE-PURCHASE (Comprehensive) CONDITION & VALUE SURVEY
Please request Quote (Starting at $680.00 (8 hours minimum @ $85.00 / hour plus all the surveyor's expenses; plus the additional expenses for a prearranged vessel operator required for Sea Trials)
Click here to E-mail a Request for a Quote
(Standard) CONDITION & VALUE SURVEY* typically for securing financing or insurance:
| RECREATIONAL CRAFT (Power & Sail) |
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FBSA-71 |
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Class |
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| Up to: 25' @ $14/ft LOA* |
I |
($350.00 Max ) |
| 26' to 39' @ $15/ft LOA* |
II |
($390.00 to $585.00) |
| 40' to 49' @ $17/ft LOA* |
III |
($680.00 to $833.00) |
| 50' to 58' @ $19/ft LOA* |
III |
($950.00 to $1102.00) |
| 59' to 64' @ $23/ft LOA* |
III |
($1357.00 to $1472.00) |
65 & Larger, Please ask for a Quote
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(Starts at approximately $1625.00 plus All Expenses) |
Condition & Value Survey for Commercial Vessels
Please request a Quotation Click here to E-mail Request for Quote
NOTE:
Regarding older wooden vessels, CONDITION & VALUE SURVEYS are handled similar to Consulting and Design projects as described below, including a $1000.00 initial deposit prior to survey initiation with the balance due prior to forwarding the final written survey.
Damage Survey:
Repair Estimates to $4999.00, $450.00*
Repair Estimates from $5000.00 to $9999.00, $550.00*
Repair Estimates from $10,000.00 to $19999.00, $750.00*
Repair Estimates exceeding $20,000.00, (Starts at approximately $1000.00 plus all Expenses, including communications and research). Please ask for a Quote.
Additional Travel Expenses (Where Applicable)
*all survey assignments exceeding 50 miles incur additional travel expenses for both time and mileage at a rate of $1.63 / mile (i.e. 1⁄2 Hourly rate plus $./mile for vehicle expense), i.e., estimated at approximately for:
- New Buffalo, $265.00
- St. Joseph, Benton Harbor or Kalamazoo $225
- South Haven, $90
- (Saugatuck, Holland, Spring Lake / Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Muskegon &
Whitehall /Montague, No additional travel related expenses.)
- Cedar Springs, $50
- Pentwater/ Ludington, $150
- Manistee, $220
- Onekama, $275
- Frankfort, $350
- Traverse City, $460
If travel exceeds 400 miles per day all expenses will be billed, including meals and over-night lodging. All surveys will be emailed as a PDF file. Printed copies sent via USPS will incure an extra charge of $50.00
Prepayment for survey reports (other than PRE-PURCHASE (Comprehensive) CONDITION & VALUE SURVEY) is required prior to the survey. In the case of PRE-PURCHASE (Comprehensive) CONDITION & VALUE SURVEY, the minimum fee is required prior to the survey and the balance will be billed. The survey will be sent upon receipt of the final balance due.
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To order a (Standard) CONDITION & VALUE SURVEY from this website:
Please review the general information and fees outlined above. If you have any questions please email or call 616.485.1085 for clarification immediately. To initiate a standard Condition and Value Survey:
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(1) Please Click Here to fill out the Survey Authorization document.
(2) Please mail this executed form with your check to Marine Systems and Research, PO Box 250 Spring Lake, MI 49456. Remember to include the mileage charge if applicable and the printed copy via USPS if applicable.
(3) This automated process will expedite my preparation on this requested survey. I will immediately initiate the file, research, etc. and schedule the survey. |
Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your questions or possibly confirmation and authorization to proceed with the survey you selected. |
Notes to clients requesting that the owners or the owner's broker insur that the preparation of a vessel has been accomplished prior to a Marine Survey
Arrange with the vessel owner to present a clean, shipshape boat, and have all papers and miscellaneous gear ready. If applicable, you will need to make arrangements with the marina to haul the vessel for bottom inspection, and retain a captain for sea trials. Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear.
The surveyor should never be asked to prepare a boat for inspection. The surveyor may request minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to the suspected areas. Random removal and examination of below-the-waterline fasteners on wood boats may be required but will not be done by the surveyor. Any dismantling and re- installation of parts will be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey to request and remunerate qualified or skilled tradesmen.
Written authorization from the owner or his agent is required by this surveyor to board and survey the vessel.
Time and additional expense can be saved by preparing the
vessel for inspection and making her more accessible.
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