Scuttlebutt Magazine - February 2008 - (Page 13) www.scuttlebutt.com February 2008 • Page 13 ––––––––––––––––––––––– By Gary Shorrel ––––––––––––––––––––––– These questions are often asked of marine surveyors. Why a marine survey is required and what a survey includes are frequently not well understood by the boating public. New, or even experienced boaters, are sometimes surprised when their financial institution or insurance company asks them to have a marine survey performed. The bank or insurer may require that a survey be performed on the boat that they are about to purchase, have just purchased, or in order to renew a policy on an older vessel. A professional marine surveyor’s primary concern is to determine if the vessel is safe and fit for its intended use. Surveyors who are members of one of two main surveyors organizations, the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) or the National Association of Marine Surveyors What is a marine survey? Why do I need one for my boat? (NAMS), are highly prehensive inspection and trained and experienced is strongly advised when professionals who conduct purchasing a used vessel. their surveys with the Too often a surveyor gets a ––––––––––––– highest ethical client A professional call from ajust standards. stating, “I Surveys are con- marine surveyor’s bought a boat, now ducted to U.S. primary concern I need it surveyed.” Coast Guard regThe boat buyer ulations, is to determine would be prudent American Boat to contract the surif the vessel is vey prior to the and Yacht Council (ABYC) safe and fit final purchase. standards and the Many times the surfor its intended veyor will find National Fire Protection problems with the use. ––––––––––––– boat that need Association (NFPA) standards. These attention or repair. Some comprehensive surveys findings could be serious are known as “condition defects in the vessel. A and value” surveys. buyer would be wise to A marine survey is typ- have these problems ically performed for boat addressed by the seller or buyers (the Pre-Purchase negotiate a lower selling survey), for insurance price to compensate for renewal or new insurance, the needed repairs. The and occasionally for an cost of needed repairs appraisal. Insurance comcould be much greater panies will also contract than the survey fee. marine surveyors to conAbout 80 percent of duct damage inspections insurance companies that so that they may properly insure larger vessels (usucompensate their client for ally 30 feet and greater) vessel damages. require an insurance surA pre-purchase marine vey when a boat becomes survey is the most comolder than 10 to 12 years. The insurance company wants to determine whether or not the vessel is, or continues to be, an acceptable risk. They also want to know the vessel’s fair market value. Insurance rates from insurance companies that require marine surveys can be lower than those companies that do not require a survey. A survey is typically valid for five years for insurance purposes. An appraisal survey is performed to determine or justify the fair market value of the vessel. This type of survey is often contracted by a law firm for estate settlements or other legal proceedings. A marine survey should be viewed as an investment in the safety of the vessel and her crew. It is an investment to ensure that your valuable asset is in suitable condition for its intended use. Finally, it is an investment in the knowledge that a professional marine surveyor has thoroughly inspected the vessel, reported his or her findings and recommendations, and provided the buyer or owner with needed information for informed decision-making. Gary Shorrel, Marine Surveyor SA, is a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors and the American Boat and Yacht Council. He is also an ABYC-certified marine technician. Proven AQUACIDE PELLETS destroy unwanted underwater weeds. Marble sized pellets, simply "Spread it and forget it!" Works where you put them. Effectively kills weeds at any depth. Registered with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Certified and approved for use by state agencies. 10lb. can treats up to 4,000 sq.ft. of lakebottom, $74.50. 50lb. carton treats up to 20,000 sq.ft. of lake bottom, $289.00. FREE SHIPPING throughout the continental USA. State permit may be required. CALL TOLL FREE 800-328-9350 Call 651-429-6742 • Fax 651-429-0563 Or write for FREE information to: AQUACIDE CO. Our 53rd year 1627 - 9th Street, DEPT 294, Box 10748, . White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748 www.KillLakeWeeds.com Minnesota’s #1 selling pontoon Premier Pontoons will be displaying more boats than any other manufacturer at the St. Paul Boat Show. Visit any one of our dealer booths to experience the Premier difference, or visit us online at www.pontoons.com http://www.scuttlebutt.com http://www.KillLakeWeeds.com http://www.KillLakeWeeds.com http://www.pontoons.com http://www.pontoons.com
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