Why Every Boat Owner Needs a Marine Survey

Are Marine Surveys Necessary to Insure Your Boat?

When it comes to insuring your boat or yacht, the expertise of a marine surveyor plays a crucial role in ensuring that you receive the best coverage and protection. Marine surveyors are highly trained professionals who assess the condition and value of vessels, providing critical information to both boat owners and insurance companies. Join us as we set sail in this discussion!

The Importance of Marine Surveys in Boat Insurance

Marine surveys are a fundamental part of the boat insurance process. In some cases they are required before you an get an insurance policy or even finance your boat. But whats the point? What does a marine survey accomplish?

1. Accurate Valuation: Marine surveyors assess the market value of the boat. This valuation helps insurance companies determine the appropriate coverage limits, ensuring that you are neither underinsured nor overpaying for your policy.
2. Condition Assessment: A comprehensive survey highlights any existing issues or potential risks associated with the vessel. Identifying these issues upfront helps in tailoring the insurance policy to address specific needs and prevents future disputes in case of a claim.
3. Safety Compliance: Marine surveyors check for compliance with safety regulations and standards. Ensuring that your boat meets these requirements can not only reduce your insurance premiums but also enhance the safety of everyone on board.
4. Documentation: The survey report serves as a crucial document for insurance underwriters. It provides them with detailed insights into the boat’s condition, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding coverage and premiums.

What are Insurance Companies looking for on a Marine Survey?

Insurance underwriters rely on marine surveys to evaluate the insurability of a vessel. They typically focus on the following key areas:

• Existing Damage: Any current damage to the boat is meticulously documented. This includes structural issues, wear and tear, and any previous repairs that might affect the vessel’s integrity.
• Sinking Hazards: Potential items that could pose a sinking hazard are closely examined. This includes checking for leaking bellows, damaged through-hull fittings, and compromised hull integrity.
• Safety Equipment: The presence and condition of essential safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and emergency signaling devices, are verified.
• Mechanical Condition: The surveyor assesses the condition of the engine, electrical systems, and other mechanical components to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.
• Maintenance History: A well-maintained boat is less likely to encounter issues. Underwriters look at the maintenance history to gauge how well the vessel has been cared for over time.

When Do You Need a Marine Survey?

Customers typically need to get marine surveys in the following scenarios:

• Before Insurance Coverage: Many insurance companies require a marine survey before writing coverage for larger boats (27 feet or greater in length) and older boats (more than 10 years old). This requirement ensures that the vessel is in good condition and accurately valued.
• Pre-Purchase: Conducting a survey before purchasing a boat helps buyers understand the vessel’s condition and market value, aiding in informed purchasing decisions.
• After Damage: If the boat has been involved in an incident, a damage survey assesses the extent of the damage and estimates repair costs.
• Regular Maintenance: Routine surveys can help identify potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring ongoing safety and compliance.

These requirements can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the particular insurance company. It’s always best to work with a marine insurance broker who has an in depth knowledge of your insurance company options.

In Water vs Out of Water, Does it Matter?

Most insurance companies will require a marine survey to be conducted with the boat out of the water. This allows the surveyor to thoroughly inspect the hull, underwater fittings, and other critical components that cannot be examined while the vessel is afloat. An out-of-water survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the boat’s condition, ensuring that any hidden issues are identified and addressed. In-water surveys may only be accepted in limited circumstances.

A Marine Survey is your Pre-Purchase Safety Net

Marine surveys also play a crucial role in protecting you, especially during the pre-purchase phase. For example, consider you are looking to buy a 45-foot yacht. During the pre-purchase survey, the marine surveyor discovers that the boat has a compromised hull due to delamination. This issue, if left unnoticed, could have led to significant safety risks and costly repairs down the line. Thanks to the survey, you are able to make an informed decision, potentially negotiating a better price or choosing to walk away from the purchase altogether.

Recommendations and Letters of Compliance

During a survey, the surveyor will notate ‘recommendations’ on the survey report. These recommendations highlight areas needing repair or updates, such as out-of-date fire extinguishers or worn-out bellows. To ensure these issues are addressed, customers may be required to sign a letter acknowledging their commitment to fixing the recommendations. This document, known as a letter of compliance, becomes part of the insurance policy, ensuring that the necessary repairs and updates are completed to maintain the vessel’s safety and insurability.

NAMS and SAMS: Trusted Organizations for Marine Surveyors

When choosing a marine surveyor, it’s essential to look for professionals who are accredited by reputable organizations such as the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) and the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS). These organizations ensure that their members adhere to high standards of professionalism and ethics. Surveyors accredited by NAMS and SAMS undergo rigorous training and certification processes, providing you with confidence in their assessments.

How On The Water Marine Insurance. Integrates Marine Surveys

We recognize the critical role that marine surveyors play in the insurance process. We work with surveyors every day and can guide you if you need a recommendation. If you aren’t sure if you will need a survey, give us a call or fill out a quote form, and we will let you know what all is required.

Marine surveyors are indispensable partners in the boat insurance process. Their expertise ensures that your vessel is accurately assessed, properly valued, and compliant with safety standards. By working with accredited professionals from organizations like NAMS and SAMS, you can trust that your boat insurance policy will provide the protection you need.

For more information on how marine surveys can benefit your boat insurance and to get a quote, give us a call. We’re here to help you navigate the waters with confidence, ensuring that you and your vessel are anchored in protection.

As always, remember to wear your life jacket and enjoy the water!