Surveyor Questions

pradis · #1 (**permalink**) 08-08-2009

Is is possible to have structure, engine, and electrical surveys conducted by one surveyor, or is it better to have three separate people do each? I have read several posts here that encourage separate surveys and that makes complete sense to me. Are their specialists withing the surveyor world who do each system? Thanks for any help with this question.

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009

I would get a surveyor for the boat and a diesel mechanic for the engine. Get recommendations from people OTHER than the boat broker for both. SAMS or NAMS certification or both:

About NAMS

The National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) was founded in 1962 to provide professional certification and continuing education opportunities for qualified marine surveyors. The nearly four hundred NAMS members are located in all major coastal and river system areas of the United States, as well as in the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Asia. NAMS certified marine surveyors (NAMS-CMS) are among the best qualified in the world, each having more than five years full time experience, and each having passed through a rigorous screening and testing procedure. All NAMS surveyors ascribe to a published Code of Ethics, and must engage in yearly continuing education to maintain their certificaiton.

About SAMS

The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) was founded in 1987. SAMS is an organization of professional marine surveyors who have come together to promote the good image and general well-being of their profession. Accredited Marine Surveyor members are surveyors who have accumulated time in the profession, and have proven the technical skills necessary for designation as A.M.S. Accredited Marine Surveyors are expected to follow a course of continuing education to maintain their accreditation. Members are guided by a Code of Ethics and are encouraged to participate in other organizations relative to the marine field.

sailingfool · #3 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009

Never heard of an electrical survey...usually covered by the hull survey unless perhaps there is a very unusual electrical setup.

oceanscapt · #4 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009

I tend to get a surveyor for the boat and a separate engine/genset surveyor. The cost is about the same and the engine/genset survey can be very beneficial and insightful.

LittleWingCA · #5 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009

You will want a rigging surveyor if it is a sailboat as well.

pradis · #6 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009

I hadn't though of a rigging suryey, but it really makes sense. Thanks so much for your help with this!

capttb · #7 (**permalink**) 08-12-2009

Many surveyors do a "from the deck" inspection as a part of a purchase survey and some will do a detailed rigging check for an additional charge, some won't do one for any price. Most riggers will do a detailed check but like any survey it's only as good as the person doing it. As Cam mentioned talk to EVERYONE you can to try to find the best surveyor you can.