A Full Range of Services

Insurance surveys are conducted to determine marine risk and value of a vessel, and are often used for re-insurance of vessel.

New construction surveys can start from the planning stages and go all the way through to the first year warranty inspections. The numerous inspections includes checking the integrity of the hull, installation of equipment and the cosmetic finish of the vessel at completion.

We conduct these type of surveys on all types of yachts and have been doing this service for both sellers and brokers for over twenty years. We find out the condition of the vessel prior to a brokerage agreeing to market the vessel so they know what they are taking on, good or bad.

The same type of inspection is carried out for the seller so he does not get any major surprises when the yacht is surveyed by a buyers surveyor. Many of the small deficiencies can be corrected by the owner or crew and saves a lot of money when final negotiating is taking place.

An inspection to determine the vessel’s value is conducted primarily for refinancing, estate settlement, and divorce asset value.

Customs surveys are conducted on foreign registered vessels which are being imported into the United States in order to determine value for duty [tax] assessment.

Damage inspections determine the scope of damage and aid in the formulation of a repair plan. Progressive inspections of the repair work are often requested, along with a final inspection of completed repair work.

Audio gauge testing is conducted to determine deterioration of aluminum or steel plating, most commonly used on underwater hull areas, tanks, sea chests, pipes and structural components. The test does not require the coatings to be removed saving the owner many thousands of dollars.

A moisture meter determines moisture content in fiberglass lamination, hull cores and wood.

Top of the range thermal imaging cameras are used extensively during the surveys to find problems not visible to the human eye.

The upper image is the thermal image that was taken when inspecting a mega yacht and a previous repaired area was found that was delaminating from the core material. The lower photograph was taken after the repair was done and the surface is being faired prior to painting.

Our surveyors work with owners to verify the scope of damage and settlement issued by an insurance adjuster or surveyor to ensure nothing is missed.

Inspections of any type of repair work are conducted to ensure the work is completed to the highest of standards.

Hull bottom inspections are conducted to check the integrity of the hull and running gear and to ensure any repair work is completed to the highest of standards.

Marine casualty investigations are conducted along with the owners to determine the cause leading up to a marine casualty. In some incidents Mr. Elliott will work along with attorneys as a consultant in these same cases.