Things You Need To Know To Prepare For Marine Surveying In Ontario And Elsewhere

By Stephen Hayes


Boat ownership is a dream for a lot of sportsmen. For those who are lucky enough to have a boat, or are in the process of purchasing one, surveys are a fact of life. If you need a loan to finance your purchase, the financial institution will require a survey. The value of your vessel on an insurance policy will be established by a surveyor's report. When preparing for important marine surveying in Ontario, for instance, there are some simple guidelines to follow.

When a surveyor is expected you don't want your boat filled with a lot of extraneous people. Anyone who is not needed to complete the survey should stay away. You may decide you want a pilot, mechanic, or manager on board, if they are the individuals who normally handle your boat for you. Too many people on deck can make it difficult for the surveyor to do the kind of inspection necessary to complete a report.

You need to plan your inspection well in advance of the time you actually need a report, if possible. Inspectors are in high demand, and it is often difficult to make an appointment. Sometimes weather conditions require rescheduling. Once you have an appointment, it is important to be prepared for it and to be on time.

Most boats have minimal storage compartments. That is why most owners keep their vessels extremely neat and clean. When you are expecting a surveyor, it is even more important to make a good impression. Any damage the inspector is assessing should be clear of debris. A well maintained appearance can have a positive effect on the final report.

Any unnecessary gear that has accumulated on your boat needs to be removed before the inspector shows up. Extraneous equipment is something else that can get in your inspector's way and make it difficult to thoroughly examine the boat. Many surveyors will refuse to complete an inspection if the boat is full of extra gear.

You should have all the tools necessary, on site, to thoroughly inspect the vessel. Your inspector will want the panels removed, and will not bring tools to do the job him or herself. There are liability issues involved. You will have to be able to remove the panels yourself.

A lot of survey reports are fairly technical. When you get your copy, you may have questions. There is nothing wrong with asking a surveyor to explain some of the results and recommendations. They are usually happy to do so.

It is a privilege to be able to go deep sea fishing and sailing whenever you want. Owning your own boat comes with responsibilities and costs however. Like houses and cars, boats must be maintained to ensure they last.




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