How do you find a good surveyor?

It depends on a lot of things I suppose, how old the boat is, and how big/complicated it is, whether you want a sea trial, engine survey, etc...
If you can get recommendations from folks you trust, that is a place to start. There are also professional organizations that help provide some due diligence on folks doing surveys. You might look for things like AMS (Accredited Marine Surveyor) certification from SAMS, The Society of Professional Marine Surveyors. They have a searchable list on their website:
https://www.marinesurvey.org/find-a-surveyor/full-list.html
There's also the NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors) group that has a program of apprenticeship thru CMS (Certified Marine Surveyor). Their website also has a list: http://www.namsglobal.org/apps/members/

When you are interviewing someone that you might hire, be sure to specify things you want covered. They will sometimes have a menu of services. An engine survey, and a sea trial, are usually extra. You might also have to pay for a short haul if the boat's in the water, so the surveyor can inspect the underwater running gear and hull.

Good luck! - Ron
 
local recommendations. Personal referrals are invaluable.

Then interview - define specific areas of interest that you want checked out. Ask the Surveyor to list what they plan to examine.

Mark
 
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Go to one of the local brokerages and ask them who they hate to see show up on the lot :D
Seriously, what the guys mentioned above is the best track. Before you settle on one, ask them for a sample survey of a boat they have done, this will give you a good idea of what they plan on doing during the survey.
 
I'm a member of the US Power Squadrons. Last year when I needed a surveyor in New York I contacted the Port Captain from the nearest Power Squadron. Port Captains are squadron members who have volunteered to help USPS members and other boaters by recommending marine businesses and other "local knowledge." Most squadrons have a website with contact information. You may need to send an email to the commander or a generic email address and ask to be put in contact with the port captain.
 
If you have amarina nearby that buys used boats, find out who they use. Buyers in the business of buying and selling don't like surprises.
 
Where are you looking at a boat? Someone on here is bound to have a recommendation. Heck, I can recommend a guy in Atlanta, Ft Myers, Chicago and Alabama.
 
Escape22 said:
He rejected a 42 DA? what year, engines and why did he not like it?
Click to expand...

I said he rejected the boat I had surveyed. Not a 42DA, not even a Sea Ray. The boat that failed that survey was a '04 Four Winns 268. Soft deck - no sealant on snaps that held down the bow cushions to the deck.

Best surveyor I used was Henry...http://www.pickersgillyachtsurvey.com/
 
I used this guy a couple years ago when I bought my 42DA, he was very through !
He is near Milwaukee

Geoff Grainger, SA, CMI
Principal Marine Surveyor
Certified Marine Investigator (IAMI)
Seaworthy Marine Survey and Damage Consulting
262 618-5060
www.seaworthysurvey.com
 
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