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​DAMAGE SURVEYS

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INSURANCE SURVEYS

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DAMAGE SURVEY
​We will work with insurance company claim departments and marine underwriters to assess damage to a vessel following a covered loss, whether such occurrence is a total loss, constructive total loss or partial loss.  We will deal directly with the insured so that details as well as repair estimates are evaluated for a proper level of indemnification.   We will ensure necessary underwriting items needed to recommission the vessel are accounted for, with a focus on structural integrity safety and valuation.  


C&V / INSURANCE SURVEY
An insurance company will likely require a condition & valuation (C&V) survey prior to underwriting coverage for a boat or yacht, and sometimes every 3 to 4 years depending on the age of that vessel.   This will ensure safety, seaworthiness and proper insurance to value.  A customary insurance survey is a visual inspection (limited by nature) from accessible areas, without removal of fastened panels, appurtenances, destructive testing, taking of core samples or disassembly of any kind.   
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  • The report will comment on exterior condition of Machinery, mechanical devices, pumps, plumbing, or equipment (i.e. engine blocks, tanks, generators, LPG systems, onboard household appliances, etc.).   
  • Batteries will be looked over for proper positioning, securement, terminal protection and any evidence of case distortion. 
  • Hoses will be visually inspected for proper double clamping to thru hull fittings, squeezed to assess exterior cracks or brittleness and evaluated for marine use.  
  • Hardware such as seacocks, engine mounts, deck hatches, life rails will be looked over for signs of wear or corrosion as well as appropriate dimensions to secure passengers, expel rain or sea water or provide means of escape.  
  • Keel Bolts and Chainplates will be visually inspected for signs of galvanic as well as crevice corrosion, weepage or wastage. 
  • Stringers and Bulkheads will be evaluated for visible signs of weakness, loose tabbing or delamination. 
  • Sails will only be inspected where visible or when laid out.  
  • Hull bottom (if vessel is hauled) will be visually sighted for distortion, damage, voids, blistering and then sounded using a combination of copper as well as PVC mallets to detect any suspect delamination or core saturation.  Areas of concern will be evaluated using a sovereign quantum moisture meter that will provide both deep and shallow readings of the area.  
  • Running Gear (shaft, ground plates, struts, props, zinc collars) will be visually inspected for corrosion, wear, damage, distortion or pitting. 
  • The boat's Electrical System will be visually inspected where accessible to evaluate any evidence of previous arching, proper routing, bonding and appropriateness of AWG wire sizes. 
  • An inventory of Safety Gear will be taken and recommendations made compared to what is required by federal law for the particular vessel (i.e number and type of fire extinguishers, life jackets, pyrotechnic distress signals, placards). 
  • An opinion of Market Value will be based on new and used vessel publications for the geographic area where the vessel is located.  These publications will only secondarily support the surveyor’s personal opinion, experience and judgment, which will be the predominating factor in determining fair value.
  • Recommendations will be based on American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) voluntary standards, United States Coast Guard (USCG) mandatory standards and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.  Some of the USCG (33 CFR) Codes, NFPA Codes, and ABYC Recommendations that are in effect today may have been enacted after the vessel was manufactured.  The recommendations thought to be necessary for safety will be addressed.​

An Insurance Survey does not include sea trial or internal engine diagnostics.  A sea trial by licensed captain or engine survey by certified mechanic are services separate from the customary condition & valuation report.