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Welcome: For those thinking of Buying or Insuring a boat, please explore. I have included information on the types of services I provide, answers to frequently asked questions, and links to organisations and other helpful sites. I am a full time professional, working exclusively in the Marine Survey field, with no other conflicts of interest. I am also an active Boat Safety Scheme Examiner.

Go to my Marine Surveys page to view the different types of Surveys I can provide. The cost of my Marine Surveys are very competitive, and are based on a price per foot. Go to my contact page and provide me with the vessel or assignment particulars and I will provide you with an online quote  or just simply email me at steventruss1@aol.com

I always encourage you, the prospective buyer, to attend the survey, so that you get a better understanding of the survey process and its results. My survey reports are detailed and include the Fair Market Value of the boat as well as pictures and recommendations.

Principally serving The Norfolk Broads, East Anglia, and the South East of England, I have 25 years of experience in the maritime industry and am a Full Member of the IIMS (International Institute of Marine Surveying). I will give you an honest opinion of the condition of the boat surveyed. I carry full Professional Indemnity Insurance cover up to £1000.000. I look forward to working with you, my detailed and comprehensive Marine Survey Reports are completed and emailed to you within twenty four (24) hours of the Survey.            

Engine tests! Click here for more information

I travel extensively - anywhere at any time throughout the UK and Europe and further a-field as necessary.  I can quote reasonable rates for just about any location where the logistics allow me to. 

A Sample Survey Report: This may be the best indication of what to expect from the person you are counting on to assess the value, safety and suitability of the vessel in question. A professional survey should result in a quality report. Please read over one of my sample surveys, click the link below, compare the detail and scope to others that you may have seen.

Click  to download one of my Sample Marine Survey Reports.

Click  for engine inspections & oil tests.

Click  explanation of the different types of Marine Surveys I provide.

How do I proceed when I have decided that I would like to buy a boat?

The following format is usual when purchasing a vessel:

Contract to Purchase - An offer is made subject to survey and a deposit paid to the broker or vendor after which the surveyor is instructed.Contract with the Surveyor - The purchaser should take personal responsibility for selecting and instructing the surveyor. It is advisable to discuss fully with the surveyor any particular concerns or special requirements that you may have before the surveyor inspects the vessel. The vessel must be out of the water for a condition survey to be carried out. All boatyard and other costs in connection with the survey are in addition to the surveyor’s fees and expenses and are the responsibility of the purchaser. The Inspection - The surveyor will carry out his inspection of the vessel as presented and in this respect the purchaser can assist the surveyor and help to procure a more complete report by arranging the best possible access to the vessel. The Survey Report - This will list the defects found in the survey together with recommendations and suggestions for repair and remedial work. The written report may be used to negotiate final purchase arrangements. Survey reports issued by us are recognised by leading insurers, marine finance companies and banks.

Surveys & Reports 

My surveys are conducted with regards to addressing the type of survey requested & my clients concerns. I also work to a strict code of conduct set down by the YBDSA, (Yacht Brokers, Designers and Surveyors Association). I believe that my surveys & reports are unique by way of not only relying upon visual inspections. I also apply a range of analysis techniques, when ever possible, in order to support visual inspections. A visual inspection alone is often not enough to satisfy peace of mind. I carry a range of surveying aids such as; Marine moisture meters, Ultrasonic equipment (for measuring thickness of materials), Ph test kits (helpful for osmosis blister testing), Multi-meters, Digital camera, Calculation tables, Leak detection fluids, U gauge (for tightness testing of LPG systems), Colour dyes, Hydrometer, Antifreeze tester, Oil sample kits & much more..... I also have the knowledge, experience & an extensive data-base of vessels, in order to interpret results, value the vessel in its present condition, and advise accordingly & report accurately. I do more than just take a look & express an opinion.

I am also a qualified Boat Safety Scheme Examiner and can issue Boat Safety Certificates, this also allows me to inspect & test LP gas systems in addition to the structural aspects of the vessel. I can also hire in a range of equipment & in some cases field professionals to suit particular requirements such as; CE proofing, Thermal imaging cameras & software, Engine diagnostic tools & software. All reports are supported with digital images where relevant & are presented in an easy to understand format with additional guides for oil analysis, osmosis & other technical data. Reports are available in many formats via email & usually sent within 24 Hrs of the survey inspection by email with one hard copy following via first post (if requested) ASAP. Oil analysis takes 48Hrs as I send all samples for full particle count analysis. (press the link at the bottom of this page for more information on engine oil tests).

Why should I have the vessel Surveyed?

Most insurance companies and banks will require them on older vessels. They will need to know her condition and fair market value in order to finance and/or underwrite the vessel. Knowing her condition and fair market value before you purchase can save you money. However, the most important reason to survey your vessel is for the safety of the passengers and crew.

If you buy without engaging a Professional Marine Surveyor ...

  • You lose an opportunity to negotiate a final sales price on a used boat.
  • You may be told that you won't have insurance coverage or financing until a Report of Survey is submitted to your lender or underwriter.
  • You may find yourself uncompensated when your finance or insurance company "requires" that you respond to the findings and recommendations of a Marine Survey.

Owners

Consider having your boat inspected every two (2) years or the next time you plan to haul your boat for its annual inspection. A Professional Marine Survey Inspection can be used as an "Effective means to preserve your boats value." Each of the systems aboard your boat will be examined, and evaluated for condition. Use these findings and recommendations to effectively plan and prioritise what should be repaired and when. All boats need maintenance ... make sure that you plan maintenance items to be timely, cost effective, and maximize the rate of Return On your Investment.

Engine oil tests   Click here for more information

 

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