FAQ

General Marine Survey Questions

What is a marine survey?

A marine survey is a thorough inspection of a vessel to assess its condition, value, and compliance with industry standards. Surveys are often required for insurance, financing, or pre-purchase decisions.

Why do I need a marine survey?

A survey ensures that you understand the condition of the vessel, uncovering potential issues that may affect safety, performance, or value. Insurance companies and lenders often require a survey as part of their approval process.

What types of surveys do you offer?

We offer pre-purchase, insurance, condition and valuation, damage and claims, rigging inspections, sea trials, and more. Visit our Services page for details.

How long does a marine survey take?

The time varies depending on the size and complexity of the vessel. Typically, surveys take 3 to 6 hours with a report delivered within 5 business days

What should I expect from the survey report?

The report includes detailed vessel condition findings, including photos, test results, and recommendations. It also includes an estimated market value and, if applicable, a list of required repairs.

What if issues are found during the survey?

The report will outline the issues, their severity, and recommended repairs. You can use this information to negotiate with the seller or address the concerns with a repair professional.

Pre-Purchase Surveys

What is covered in a pre-purchase survey?

A pre-purchase survey evaluates the vessel’s structural integrity, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and overall safety to help you make an informed buying decision.

Do I need a survey if the boat is new?

Yes, even new boats can have issues or defects that go unnoticed during manufacturing or delivery. A survey ensures everything meets your expectations.

Insurance Surveys

Why does my insurance company require a survey?

Insurance companies need to confirm the vessel’s condition and market value to assess risk and determine coverage.

How often do I need an insurance survey?

The frequency of marine surveys required for insurance purposes varies based on factors such as the vessel’s age, type, and the specific policies of the insurance provider. Generally, insurers request a new survey every five years for most boats. However, for older vessels or those constructed from materials like wood, more frequent surveys may be necessary. For instance, wooden boats might require surveys every 2-3 years, though some specialty insurers may extend this interval to 10-15 years. It’s important to note that insurance companies have their own guidelines regarding survey frequency. Some may accept surveys that are 4-5 years old, while others prefer more recent evaluations, ideally within the last 12-18 months, to access the most markets. To ensure compliance and maintain adequate coverage, it’s advisable to consult with your insurance provider to understand their specific survey requirements for your vessel.

Sea Trials

What is a sea trial?

A sea trial is a performance test conducted on the water to evaluate the vessel’s engine, propulsion, handling, and overall functionality.

Is a sea trial included in every survey?

No, sea trials are optional and typically requested during pre-purchase surveys for powerboats or larger vessels.

Technical and Maintenance Services

Do you inspect marine electrical systems?

Yes, we inspect and troubleshoot AC and DC electrical systems, ensuring compliance with ABYC standards.

What is a corrosion assessment?

A corrosion assessment identifies areas where metal parts of the vessel are deteriorating due to galvanic or electrolytic corrosion, which can compromise safety and functionality.

Do you offer repairs in addition to surveys?

No, to avoid conflicts of interest, we focus solely on inspections and reporting (this is a requirement for surveying trade organizations). However, we can recommend trusted repair professionals.

Booking and Logistics

How much does a marine survey cost?

Costs depend on the type and size of the vessel. Contact us for a personalized quote.

How do I book a survey?

You can book a survey by calling us, filling out the contact form on our website or simply scheduling it on our calendar.

Where do you offer services?

Toronto and Surrounding Areas
Georgian Bay: From Collingwood to Honey Harbour and the surrounding waters.
The Kawarthas: Including Peterborough, Lindsay, and the Trent-Severn Waterway.
St. Catharines and Niagara Region: Covering Lake Ontario and surrounding marinas.
Port Hope and Eastern Lake Ontario: Extending along the scenic North Shore.

What do I need to prepare for the survey?

Ensure the vessel is accessible, clean, and free of unnecessary items. If you have a sailboat and the mast is down, ensure you know the location of the mast. It is also very helpful if all cushions are removed giving easy access to storage and mechanical spaces. For sea trials, ensure the vessel is launched and ready to operate.

Specialized Services

Do you offer valuation services for financing?

Yes, we provide professional appraisals for buying, selling, or financing purposes.

Can you assist with insurance claims?

Yes, we offer damage and claims surveys to document losses and provide detailed reports for insurance purposes.

Do you inspect sailboats and powerboats?

Yes, we are experienced in sailboats, powerboats, and other vessel types.

Can you work with commercial vessels?

Yes, we inspect and evaluate small commercial vessels and recreational boats.

Do you provide expert witness services?

Yes, we offer expert witness services for legal disputes or insurance claims requiring professional marine expertise.

Get in Touch with Kiki Marine

Have questions? Ready to book your survey? Contact us today!