How Long Does a Typical Marine Survey Take in St. Augustine?
If you’re looking into buying a boat, or if you are needing a vessel update, then you will need to hire a marine surveyor in St. Augustine. But how long does a typical marine survey take? At Sun Coast Marine Surveyor, we understand how important it is to have the process done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Depending on the condition of the vessel, type of inspection, etc., we can provide a timeline for the completion of your survey.
To begin with, a typical marine survey in St. Augustine consists of four different parts: The exterior inspection, the interior inspection, the operations/systems check, and the sea trial. Any reputable marine surveyor will complete each stage of the inspection carefully and precisely. Sun Coast Marine Surveyor is an award-winning company that is extremely thorough during each step of the process.
The first step is the exterior inspection which typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete. This includes examining the decks, hatches, sterns, lights, windows, cleats, and other external parts of the vessel. The goal is to identify any signs of deterioration or damage that may be present on the boat. During this phase, the marine surveyor St. Augustine will also look for water penetration, corrosion, rusting, soft spots, and other problematic areas.
Next comes the interior inspection which will consume another 1-2 hours of time. This portion of the survey checks out all power sources, systems (e.g., AC/DC), cabinetry and storage spaces, lighting fixtures, fuel tanks, fire extinguishers, bilges, pumps and their operation, etc. When inspecting these components, the inspector looks for structural integrity, proper functioning of all equipment as well as safety hazards such as potential leaks.
In addition to an exterior/interior examination, part three requires an operations/systems check that usually takes up to one hour. This includes closely evaluating items such as navigation lights & aids, depth sounders, anchors & associated gear, whistles & bells, deadlights & hatch covers, VHF radios & antennas—just to name a few. Along with validating the condition of these elements, our marine surveyor services in St. Augustine also confirm whether or not they comply with federal regulations.
Finally is the sea trial which generally takes between 45 minutes to an hour. During this portion of the process, Sun Coast Marine Surveyors will observe engines and drive trains while running in both forward and reverse directions at various speeds. We will be making sure that throttle controls work proficiently and that all accessories (e.g., bi-fuel systems) are operating properly too. Additionally, we will check out steering systems for responsiveness and inspect propellers for wear/tear after completing the runabout.
All told, when you factor in travel time to and from the boat location as well as compiling a report for the client—a typical marine survey conducted by Sun Coast Marine Surveyors in St. Augustine should take no more than 4-6 hours to complete depending on the vessel size and condition. Also note that if you require additional testing or certification from a third party, then the duration of this service could be extended further.
At the end of the day, marine surveyor St. Augustine services provided by Sun Coast Marine Surveyors are designed to produce results that are reliable and accurate—ensuring a smooth transition before owning any new or previously owned boat. Our team is highly knowledgeable and experienced in this field so you can trust that your vessel is receiving the best care available today. To schedule an appointment or inquire about pricing information—please contact us today!r
