How Does a Marine Survey Differ from a Sea Trial?
When it comes to marine vessels, a sea trial is designed to offer prospective owners an opportunity to assess the vessel’s performance. A sea trial allows prospective buyers to see how the boat operates under power. However, a sea trial does not provide the same comprehensive evaluation that a marine survey does. To gain a better understanding of what is involved when it comes to marine surveys, it helps to take a look at what sets them apart from sea trials and why professional marine surveyor St. Augustine firms like Sun Coast Marine Surveyor are often called upon to carry out these essential functions.
A marine survey should be carried out by a qualified professional marine surveyor St. Augustine firm for any vessel whether it is being bought or sold. A survey typically involves a thorough visual inspection and a detailed evaluation of the overall condition of the boat in question. Many aspects must be looked at and assessed including both exterior and interior components, structural components, mechanical systems, electrical systems, navigation systems, safety gear, plumbing, and more. In most cases, the entire process will also include testing such components as engines and other machinery so that their performance can be accurately ascertained.
Unlike with sea trials, a survey takes into account even the smallest of potential issues that may arise later on. The purpose of the survey is to identify any hidden defects or problems that may only become evident once the vessel has been put into service. By uncovering such information early on, potential issues can be avoided down the line for both buyers and sellers alike. As such, professional surveyors play an important role in the purchase process.
When carrying out their duties, experienced professionals like those working in Sun Coast Marine Surveyor will draw upon their expertise in order to provide accurate assessments and sound advice as to the practicality of investing in a particular vessel versus another of similar type and age. They will also use various testing equipment such as moisture meters, ultrasonic thickness gauges and other specialized tools to obtain highly accurate readings. Such measurements allow the surveyor to get a clearer picture of the current state of affairs in terms of the vessel’s condition and therefore evaluate its overall value and pinpoint any areas that may need attention before the sale can proceed.
In addition to providing buyers with valuable insight into any potential issues with the vessel they are interested in purchasing, marine surveys also provide sellers with a means of proving the condition of their vessel prior to going on the market so they can realize much better values once they sell their boats. For many owners, this piece of mind is invaluable especially when they are trying to maximize their return on investment.
All in all, it’s clear that marine surveys offer buyers, sellers and brokers alike an important tool for determining the condition of any given vessel. With a marine surveyor St. Augustine firm like Sun Coast Marine Surveyor conducting comprehensive evaluations on behalf of clients, there is no longer any need for guesswork when it comes to assessing boats for sale. That makes marine surveys an integral part of making sure that all parties get exactly what they expect when buying or selling a boat.r
