How to Choose a Marine Surveyor
First, consider the standards to which a surveyor must adhere. Tom Nunn is a SAMS-AMS (#908), a designation recognized by insurance underwriters, marine lenders and yacht brokers throughout the world.

Your surveyor should provide you with a professionally prepared report that will be accepted by your bank and/or insurance company. Talk with prospective surveyors and ask questions! What does the survey include and what type of reporting format is used? Do they use ABYC, NFPA and USCG standards in their surveys? How much will the inspection cost? How long will the on-board inspection take?

A thorough inspection will not be rushed and will depend on the type of survey required based on vessel size, equipment and on-board systems. There may be additional services available such as engine surveys, oil analysis, galvanic and stray current corrosion testing, ultrasonic testing, moisture testing and other non-destructive tests. There may be additional charges for these and other services.
Well conducted surveys can provide good information on the vessels' condition, but they are not guarantees. The surveyor reports the condition in accessible areas only as it exists at the time of inspection.

Why should you have a 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 is also important. However, the most important reason to survey your vessel is for the safety of the passengers and crew.

Rates
The rates for survey depend upon the length and complexity of the vessel, the type of survey and the vessel location. The minimum charge for our services is $350 for a vessel of any length. We do not charge an additional fee for seatrials, nor for going aloft to survey a sailboat (single) masthead, however, we reserve the right to decline this service if deemed unsafe for any reason.
There is no additional charge for travel within 40 miles of central Sarasota. Travel expenses are charged beyond this radius, including mileage, lodging and foreign work permits if applicable.

The surveys include diagnostics with such equipment as infrared heat gun, digital voltage and frequency meter, moisture meter, outlet polarity and trip analyzer, etc.

Survey of engines and generators will be limited to general information of the power plants and associated equipment, such as fuel and exhaust systems, etc. These are not meant to replace a complete inspection by a qualified engine surveyor or mechanic.