Boat Survey & Inspection Service

Marine surveyors conduct detailed inspections of boats for buyers, sellers, insurance companies, and lenders, documenting condition and value for transactions and coverage.

With boat surveys required for most purchases and insurance, and fees ranging from $18-$35 per foot (typically $500-$2,500+ per survey), surveyors generate revenue of $85,000-$280,000 annually with profit margins of 65-80%.

The business requires marine survey training and certification (SAMS or NAMS), inspection tools and equipment (moisture meters, testing devices), camera, and professional liability insurance.

Services include pre-purchase condition and valuation surveys, insurance surveys, damage surveys for claims, appraisals, and specialized inspections.

Pricing is typically per foot with minimums of $400-$600.

Success factors include thorough inspection methodology, comprehensive reporting, marine systems expertise, professional credentials, and insurance company acceptance.

Most surveyors specialize by boat type (powerboats, sailboats) and size range.

The business requires extensive boating and marine systems knowledge.

Many surveyors are former marine professionals or boat builders.

Travel to boat locations required.

Seasonal demand matches boat buying season.

Marketing focuses on relationships with yacht brokers, insurance agents, and marinas, plus online presence for buyer searches.

With boat purchase transactions requiring professional surveys and insurance companies mandating inspections, marine surveying offers professional opportunities for experienced marine professionals willing to obtain certification and provide detailed inspection services to the boating market.