Welcome to

STUART MARINE SERVICES LLC

Professional Marine Surveyors

Damage Survey

Get a comprehensive and accurate report on the extent of damage to your marine vessel, recommendations on repairs, and estimated cost of repair.

Pre-Purchase Evaluation

Our pre-purchase evaluation can help you determine a vessel’s operational reliability before making a purchase decision.

Condition & Value Survey

Get a detailed inspection of the marine vessel to determine its condition and seaworthiness and identify issues that could lead to an imminent insurance claim.

PROFESSIONAL

YACHT AND

SMALL CRAFT SURVEY

WHY CHOOSE

STUART MARINE SERVICES?

Certain makes and models of marine vessels and pleasure boats can have recurring issues. A good marine surveyor like Stuart Marine Services is familiar with these issues and can evaluate the vessel for its current condition and value. From advising you on the suitability of your intended purchase (particularly in relation to how and where you will be using it) to determining the extent of damage, we do it all for you, all while maintaining the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

As a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) and with over 30 years of experience fishing inshore and offshore in South Florida, Stuart Marine Services offers prompt services with the following accreditations:

  • Member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors

  • Chapman School of Seamanship Education in Yacht and Small Craft Survey

  • ABYC Standards Certification

  • Chapman School of Seamanship Educated Master Captain

  • Radio Operators Certification

  • CPR and Basic Life Saving Certification

  • Master Captain

  • Master Mate

WHY CHOOSE

STUART MARINE SERVICES?

Investing in a yacht or small craft is a risky decision. You need to check the vessel’s condition, verify its market value, and examine its seaworthiness to ensure your investment won’t go to waste in the long run. In order to ensure your marine vessel is fit for the sea, falls within acceptable standards, and is applicable for insurance coverage, you need a detailed evaluation to asses potential risks and avoid them from turning into irreparable damages.

Whether you’re looking to buy a pleasure boat, sell a commercial craft, or inspect a boat for its condition assessment or insurance coverage, a detailed marine survey can help you make informed decisions, protecting you from financial loss.

When buying or selling a marine vessel, you need to ensure that its machinery and equipment are functioning well. This includes all the essential components like engines, navigations, carbon monoxide detectors, and more. The best way to inspect your marine vessel for damage or potential risks of damage is to hire a professional and experienced marine surveyor.

How to Prepare for a Marine Survey

By preparing the boat for inspection and making it more accessible, time can be saved as well as additional expense.

It’s time to get your boat ready! You should make arrangements to have your boat cleaned and ready for inspection. Make sure everything such as paperwork and other necessities are in order prior to the survey, and arrange for hauling your vessel for bottom inspection by contacting the marina if needed. A courtesy to prepare for the inspection also includes clearing out any and all lockers and cabin of unnecessary gear that doesn’t pertain to the inspection.

Have your vessel prepared prior to the inspection, as the surveyor will never be asked to do this on your behalf. Random removal or re-installation is required by qualified personnel, but only at the request of the surveyor to reach and inspect all necessary areas and/or features of the vessel. Examples of the minor dismantling that may be needed includes (but is not limited to) interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc.

The owner’s written authorization may be needed to board and/or remove part of the vessel.

The surveyor, once assigned, will not work for anyone else and will report only to you for protecting your interests.

CAN I BE PRESENT AT THE BOAT DURING THE SURVEY?

Of course. We encourage the client to join and be present during the survey so they may be walked through the inspection process and can make note during the survey’s findings being mentioned. All questions and discussions are welcomed and appreciated so we can help clear up any issues as easily as possible. In the instance of any issue we will proceed to conduct a further discussion, outline our recommended best course for action, and potential costs to be incurred.

WHAT IS THE STANDARD TIMEFRAME FOR A MARINE SURVEY?

The answer to this depends on the size, condition and complexity of your boat. If it’s large with many complicated systems, if it’s in poor condition, or not properly prepped for the survey then it will take more time. Regardless of condition, you can be assured that we will take the time we need to properly and thoroughly inspect your boat – the more thorough the inspection with detailed notes, the faster the turnaround time for receiving the final report.

WHAT IS LOOKED FOR DURING AN INSPECTION?

Excellent question! The first thing that comes to mind is safety. But the short answer is that I’m looking for anything that has the potential to sink your vessel, lead to a fire, or put anyone’s life in danger. Included in the inspection is a review to verify all necessary safety gear is present and easily accessible in the instance of an emergency. Everything gets looked at to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

HOW LONG AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL I RECEIVE MY MARINE SURVEY REPORT?

You should receive it within a very timely manner – this heavily depends on the size of the vessel that was inspected as well as the condition of the vessel.

REVIEWS

"Kevin was great - responsive and thorough.

This is the first time I have purchased a used boat in Florida so I asked many questions - some of them outside of the boat survey itself. The boat was a few hours away and Kevin was accommodating to get there the same week we spoke and provide the report quickly so I could close as the seller wanted a quick turn.

Kevin made himself available and had the expertise to answer all of my questions completely. I highly recommend him."

Kevin Maher

"My husband Luis used Stuart Marine Services for a boat survey. Kevin did a great job! He showed up on time, was professional, very detailed, he took his time to show me where the problems were. I hired him to do a pre-purchase survey for a boat I was planning to buy. Thanks to his great job and professional skills, he prevented me from buying a boat that would have been a huge mistake. Money well spent on his services! I highly recommend his services! Thank you Kevin."

Sherrie Soto

I had an excellent experience working with Kevin from Stuart Marine Services. Aside from delivering a very thorough and unbiased boat survey he was happy to answer any question I had. Kevin also made key recommendations which allowed me to get in touch with great insurance agents. Kevin is more than qualified and goes the extra mile for his clients. I am very happy I trusted him to help guide me throughout the process.

Juan Rovira

Kevin surveyed my Princess 72. He spent 8 hours on the boat documenting and checking every system. Kevin provided a very well organized and detailed report that was beneficial in final negotiations and insuring the vessel. A 30-year veteran broker in the transaction said, “I’ve never seen a surveyor spend this much time inspecting a boat.” Kevin is now a trusted contact for boat guidance and resources. He is an excellent surveyor that I highly recommend.

Derek Weaver

Kevin was a professional boat inspector. He was very knowledgeable at what he does ,His report was concise and to the point. He listed all the components and issues with each one He made my decision about buying this boat much easier I would use him again

Erik Miller

Kevin performed an inspection that far exceeded my expectations. The thoroughness was extensive. Not a stone left unturned. I didn’t shop the price because after one conversation with him I felt confident he was experienced and professional. I’m sure I could have found a lesser price, but I’m highly doubtful it would have compared with the service he provided. I was able to negotiate the purchase price based on his findings. I also know exactly what maintenance items I need to take care of. Not only that he has contacts for all things, marine. A+

Nick Bellomy

Stuart Marine Services offer professional, prompt, and accurate yacht and small craft surveys to help you determine the condition and value of the vessel, conduct a pre-purchase evaluation, or get a comprehensive report on damage claims.

Get in touch with us today to get a quick estimate within 24-48 hours.

Kevin Van Decker, SA

CONTACT US

  • 5152 SE Nassau Terrace, Stuart, FL 34997

  • 772-732-4800

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