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Engine Surveys

Engine Surveys

Surveys for sales, purchase, and insurance claims.

If you are a prospective buyer, are appraising damage, would like to sell your vessel or learn of its condition in detail, you will need a survey.

 

Surveys are a valuable means to determine vessel condition, fair market value, damage and necessary repairs. For example, banks may require a survey to determine fair market value for financing. Insurance companies require a survey to determine damage repairs and underwriting decisions before awarding a claim. A prospective buyer should request a survey to find out more about a vessel before purchasing it. A survey will identify any structural or mechanical aspects of the vessel which may lead to unforeseen and costly safety risks and/or repairs.

 

Inspections focus on structural integrity and vessel systems: mechanical, electrical, propulsion, plumbing, tankage, rigging, galley, safety and deck equipment, and overall vessel maintenance level.

 

If possible, I recommend an out-of-water survey before purchasing a vessel. Inspection while on the hard includes all wetted surfaces, rudder, keel, struts, and skeg, etc.

 

A typical inspection may take several hours. If requested, a sea trial will take additional time and can be scheduled separately.

Within 48 hours after completion of the survey, you will receive a comprehensive report which will include:

Estimated Valuation

Identification of unique markings such as name, (HIN), registration numbers

Vessel dimension and description of its construction

List of equipment installed

Remarks on vessel condition and its systems in general and in detail

Recommendations for repairs needed to make vessel safe and functioning properly

Photographs of the vessel from various angles to highlight unique features or problems

Vessels’ current market value based on evaluation of multiple industry comp sources

USCG and ABYC regulations and guidelines will be applied or suggested where applicable

Required Client Preparation Checklist for Survey:

Remove personal gear

Shore power must be available

Batteries should be charged

Empty lockers and cabinets, so viewing is not obstructed and inventory can be made

All safety equipment should be gathered and placed in one location

All sails in bags, out of lockers and in a designated area

Any panels or floorboards must be unscrewed in advance

Gather all paperwork in one location for review (maintenance records, previous surveys, registration, etc.)

Yard workers must remove fasteners if needed

A signed contract with BAMS detailing our agreement and charges returned to us with a 50% payment

Vessel Survey Types

Engine Surveys:

I am an engine survey expert and have been surveying engines for many years. Your survey will reveal all of the details you need to valuate or sell your engine as per SAMS guidelines.

Pre-purchase Survey:

The most comprehensive inspection of a vessel

 

The survey’s purpose is to gather information about the condition of the vessel before purchase.

The survey consists of:

Inspection of the hull, topsides, cabin and interior when accessible

Haul out and inspection of the hull bottom and running gear

Examination of visible structural supports of the vessel

Examination of the fuel system, steering system, electrical system, sanitation system

Electronics and safety equipment are inspected and tested for operation

Sea trial is conducted to evaluate the overall performance of the vessel

Review of the vessel documentation, hull numbers, and the history of service records when available

Current market valuation and replacement valuation of the vessel

The Appraisal Survey:

Performed to determine and justify the fair market value of the vessel

 

This survey may be used for refinancing, legal claims, or as a charitable donation.  The scope of this survey is limited to setting a fair market value based on vessel systems and overall condition.

The Condition and Valuation Survey:

General overview of the vessel and its systems for insurance underwriting and financing decisions

The primary purpose of this survey is to identify the vessel (through documentation on the hull such as the HIN), its equipment, overall condition, and general value without testing full system operations. It also identifies hazardous conditions which may be a safety risk for the vessel and its passengers. An assessment of vessel safety equipment as per the USCG Code Federal Regulations (CFR) requirements is included. Sea Trial: is conducted to determine that the engine operates within the manufacturer’s specifications when applicable.

Before getting underway for the sea trial, a visual inspection is performed. An engine inspection is conducted while underway to observe it at wide open throttle RPMs, as recommended by the engine manufacturer.

During the sea trial, I will check the hose, belts, and fuel line conditions as well as inspecting the motor mounts before and during running the engine, gauging engine temperature where needed and check manifolds and risers for proper functioning of the thermostat.

The inspection also includes the steering, throttle and shift controls and any other equipment installed on the vessel. If an engine is not performing properly or a problem is observed, a repair recommendation will be made, or you may be advised to consult a manufacturer’s certified mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.

Required preparation for a Sea Trial inspection underway includes:

Owner or owner approved person must be available to drive the vessel

USCG required safety gear must be on board if vessel is to be sea trialed or moved

Maintenance logs and/or manuals on board

Vessel registration should be on board and visible

Oil Sample Analysis:

I will test the engine oil to determine if excess engine wear is occurring by observing the different types of metal particles found in the oil. I will also test for fuel, engine coolant and saltwater contamination.

Samples are sent out to a laboratory service. It typically takes 7-10 days to receive results.

Rigging:

I can inspect rigging when the mast is pulled. A more thorough inspection can be performed when there is no tension on the wires or mast. I am not a rigger and do not climb rigs for a rigging inspection. However, a recommendation can be provided if requested.

See our competitive prices:

Bay Area Marine Services

Some Words from our Fan Club:

``After interviewing many other engineers, I hired Mr. Martinez based on his reputation and how his mind works. I needed someone who could think outside the box to solve an extraordinary engineering challenge on my houseboat. He did this with brilliance and ingenuity and created a fabulous and functioning space. I am forever grateful to him for his expertise. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.``

– J Boyd: Owner, 36’ Landing Craft Houseboat

REQUEST a consultation:

We aim to provide a superior quality of service to our customers and vessel lovers alike. We service all areas in the San Francisco Bay Area, Marin and Sausalito.

From our Gallery:

Robia C.
Robia C.
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Luis and Alison are a great team. They are incredibly responsive, and Luis is fantastic--friendly, knowledgeable, patient, communicative (videos, photos,...
Matthew K.
Matthew K.
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Alison quickly scheduled my service and Luis provided the immediate expert advice I'd been needing since my exhaust hot pipe started to leak on my '76...
Barnett B.
Barnett B.
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I'm so glad I called Bay Area Marine Services. Luis and Alison responded immediately to my call. I needed to replace my transmission and Luis and his...
Jd B.
Jd B.
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When we moved from Boston, one of our biggest worries was finding a good mechanic and engineer for our 49' Jenneau. We lucked out when we found Luis. Not...
Linda L.
Linda L.
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Luis & his team have serviced my 34' Trawler out of San Rafael for over two years now. He is amazing. He keeps me informed, proactively communicates, uses...
David V. W.
David V. W.
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Luis was on time and conscientious. He even returned when I had a problem and did not complain when it turned out the problem had nothing to do with his good work. He and Alison were just happy for me that the problem was solved.
He and Alison in the office are a pleasure to work with.
Tim D.
Tim D.
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Kent S.
Kent S.
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I am grateful to Luis and his team for solving a difficult problem for me: removing an outboard motor, replacing a broken clamp bracket and reinstalling the motor. I definitely will use Bay Area Marine Services for future needs.
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Joshua O.
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Mike E.
Mike E.
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Luis and his team were a pleasure to work with while getting our boat ready to sell this year. After a short call for urgent repairs to complete our pending sale, Luis immediately assembled a team and began narrowing in on the issues raised. On the same day, we received a fair & transparent quote, clear timeline estimates and subsequent regular updates on progress.Given we were on a tight timeline, the team managed to work weekends and pushed through some part sourcing challenges to exceed our timeline expectations. I’d recommend Luis and Bay Area Marine to any friend or family who needs any type of boat repair service in the Bay Area! Overall the work was high-quality, the customer service was outstanding and overall got great value for our money.
Holly E.
Holly E.
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Luis and his team were a pleasure to work with while getting our boat ready to sell this year. After a short call for urgent repairs to complete our pending...
Molly G.
Molly G.
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Bay Area Marine Services are top notch! We were at a guest slip in South Beach Harbor for the weekend and arrived with UhOh engine trouble. They located a hard to find part, had it delivered and provided field service to make the fix the very next day. True heroes, super competent and nice too!! Thank you Luis, Alison and crew! Looking forward to doing business with you again on a more anticipated timeline.
Will
Will
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Luis is fantastic!!! His work on our family’s boat was top notch. He was fantastic trouble-shooting our engineering challenges, rebuilding our engine, and creating a new second level! He is one of the nicest people I have ever worked with and we will definitely be working with him again!
Wave Jumper O.
Wave Jumper O.
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Bay Area Marine Services has taken such good care of me and my boat that I wanted to give them a shout out here. Their services are above the cut because...
Jim C.
Jim C.
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Finding a marine mechanic in the SF Bay area is not hard. Finding a really capable, knowledgeable, and reliable one is another story. After a couple of experiences with less than capable mechanics and being rather disappointed we 'lucked' upon Luis Martinez and his more than capable staff at Bay Area Marine Services. They changed our 38' Sport Fisherman with twin Crusader engines from being a boat that we didn't trust for any cruising back to a really happy place that we're not afraid to take anywhere. Not the least expensive but definitely the best and part of that old saying 'you get what you pay for' We would recommend Luis to anyone looking for a terrific boat service company. Haven't found a project they're not capable of tackling. Jim and Ruthie, power yacht Free Spirit
c W.
c W.
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What a great place to work! Luis and his Bay Area Marine Services staff are the nicest people you'll ever meet. I have watched them for over a year being extremely diligent and thorough with every repair - or any boating need a client may have. They have the most positive can-do attitude and are always able to find most creative solutions for engineering challenges. What I hear most from our customers is "When will they be back? We have more work for BAMS!"
Will K
Will K
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I am writing this review for Luis and BAMS. Luis is an amazing diesel mechanic. He's incredibly knowledgeable, creative, a problem solver, and hardworking; you won’t find anyone better than Luis for the job.Luis conducted extensive tests on our diesel engine and examined several of the items flagged called during our sailboat survey. He monitored each item while suggesting repairs and maintenance to solve each problem in the most efficient and affordable way. Luis always took care of everything quickly and up to the highest quality. Nobody was better at examining our boat than Luis. He was trustworthy, prompt and capable. He comes with the highest review!
Ghaida Z.
Ghaida Z.
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Luis and his team at Bay Area Marine Services are my go-to boat experts.I first reached out to Luis when I had a project to repower my sailboat from an inboard gas engine to an electric engine. After a visit to the boat to consult he took measurements and came up with a plan for the repower that fit my budget. Throughout the project, he and his team kept me in the loop with pictures and updates so I felt confident about the progress of the project.Luis is a naval engineer and captain, so you get more than a mechanic when you hire him. He has a deep knowledge and appreciation for boats, and I've sought his consultation for everything related to my boat as he's generous with sharing knowledge and getting his clients out on the water. Among the various projects, Luis and his team also managed a project to install new standing and running rigging on my boat, also with fantastic results, and took care of coordinating 2 haul-outs; one for rigging and another for bottom paint.Two years later, the electric engine runs like a dream thanks to Luis' great work. I highly recommend Bay Area Marine Services to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable marine professional.
Juliet B.
Juliet B.
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I can’t say enough about Mr. Martinez and BAMS! I hired him for an engineering project and rebuild of a houseboat, and he was truly phenomenal. His thoughtful insight and project management was stellar, and his background gave him incredible insight into problem solving as I pushed the envelope and the project grew. I loved his crew members as well! I couldn’t recommend him more highly; he is honest, a straight shooter and very creative as well while drawing from his 25 years of experience. I truly look forward to working with him again on an upcoming project soon.
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