When buying a used boat, most people understand the importance of getting a marine survey. However, once they take ownership of the boat, only a handful of people consider hiring a professional for Annapolis marine survey. This is because for most people, getting a survey done is only necessary when making a first purchase. This is, however, not true.
Even as a boat owner, you still need to understand the exact condition of your boat. That is why getting a regular marine survey is important. The question you might be asking is this: how often do I need a marine survey? There is no straightforward answer to this. This is because how often you need to update the survey report will depend on a number of things.
Typically, you need to get a marine survey done at least once every 5 years. Doing so will give you a clear understanding of the condition of your boat. All in all, you need to note that not all boats need to update their survey report after five years. For example, if you have done major work on your vessel, you may need to update the survey report sooner. This should be done so that the survey report reflects the new condition as well as the updated value of your boat.
The type of boat you own will also dictate how soon you should update the survey report. If you own a wooden boat, you might need to get a survey to be done more often. The survey should be done out of water in order to get a better assessment of the boat. Wooden vessels should be surveyed at least once every 2 to 3 years. The reason for this is they are more susceptible to damage.
What you need a survey for will also dictate the answer to the question of how often do I need a marine survey. While some lenders and insurers can accept a survey report that is 5 years old, the condition and age of your boat may force them to request a more updated report. For example, there are some insurance companies that will be okay with a survey report that is 4 to 5 years old. However, for you to get the most comprehensive coverage, it is imperative that you get a more current marine survey done. A survey report that is 12 to 18 months old will offer better insight into your boat and help you get better coverage.
As you can see, there are many factors that dictate how often you should get a marine survey done. All you need to make sure of is that the survey is done by an experienced marine surveyor in Annapolis. For insurance purposes, make sure you get the complete list of items that need to be inspected from the insurer.