Welcome to
STUART MARINE SERVICES LLC
Professional Marine Surveyors
PROFESSIONAL YACHT AND
SMALL CRAFT SURVEY
Damage Survey
Pre-Purchase Evaluation
Condition & Value 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 IS A MARINE SURVEY IMPORTANT?
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
Mark Layne2024-04-26I’m really pleased that I connected with Kevin at Stuart Marine Services to do the survey and sea trial on a boat I’m thinking of purchasing. Over and above being friendly and knowledgeable about the survey and scheduling of same, he was always available for questions and queries I had. Having never gone through the process, I was keen for guidance and Kevin provided same and made me comfortable which was appreciated. His report was timely and informative and he was always available. Would recommend Kevin and SMS any day of the week!
ray lawton2024-04-26Very knowledgeable. showed up on time for the survey and explained everything that he was doing. I would highly recommend Stuart Marine Services
Randall Mclelland2024-04-25We asked Kevin to help us with the insurance survey on our new sailboat. He did a very thorough job of the official work as well as spent extra time and patience with our questions. Communication and coordination was easy and direct. This was one of the rare experiences with a service provider that I walked away from feeling like it was money well spent and I'd be happy to use him again.
BTD LLC2024-04-09Kevin is very professional, knowledgeable, detailed, on time. Can’t say enough great things about him, highly recommend.
Chase M. Eller2024-04-08Kevin conducted a thorough survey of a 2005 Boston Whaler, demonstrating extensive knowledge and professionalism throughout the process. His experience and attention to detail were evident, with valuable insights and friendly recommendations along the way. I highly recommend Kevin for anyone in need of a top-notch marine surveyor. He has a great sense of humor, too!
Scott Flieg2024-03-24Kevin did a great job surveying an 18 year old boat that was 900 miles away from me. He provided a thorough report and spent almost 2 hours on the phone discussing it with me. I would certainly use him again if the situation arises.
Bob Allison2024-03-22When we were stranded in Stuart without a slip anywhere to dock our boat, Kevin came to the rescue with all kinds of leads and contacts to solve our problem. If you need an on the ground contact with extensive local knowledge of marine options in Stuart/South Florida Kevin is your man.
Brandon Marcum2024-03-14Super helpful and super knowledgeable. Thank you !!
Thatcher Seiss2024-03-06Captain Kevin Van Decker is THE Marine Surveyor you need! Kevin is friendly, professional, honest, responsive, and on top of his game at all times. As a local insurance agent who writes boat insurance policies all around the state of Florida, I have seen plenty of marine surveys from different surveyors for all kinds of vessels, and none of those reports have ever even come close to his work. I can bind policies all day but ultimately it’s up to my company’s underwriters to deem whether or not the risk is insurable— and I have NOT ONCE had any issues when I submit a survey completed by Kevin. Believe me when I say that this is not typical, as underwriters are always looking to poke holes in a prospective policy when a large sum of money can be at stake. They just can’t find anything wrong with his reports because he is thorough, his work is flawless, and the man obviously takes pride in his craft. Not to mention what an absolute wealth of marine knowledge this guy is. If you are looking to buy a boat — the right way— and /or get that vessel insured without headache, do yourself a favor and call Capt. Kevin Van Decker of Stuart Marine Services LLC. You will be thankful that you did.
Steve Joselow2024-03-06Kevin is a great surveyor! He gets right down to business and is thorough and straightforward He goes through everything and doesn't hem and haw when it comes to delivering the news. You can rest assured that after he's been through a boat you'll know exactly what you're getting into. Best money I've spent in a long time!
