List of accredited boat surveyors

You’ve got your eye on a used 17-foot bowrider for sale on your lake. She runs well and is a great deal, so you buy her. The following summer, however, you notice some rot at the stern and discover the whole transom needs replacing. Not such a great deal after all.

To avoid this scary scenario, consider getting a marine survey, which is like a home inspection for your boat. The cost and hassle of repairing a rotten transom or failed engine mounts in that sweet bowrider will definitely exceed the $300 to $400 charged by a qualified marine surveyor. Typically done out of the water, the inspection includes structural, mechanical, and electrical assessments, along with a market valuation and recommendations for repair and safety upgrades. To find an accredited surveyor near you, go to www.marinesurvey.org/index2.html.

David Harris