Fishing Frenzy

Boat ownership is a dream for a lot of sportsmen. For those who are lucky enough to have a boat, or are in the process of purchasing one, surveys are a fact of life. If you need a loan to finance your purchase, the financial institution will require a survey. The value of your vessel on an insurance policy will be established by a surveyor's report. When preparing for important marine surveying in Ontario, for instance, there are some simple guidelines to follow.

When the surveyor comes on board, you don't need to have a crowd of people milling around on deck. The inspector needs to be able to move about the boat easily, and that could be difficult if there are friends and family in the way. In most cases, the fewer people on board at the time of the inspection the better. It may be necessary to have a pilot or crew member on hand to answer questions. This is especially true if you don't handle the vessel yourself.

Inspectors are busy people, and you may have a narrow window of opportunity when it comes to an appointment. This is not the time to be late or unprepared. If your inspector is late, that is one thing. If you are late, that is something else entirely.

Most boats have minimal storage compartments. That is why most owners keep their vessels extremely neat and clean. When you are expecting a surveyor, it is even more important to make a good impression. Any damage the inspector is assessing should be clear of debris. A well maintained appearance can have a positive effect on the final report.

Any unnecessary gear that has accumulated on your boat needs to be removed before the inspector shows up. Extraneous equipment is something else that can get in your inspector's way and make it difficult to thoroughly examine the boat. Many surveyors will refuse to complete an inspection if the boat is full of extra gear.

You should have all the tools necessary, on site, to thoroughly inspect the vessel. Your inspector will want the panels removed, and will not bring tools to do the job him or herself. There are liability issues involved. You will have to be able to remove the panels yourself.

A lot of survey reports are fairly technical. When you get your copy, you may have questions. There is nothing wrong with asking a surveyor to explain some of the results and recommendations. They are usually happy to do so.

Serious fishermen and sailors love the idea of having their own boats. It gives them the freedom to take off on the water whenever the conditions are right. Boats are assets, but they have costs and responsibilities associated with them. Periodic marine surveys are part of life for boat owners.