Stetler Marine Surveys

To be a marine surveyor you should a hands on working knowledge of all marine systems, components, equipment, structure, and operation. In addition, a surveyor should have a working knowledge of federal regulations, USCG requirements, and ABYC & NFPA safety recommendations. Prior to his surveying career, Brian owned and operated Stetler Marine Services, which provided installation and repair services of mechanical and electrical systems, and electronics on both new and used vessels.During that time he logged over 50,000 miles on vessels up to 105 feet, both power and sail, doing deliveries and working on private yachts.

This is the most comprehensive type of inspection, and is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel. A Pre-Purchase survey by Stetler Marine Surveys, is an independent and objective visual examination of the vessel's structure, systems, and equipment. It includes an out of water inspection of the hull and running gear (the cost of the haul out is at your expense); a check of the structural integrity of the hull, deck and superstructure; a test of all equipment for proper operation and installation; a sea trial; and an inspection of the electrical, plumbing, fuel, and waste systems.

When a boat is listed for sale with a broker, he or she will come on board, take pictures, get a list of equipment, and get a good feel for the condition of the boat. Based on that visit and their knowledge of the market, and how eager you are to sell, an asking price is set for the listing. When a surveyor is hired he does much of the same except that the inspection is more detailed, and instead of formulating an asking price, the surveyor is starting to formulate what the boat might be worth.The value that I put on a boat in my report is what is called "estimated fair market value".

This chain plate was holding the backstay of a C&C Landfall 42, when it failed without warning! Luckily, the mast was not lost. Lesson: Inspect your chain plates thoroughly! Give them a close visual inspection, and if you see much discoloration or ANY surface cracks, I would recommend removing them from the boat for a closer inspection - especially if your boat is over 10 or 12 years old.

The Corrosion Survey checks your underwater metal fittings to see if they are being protected adequately by the zincs that are installed. One of nature's phenomena is the fact that two different connected metals, when immersed in an electrolyte (sea water), develop electrical voltage and current. By measuring the voltage in millivolts, we can determine whether of not your boat metal is freely eroding, being protected, or is excessively protected, or if there is a problem with abonding wire e.g. the wire is loose, broken or not making good contact with the through hull.