White motor yacht with its reflection on dark water.

PilothouseMarine Services

Understand the yacht,
make an informed decision.

Independent marine surveys backed by technical expertise, thorough inspection, and clear reporting.

Steve SmithAccredited Marine Surveyor

SAMS AMS #1380Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors

ABYC Master TechnicianSystems knowledge, practical application

Services

Survey services

Professional marine services for yacht owners, commercial vessel operators, and boatyards, with an emphasis on material condition, system functionality, and clarity of findings.

Based in Beaufort, North Carolina, serving coastal communities from Yorktown, Virginia, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Travel beyond this region is available by arrangement.

Explore service areas and travel →

Yacht helm with navigation displays, wheel, and engine controls

Inspection approach

Complex systems.
Practical understanding.

Detailed examination of the vessel’s major and minor systems. Technical accuracy and practical value, with attention to the condition of accessible components and how they function.

About Steve Smith

Experience across power and sail

From motor yachts and cruising sailboats to center consoles with multiple outboards, Pilothouse Marine Services brings practical knowledge of vessel construction, machinery, and onboard systems to each survey.

Sailing catamaran, motor yacht, and center console with multiple outboard engines on blue water.
Sailing Yachts & CatamaransMotor YachtsCenter Consoles & Outboard Power

Reporting

From inspection
to a clear report.

Technically precise, risk-focused survey reports that support informed decisions in pre-purchase, insurance, and underwriting contexts.

Complete reports are provided only to the client and are not published publicly.

PILOTHOUSEMARINE SERVICES

A closer look at the findings

Explore the complete sample report showing how vessel condition, findings, and recommendations are documented.

Illustrative sample — fictional vessel and client. Not a survey report.

Condition & evidence
What was observed, supported by inspection notes and photographs.
Significance & action
Why the condition matters and the recommended corrective action.
Scope & limitations
What was inspected and where access or testing was limited.

Sample survey report

Illustrative sample — fictional vessel and client. Not a survey report.

Future technical library

Marine Field Guides

A planned collection of practical marine reference material.
In development for a future phase.

Planned / Not yet available

Start a conversation

Let’s discuss
your vessel.

Tell us about the vessel, its location, and the survey you need.

Based in Beaufort, North Carolina, serving coastal communities in North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. Regional and international assignments are considered according to vessel size, survey scope, and travel requirements.

View service areas and travel

Contact Pilothouse Marine Services

Steve SmithAccredited Marine Surveyor · AMS #1380

252-732-6427steve@pilothousemarineservices.com

Beaufort, North Carolina
Travel to the vessel by arrangement.

Professional Affiliations

  • Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - Accredited Marine Surveyor AMS # 1380 - Steve Smith

  • American Boat & Yacht Council - ABYC Master Technician

  • National Fire Protection Agency Member