Pilothouse Marine Services
Other Marine Surveys
Understand the yacht. Make an informed decision.
Discuss your vessel ↗Insurance surveys
Condition &
Valuation Surveys
For insurance coverage and renewal
A condition and valuation survey documents a vessel’s condition, principal equipment, and estimated value for insurance purposes. Pilothouse Marine Services examines the vessel with particular attention to safety concerns, material deficiencies, and conditions relevant to underwriting.
Scope matched to the assignment
The scope depends on the vessel’s size, complexity, and condition, together with the insurer’s requirements. The examination generally covers accessible hull and structural components, machinery installations, electrical systems, fuel systems, and safety equipment.
An insurance survey typically does not include an underway trial, comprehensive operational testing, or a full machinery examination. A haulout may be required by the insurer or recommended based on the vessel and the circumstances. These requirements are established before the survey.
Condition, findings, and value
The report identifies the vessel and its principal equipment, documents significant findings with supporting photographs, and recommends corrective action or further evaluation. It includes an opinion of fair market value and estimated replacement cost, with the scope and limitations clearly stated.
The insurer determines whether the vessel is acceptable for coverage and what corrective work may be required.
An insurance condition and valuation survey serves a different purpose from a pre-purchase survey. Its scope should not be relied upon as a substitute for the examination needed to make a purchase decision.
For settlements and donations
Appraisal Surveys
Establishing a vessel’s value
An appraisal provides an independent opinion of a vessel’s fair market value for a defined purpose and date. Assignments may involve financing, estate administration, divorce settlements, charitable donations, or other circumstances requiring a documented valuation.
Pilothouse Marine Services establishes the purpose and scope of the appraisal before work begins, including any requirements identified by the intended recipient.
A valuation supported by evidence
The appraisal considers the vessel’s identity, age, condition, equipment, and relevant market information. Comparable vessels are evaluated with attention to differences in configuration, maintenance, and condition. Asking prices are distinguished from verified sale information where available.
The report explains the basis for the value opinion and identifies the information relied upon, assumptions, and limitations.
An appraisal’s inspection scope is determined by the assignment. It does not automatically include the systems testing or comprehensive condition assessment performed during a pre-purchase survey.
In the event of damage
Damage Surveys
Establishing the extent of damage
A damage survey documents damage to a vessel’s hull, structure, machinery, or onboard systems. Pilothouse Marine Services works with insurers and vessel owners to assess the affected areas, investigate probable causes, and identify the work needed for repair.
Assignments may follow a specific incident or involve deterioration whose cause and extent are not yet understood.
Investigation and repair assessment
The examination considers the visible damage, surrounding components, and available information about the incident. Photographs, service records, and other relevant documentation help establish the circumstances and support the assessment.
Where damage extends into concealed areas, further access, testing, or specialist examination may be recommended. Conclusions distinguish observed conditions from probable causes and identify where the available evidence is insufficient.
Documentation for the repair process
The report describes the damage, explains the conclusions supported by the examination, and recommends repairs or further investigation. Repair proposals and estimates can be reviewed for consistency with the documented damage and proposed scope of work.
Coordination with boatyards, repair contractors, and towing or salvage operators is included where the assignment requires it.
Preliminary survey
Walk-Through Surveys
An independent look before proceeding
A walk-through provides an initial assessment of a prospective purchase before you commit to a full pre-purchase survey. It is particularly useful when the vessel is some distance away, your time is limited, or you are narrowing a list of candidates.
Pilothouse Marine Services visits the vessel on your behalf to assess its apparent condition and identify concerns that warrant closer attention.
Focused on your purchase considerations
The scope is agreed in advance around the vessel and your priorities. The visit focuses on readily accessible areas, visible condition, and questions raised by the listing or information provided by the seller.
Observations help you decide whether to proceed, request additional information, or reconsider the vessel before incurring the cost of a full survey.
A walk-through is a preliminary examination. It does not establish the condition of concealed components or verify the operation of all onboard systems, and it does not replace a pre-purchase survey.
Vessel inspections for ownership and maintenance
A vessel inspection provides a comprehensive evaluation of a vessel’s major and minor systems. It includes detailed visual examination, functional testing, and operational checks of accessible systems and components.
Unlike a marine survey for purchase, insurance, or financing, a vessel inspection supports ongoing ownership and maintenance planning. There is no buyer, seller, broker, or transactional requirement involved, and there is no Fair Market Value determination.
Pilothouse Marine Services
Request a survey
Provide the vessel details, location, and type of survey needed to discuss your assignment.
Request a Survey ↗Availability depends on the vessel’s location and the scope of the assignment. Review our service areas and travel arrangements when planning your survey.
The report
Explore the illustrative report pages to see how findings and recommendations are presented.
Explore the sample report ↗