“A ship is a little world, sufficient to itself. It is a planet moving in space. One is caught up out of time, and there is only the now and the here (Peter Gerard 1962)

A boat is a complex and finely tuned machine made up of many interconnected systems — from the hull and rigging to the wiring and mechanical components — all of which must function together to ensure safety and performance. When purchasing a vessel, especially a pre-owned one, understanding its full condition can be challenging. That’s where Caribbean Marine Surveyors Ltd. comes in. With over two decades of experience conducting marine surveys for the British Virgin Islands and throughout the Caribbean, our certified surveyors provide accurate, detailed inspections that protect your investment and give you confidence in your purchase.

THE PURCHASE SURVEY

The Purchase Survey is the most thorough inspection available and is highly recommended before buying a new or used vessel. This assessment provides buyers with essential information about a boat’s structure, condition, and seaworthiness. It’s also frequently required by insurance companies and lenders as part of the underwriting process.

During our boat surveys for the British Virgin Islands, we examine every critical area of your vessel, including:

  • Identify the vessel and major equipment using serial numbers wherever possible.
  • Identify defects, damages, previous repairs where visible.
  • Include an evaluation of the structural integrity of the hull and deck.
  • Report on the hull bottom for delamination and osmosis evaluation.
  • Report on the condition of the mast and rigging including the rig aloft.
  • Report on the installation of machinery and the condition of engines as far as can be ascertained from their operation.
  • Report on the installation of electrical equipment.
  • Report on the tankage.
  • Include details of the safety equipment.
  • Evaluate the navigation equipment.
  • The report will be written in concise normal language using marine terminology where necessary.
  • The report will contain digital photographs of pertinent items.
  • The report will be completed in a timely manner.

The survey does not include a detailed evaluation of the sails or a detailed mechanical evaluation of the engine(s). These are available through local contractors.

Your final report includes digital photographs, detailed notes, and clear, professional explanations written in straightforward language — so you fully understand your vessel’s condition. The report is typically completed promptly after inspection and can be used for purchase, insurance, or financing purposes.

BEFORE THE SURVEY

Before your survey, we encourage vessel owners and buyers to prepare the boat for inspection by ensuring lockers are cleared, safety equipment is accessible, and ship papers are available for review. For the most complete evaluation, we recommend performing the survey both in and out of the water. Most local boatyards in the British Virgin Islands offer convenient “survey hauls,” allowing the vessel to be lifted and held in the slings for inspection, saving time and cost. When possible, we also suggest scheduling a short sea trial to observe the vessel’s handling and systems under way.

Once the inspection is complete, our surveyor will discuss the findings directly with you, explaining each observation and recommendation. At Caribbean Marine Surveyors Ltd., we believe that a successful survey is a collaborative process between the buyer, seller, and surveyor. With our decades of experience and deep understanding of Caribbean vessels, we ensure that every client receives a professional, transparent, and insightful evaluation.

OUR CONTRACT

Please review our Survey Contract. You can print it and either fax it to us or scan it and email it to us when we have agreed terms, etc.

OUR FEES

Our fees are based on normally equipped fiberglass boats to 50 feet on a sliding scale depending on length.

Monohulls less than 40′ are US$38.00 per foot, 40′ to 49′ are US$40.00 per foot. 50′ to 59′ are US$45.00 per foot and 60′ or above by individual quotation with a minimum of US$50 per foot.

Multihulls less than 40′ are US$42.00 per foot, 40′ to 49′ are US$45.00 per foot. 50′ to 59′ are US$50.00 per foot and 60′ or above by individual quotation with a minimum of US$55 per foot . We accept payment by a cheque drawn on a US Bank, Travellers cheques, Cash, Credit and Debit cards, Wire transfer, or you can pay online.  Our payment system is very easy. We email you an invoice with a “Pay Now” button which takes you to a secure on-line system managed by Fygero”. You enter the card details and as soon as you pay, we get an email showing payment and it is also registered on our Fygero account. At no time do we see any of your card details.t. For reference, check out our Catamaran sample and Monohull sample.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us today. Call (1) 284 346 2091 or email info@caribsurveyors.com. The time zone is GMT-4 or Eastern US time. We are located in the Caribbean, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.