Trusted Marine Surveying Services in South Florida
Marine Survey Services
At TB Marine Services, we help clients get a clear, accurate picture of a vessel’s condition before making important decisions.
Led by Captain Tim Brown, our surveys are backed by hands-on marine experience, technical training, and professional credentials. We work with buyers, current boat owners, and clients who need surveys for insurance or valuation purposes. Each inspection covers the vessel’s structure, systems, and safety, followed by a detailed report with clear recommendations.
Successful Surveys
Years of Experience
Happy Clients
Pre-Purchase Survey
Insurance Survey
Valuation Survey
Sample Survey Reports
Objectives of Conducting a Marine Survey on a Vessel
A marine survey on a vessel aims to ensure safety, compliance, and operational integrity.
The primary goal or our inspections is to identify any potential issues that could compromise the vessel’s safety, performance, or compliance with legal standards.
Details of inspections
Hull Integrity Inspection
Methods and Tools: The surveyor employs appropriate techniques and tools tailored to the hull type to assess structural integrity.
Focus areas:
- Visual inspections for cracks, delamination, or other signs of damage.
- Non-destructive testing methods, if necessary, to evaluate hidden defects.
Running Gear Assessment
- Props: Checking for wear, damage, and proper alignment.
- Shafts: Inspecting for bends, corrosion, and secure fittings.
- Rudders: Ensuring functionality and examining for any signs of wear.
Underwater Components Inspection
Through-Hulls and Seacocks:
- Inspecting for leaks, corrosion, and operational integrity.
Exposed Metals:
- Assessing for abnormal corrosion and ensuring proper anti-fouling measures.
Bonding System Evaluation
Protection of Underwater Metals:
- Ensuring that exposed metals are protected with adequate sacrificial anodes.
- Verifying that the bonding system is intact and functioning, which is critical for corrosion mitigation and electrical safety.
Fuel System Inspection
- Inspecting grounding systems to prevent static discharge.
- Ensuring compliance with USCG standards for fuel hoses to prevent leaks and ensure safety.
Fuel Tank Mounts:
- Checking that fuel tanks are securely mounted and free from movement or corrosion.
Battery Inspection
- Utilizing a load capacitance tester to determine the remaining potential of the vessel’s batteries, ensuring they are capable of holding a charge and performing under load.
Compliance with Regulations
- Inspections are conducted in accordance with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards.
- Both AC and DC systems are scrutinized for compliance with safety standards, including wiring, circuit breakers, and grounding.
Fuel Tank Mounts:
- Checking that fuel tanks are securely mounted and free from movement or corrosion.
Mechanical and Auxiliary Systems Assessment
- Evaluating performance, operational safety, and maintenance records.
- Inspecting for responsiveness, leaks, and overall functionality.
- Ensuring proper operation of fresh water and waste systems, including holding tanks.
Safety Equipment and Navigation Systems
- Ensuring compliance with USCG minimum requirements, including navigation lights, horn, and helm visibility.
- Inspecting personal flotation devices, life rafts, EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons), and flares for current compliance.
Why Choose Us For Marine Surveying
Expertise Across Major Waterways
Accredited & Certified
A Proven Leader
Operated and owned by a U.S. Navy Veteran with decades of leadership in commercial marine operations.
Integrity and Reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not hire the cheapest marine surveyor?
Often, a surveyor charging less than his competitors is most likely inexperienced or not fully vested in the profession. Of course, anyone can print a business card and build a website saying they are a surveyor. On the contrary, career surveyors are very qualified, members of SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) and/or NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors) and are current with these organizations’ stringent educational and ethical requirements. As a result, an experienced surveyor will charge a fair price and provide a full survey of the vessel’s condition. Additionally, you are provided valuable feedback on repair options and resources.
Why do I need a marine surveyor?
To sum up, we can answer that by telling you the advantages that a survey provides:
- Firstly, a list of safety hazards that may endanger you and/or your family.
- Secondly, a detailed list of deficiencies that can effect the price of the vessel and/or help in your negotiating a purchase price.
- Thirdly, an insurance record of the condition of the vessel at the time of survey, which is invaluable in the case of a collision/allision, sinking or fire.
- Lastly, our marine surveys come with a formal record of condition for a future buyer.
What do marine surveys and inspections consist of?
First, we inspect every accessible area of the vessel from bow to stern. We will inspect the hull and deck structure, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. However, we do not engage in destructive testing. Therefore, we do not disassemble systems or compartments to gain access to every part of the vessel. Actually, compartments, joinery, or fixed parts are not considered “accessible” within the normal scope of an inspection. That being said, if circumstances arise in which some disassembly is required to determine the condition of a particular system, the surveyor may recommend, as part of the report, further inspection by a qualified marine technician.
Also, the report includes the surveyor’s opinion of the vessel’s fair market value, which will help you set a sale price or negotiate a purchase price.
Can a marine survey affect how much I pay for a boat insurance?
Yes. The condition findings in a survey directly influence how an insurer assesses risk. A thorough, accredited survey that documents the vessel’s structural integrity and safety systems can support more favorable insurance terms. Conversely, an incomplete or non-accredited report may be rejected outright by underwriters.
Where can I schedule a marine survey?
Scheduling is straightforward. Contact our office with vessel details about your vessel and our team will provide a comprehensive plan, timeline, and cost estimate to ensure a seamless experience. You can also receive a free quote from us by filling out our marine survey quote form.
Why clients trust us with their vessels
Trusted across South Florida, Caribbean & Central America
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Request Your FREE marine survey quote today
Get started today and get a clear, detailed report on your vessel’s condition.