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Marine Surveyors — Puget Sound Region

A marine survey is essential before purchasing any used sailboat and is required by nearly all lenders and insurance companies. A good surveyor protects you from buying someone else's problems. This page lists accredited surveyors in the Puget Sound region and explains what to expect from the survey process.

Never skip the survey. A pre-purchase survey on a $20,000 boat costs $400–$800. It will either confirm the boat is sound or reveal problems worth far more than the survey fee. Every experienced sailor has a story about a boat that looked fine on the surface and failed survey badly.

SAMS vs. NAMS — What the Credentials Mean

SAMS — Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors

  • marinesurvey.org — the SAMS directory; find accredited members by state and specialty
  • AMS® (Accredited Marine Surveyor) — the highest SAMS designation; requires passing written and practical exams, documented survey experience, professional references, and continuing education
  • SMS (Surveyor Member) — working toward AMS designation; less experience but still a SAMS member in good standing
  • SAMS membership requires adherence to a code of ethics; members must carry E&O (errors and omissions) insurance

NAMS — National Association of Marine Surveyors

  • nams-cms.org — NAMS directory
  • CMS (Certified Marine Surveyor) — the highest NAMS designation; rigorous testing and experience requirements
  • AMS (Associate Member Surveyor) — entry-level NAMS membership
  • Both SAMS and NAMS are recognized by insurance companies and lenders; either designation is acceptable for insurance surveys

What a Pre-Purchase Survey Includes

  • Hull inspection — moisture meter readings throughout the hull and deck; checking for delamination, osmotic blistering, core damage
  • Structural survey — keel attachment, chainplates, mast step, bulkheads, through-hulls, seacocks
  • Rig inspection — standing rigging condition, mast and boom integrity, forestay and backstay attachment
  • Mechanical systems — engine, transmission, fuel system, exhaust, stuffing box or shaft seal
  • Electrical systems — AC and DC wiring, battery condition, bilge pump operation, nav lights
  • Safety equipment inventory — flares, life jackets, fire extinguishers, EPIRBs
  • Sea trial — engine under load, sail handling (if applicable), instruments
  • Written report — detailed condition assessment with fair market and replacement value; required by insurers
Haul the boat. Always insist on a haulout as part of the survey — this is the only way to inspect the underwater hull, keel bolts, rudder, through-hulls, and prop. Many sellers resist this. If they won't allow a haulout, walk away.

Puget Sound Marine Surveyors

Listed by service area. Always verify current credentials and availability directly — surveyor availability changes. Ask any surveyor for their SAMS or NAMS member number and verify it on the association website before hiring.

Edwards Marine Survey

SAMS AMS®

Surveyor: Edward Gonsorowski, AMS®

Service area: Seattle, Edmonds, Everett, Tacoma, Anacortes, greater Puget Sound

Specialty: Pre-purchase condition and valuation surveys of yachts and sailboats

edwardsmarinesurvey.com — (206) 890-5777

Currents Marine Survey, LLC

SAMS Certified

Service area: Seattle, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Olympia, Anacortes, Bellingham, Port Townsend, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Olympic Peninsula, Everett, Coeur d'Alene

Services: On-site inspections, limited sea trials, comprehensive written reports

currentsmarinesurvey.com

Allport Marine Survey

SAMS AMS®

Surveyor: Tony Allport, AMS®

Service area: South Sound — Olympia, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Bremerton

Phone: (253) 405-8324

marinesurveyor.com/allport

Merrick Marine

SAMS Accredited

Services: Marine survey, vessel inspections, captain services, marine investigation

Service area: Puget Sound

merrickmarine.com

Kingspoke Marine Surveying

SAMS Member

Service area: Puget Sound region

kingspokemarine.com

Pacific Rim Marine Surveyors

NAMS Member

Location: Anacortes, WA

Service area: Anacortes, San Juan Islands, North Sound

Specialty: Yachts, small craft, and commercial fishing vessels

Anacortes Marina Surveyor Directory

The Anacortes Marina maintains a list of surveyors familiar with vessels based in the Anacortes / Cap Sante area — the largest concentration of offshore cruising boats on Puget Sound.

anacortesmarina.com — Surveyors

National Surveyor Directories

What a Survey Costs

  • Pre-purchase survey: $15–$25 per foot of boat length is typical; a 35 ft sailboat runs $525–$875 plus haulout costs
  • Insurance survey (condition & valuation): Similar pricing; required by insurers every 3–5 years on older boats
  • Damage survey: Hourly rate; typically $100–$175/hr
  • Haulout: $8–$20/ft at most yards; budget separately from the survey fee
  • Always get a written quote before the survey; confirm what is and isn't included (sea trial, haulout coordination, moisture meter readings)

Tips for Hiring a Surveyor

  • Hire your own surveyor — never use one recommended by the seller or broker; the surveyor works for you
  • Ask specifically about their experience with the type and age of boat you're surveying — a surveyor who does mostly powerboats may miss sailboat-specific issues (rig, keel, chainplates)
  • Attend the survey in person — walk through it with the surveyor; you'll learn more about the boat in 4 hours than you could in 10 viewings
  • Ask about their report format; a good survey report is detailed, specific, and prioritizes findings by severity
  • A survey is not a guarantee — it is a snapshot of the boat's condition on the day of inspection