SOUND SURVEYORS

Serving Washington's Puget Sound Since 1978

JOE A. STEVENS, ABYC

ABYC Standards Certified Marine Surveyor

1-253-838-5111 Voice

1-253-838-5128 Fax

Joe A. Stevens has been involved in the marine profession since 1968. Prior to that time he assisted in the maintenance of various vessels and cruised extensively on Washington's Puget Sound and gulf islands. After service in the United States Navy he entered the marine profession with Chris Craft of Seattle commissioning new yachts as they arrived from the factory in Michigan. This led to the installation of equipment and maintenance of these vessels and eventually being named Service Manager. In 1972, Joe and a business partner opened Harbor Service in Tacoma, Washington. This business soon became one of the major repair facilities in the Tacoma area. All types of marine repairs were performed. This led to the founding of Sound Surveyors in 1978. In 1984 Joe left Harbor Service to become a full time Marine Surveyor. He has performed approximately 300 surveys a year since that time. Joe is a full time marine professional who works exclusively in the survey field with no other conflicts of interest.

Services available

Condition Valuation reports

This is the most common and comprehensive type of marine inspection. A Condition Valuation Inspection is strongly suggested for anyone purchasing a used or even new vessel. These inspections cover not only the structural integrity of the vessel but the general condition of the wiring, fuel system, propulsion system and miscellaneous on-board systems. This inspection is best done while the vessel is dry docked as this will permit a thorough inspection of the hull bottom as well. A full written report is provided with recommendations for repairs as well as a current valuation of the value of the vessel. Also included are the list of vessel particulars. This survey can also be used for your insurance company as well as finance. These inspections are conducted in accordance with ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council Recommendations for Small Craft), NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) and 33 CFR (Rules and Regulations for Recreational Boats)

Insurance Survey

This survey is conduced for the benefit of the insurance company who insures your vessel. They are interested in the structural integrity of the vessel as well as the safety for its intended use. Most insurance companies will require this type of inspection periodically depending on age of vessel, type and location. They will also want a updated market value for the vessel. A report is issued with recommendations and vessel particulars. This survey is also conducted in accordance with ABYC, NFPA, and 33CFR

Appraisal Inspection

This is an inspection performed to establish a fair market value for the vessel involved. The inspection involves a general inspection of the vessel with a accompanying report. It is normally needed for financing, estate settlements, donations and legal cases.

Sound Surveyors conducts all of it surveys as if they were for Condition and Valuation. All surveys require a full inspection to establish a value. They all require writing of a report. I feel that if a bank or insurance company is demanding the a client need to spend money for my services the least I can do is to try and evaluate his vessel to the best of my ability. This quite often leads to recommendations the owner was not aware existed. Some of which could have caused serious problems.

Damage Inspections

This is a survey to assess the extent of damage to vessel who have unfortunately been involved in an accident or in some other way damaged. These inspections can establish the recommended list of repairs. Estimates can be prepared as needed. Cause of the damage can be established. Recommendations of market value before and after the accident can be established.

Membership

American Boat and Yacht Council

Boats/US Technical Exchange

Links

Searchable MIC Data Base

Vessel Documentation Look up up by registry number

Vessel Documentation Look up by Boat Name

Yacht World Database of Boats, Brokers and other information

Great Article on Blistering of Hulls

Marine Insurance

Last updated March 10, 2008, Comments Joe Stevens, Sound Surveyors e-mail Joe Stevens jstevens@soundsurveyors.com