The Importance of Yacht Surveys
At HLY Yachts, we understand that a yacht is not just a purchase—it’s an investment, a lifestyle, and a responsibility. That’s why comprehensive yacht surveys are a critical component of smart ownership and long-term vessel care.
Whether you’re in the process of purchasing a yacht, maintaining your current vessel, acquiring insurance, or looking for a marina’s approval, a professional survey provides invaluable insights into its condition, safety, and performance.
Different Types Of Yacht Surveys And Why They Are Essential?
Pre-Purchase Survey
Before purchasing any vessel, a professional marine survey is essential. A pre-purchase survey identifies potential structural, mechanical, and cosmetic issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. This information allows buyers to make informed decisions, accurately assess the vessel’s condition, and, when appropriate, renegotiate purchase pricing or repair terms prior to closing.
Annual Condition Survey
Yachts, like homes and vehicles, require ongoing inspection and maintenance to remain safe, reliable, and insurable. An annual condition survey helps identify normal wear, deferred maintenance, and developing issues before they escalate into costly repairs. These surveys provide owners with a proactive assessment of a vessel’s overall condition and are commonly used for maintenance planning, insurance compliance, and marina requirements.
Insurance Survey
An insurance survey is conducted to meet the requirements of marine insurance underwriters. This survey evaluates the vessel’s overall condition, safety systems, structural integrity, and compliance with applicable standards. Insurance surveys help underwriters assess risk and are often required when obtaining new coverage, renewing an existing policy, or after significant modifications or claims.
Marina Acceptance Survey
A marina acceptance survey is performed to satisfy marina or harbor requirements for vessel occupancy. This survey focuses on general seaworthiness, safety equipment, environmental compliance, and overall condition. Marinas use these surveys to ensure vessels meet their standards and do not pose safety or environmental risks within the facility.
Our Unique And Expert Hands-On Approach
Thanks to our extensive background in yacht management, HLY Yachts brings a uniquely thorough and experienced perspective to every survey we perform or oversee. Our approach goes beyond surface-level checks—we look at the bigger picture, assessing long-term service needs, compliance, and operational integrity.
At HLY Yachts, our daily, hands-on experience managing yachts gives us a distinct advantage. From electrical system repairs, solar design and installation, bilge cleaning, and oxidation removal, to routine maintenance tasks like cleaning sea strainers, we understand how each component below the waterline interacts within the broader ecosystem of your vessel.
This practical expertise allows us to approach surveys with a discerning eye and a deep understanding of the common issues—and hidden risks—that can arise underwater. We don’t just tick boxes; we assess your yacht’s underwater condition with the thoroughness it deserves.
We believe in being realistic: every yacht requires work. Even if a vessel appears to be in perfect shape, there will always be systems that need attention, maintenance, or upgrades. If you happen to come across a yacht that seems “turn-key,” it likely means that necessary maintenance has simply not yet been identified.
Want to schedule a survey or learn more about what to expect?
📞 Call us today at 818-216-8960 and let the experts at HLY Yachts give you the confidence and clarity you need.
What Are We Looking For In a Survey
The Critical Importance of What’s Below the Waterline
When it comes to yacht ownership and maintenance, one of the most crucial yet often overlooked areas is what lies below the waterline. This hidden part of the vessel houses vital components such as shaft seals, thru-hulls, seacocks, cutlass bearings, hull integrity, and potential blisters, all of which play an essential role in the safety and seaworthiness of your yacht.
Why Is This Area So Important?
The condition of what’s below the waterline can literally mean the difference between a vessel that floats and one that risks taking on water. Because these components are submerged and not easily visible, they can sometimes be neglected or missed during routine checks—potentially leading to serious, costly problems down the line.
- Shaft seals prevent water ingress around the propeller shaft.
- Thru-hulls and seacocks regulate water flow to critical systems and must be watertight and fully operational.
- Cutlass bearings support the propeller shaft, ensuring smooth propulsion and preventing wear that can cause leaks.
- Hull blisters are signs of osmosis that can weaken the hull structure if left untreated.
Have questions about your yacht’s condition below the waterline?
We’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss your concerns, ask questions, or schedule a detailed inspection. Let us share our insights and explain exactly what we’ll be looking for to keep your yacht safe and seaworthy.
📞 Call HLY Yachts at 818-216-8960 – your trusted partner in professional yacht surveys.
Meet Your Surveyors
JEREMY TALAMANTES
Jeremy Talamantes is a California-licensed yacht broker and professional marine surveyor with extensive hands-on experience across all aspects of yacht ownership and operation. He understands the time, costs, and level of attention required to keep vessels safe, seaworthy, and properly maintained.
Jeremy conducts comprehensive pre-purchase, insurance, marina acceptance, and annual condition surveys, providing clients with clear, reliable assessments that support informed decision-making and protect their investment. His technical expertise spans a wide range of vessel systems and components, including electrical systems and automation, solar design and installation, bilge management and safety systems, yacht detailing including wood and metal brightwork, fueling systems and components, shaft seals, propulsion and mechanical systems, as well as structural, cosmetic, and operational evaluations.
By combining technical precision with practical insight, Jeremy delivers surveys that provide a complete and accurate understanding of a vessel’s condition, helping owners, buyers, insurers, and marinas make confident, informed decisions.
TAYLOR LAWSON
Taylor Lawson brings over 16 years of marine surveying experience, including 6 years as a lead surveyor and more than 10 years as a survey assistant. He trained under a third-generation marine surveyor, receiving direct mentorship from his grandfather, who has over 15 years of professional surveying experience.
Taylor’s extensive surveying background spans a wide range of vessels from 15’ to 100’, including both power and sailing vessels constructed of fiberglass, wood, and aluminum. His experience includes surveys of pleasure craft as well as commercial fishing vessels, providing him with a broad and practical understanding of diverse vessel types and operating conditions.
He possesses comprehensive operational knowledge of Southern California waters, with surveying experience in all major harbors from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
Taylor holds ABYC and NAVTECH certifications and is an active member of the National Society of Boat Consultants (NSBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
He provides full-service marine surveying, including pre-purchase surveys, insurance surveys, and marina acceptance surveys, delivering thorough, accurate, and professional assessments for owners, buyers, insurers, and marinas.
The Reality Of Yacht Surveyors: Experience Matters More Than Certifications
In recent years, we have witnessed numerous instances where yacht surveys conducted by certified professionals have resulted in costly and unnecessary recommendations. For example, in one case, a buyer was advised to replace a shaft seal—an expense of approximately $15,000—that was ultimately unnecessary. In another situation, a survey listed multiple components as needing immediate replacement, when in fact, these parts were still in good condition. Thanks to our expertise, we were able to save that buyer around $10,000.
While certifications can provide some reassurance, it’s important to understand that a surveyor’s certification alone does not guarantee accuracy or diligence in their assessments. Certification organizations typically do not conduct rigorous follow-ups or quality reviews of the work performed by surveyors. This means that a certified surveyor’s report may still contain errors, omissions, or overly cautious recommendations that can lead to unnecessary expenses for yacht owners and buyers.
At HLY Yachts, we firmly believe that our practical, hands-on experience in daily yacht management is invaluable and surpasses what any certification can offer. Our team’s extensive real-world knowledge—gained through years of managing, maintaining, and servicing yachts—enables us to conduct surveys with a discerning and balanced approach. We focus on what truly matters, providing accurate assessments that protect your investment and help you make informed decisions.
If you have questions about a survey you’ve received, or if you’re considering a new survey and want a trusted expert’s opinion, we’re here to help.
📞 Contact HLY Yachts today at 818-216-8960 for reliable advice and professional yacht survey insights.
What Our Clients Say About HLY Yacht’s Surveys
“HLY Yachts saved me thousands of dollars by identifying unnecessary repairs on my new purchase. Their attention to detail and hands-on expertise gave me peace of mind throughout the buying process.”
— Mark T., Yacht Owner
“The team at HLY Yachts truly understands what it takes to perform a good yacht survey. Their comprehensive survey approach and honest opinions have made a significant difference in my purchasing experience.”
— Samantha L., Yacht Owner
“After receiving a survey report full of questionable recommendations from another company, I turned to HLY Yachts for a second opinion. Their experienced professionals quickly clarified what needed attention and what didn’t, saving me time and money.”
— David R., Buyer
