Resource Articles
A Little Help from a Marine Surveyor
Field notes, cautionary tales, and practical advice from thousands of hours on boats. These articles draw on Jack’s work performing pre-purchase, insurance, yacht, appraisal, and damage marine surveys for clients across Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, and all Florida service areas. If you’re after a survey rather than reading material, see all marine survey services or contact Clayton Marine Surveys.
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8 Essential Steps in a Yacht or Boating Accident
A marine surveyor’s perspective on navigating the stressful and confusing path from accident to resolution in a marine loss incident. As a marine surveyor, I’ve seen countless damages. From a minor scrape against a dock to vessels burnt down to the waterline. One of the most stressful scenarios for any yacht owner is dealing with…
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Deciphering the Code: Navigating Marine Survey Reports for Savvy Buyers
Purchasing a boat is a thrilling journey, but it’s also a major investment that requires careful thought and preparation. A professional marine surveyor is your best ally in this process, acting as both an advocate and a guide. Their role is to uncover as much as possible about the vessel’s condition during the time allotted…
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Dirty Bottoms Stink: The Importance of Antifouling Bottom Paint for Your Yacht
As any seasoned yacht owner will tell you, the beauty and performance of a yacht go hand in hand with diligent maintenance. One critical aspect of yacht upkeep is maintaining a clean bottom through the use of the correct antifouling bottom paint, and a bottom cleaning schedule appropriate to your climate. As a marine surveyor…
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Don’t Get Anchored by a Bad Buy: How to Sail Smoothly into a Smarter Purchase!
Tips from a Marine Surveyor on Buying a Boat: Save Time, Money, and Headaches. When buying a boat, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding the perfect vessel. But before you set sail, it’s crucial to take a step back and approach the process with the level-headedness of an experienced mariner…
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Exhaust System Dangers: Advice from a Marine Surveyor
As a Florida marine surveyor, I’ve seen just about every kind of boat and yacht issue imaginable. Some I see more often than others. One area of constant concern. And something that’s crucial for the safety and longevity of your vessel. Is the exhaust system. Whether you own a small fishing boat or a luxurious…
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Neglected Nipples: The Importance of Maintaining Grease Fittings on Yacht Equipment
As a marine surveyor performing yacht surveys, I’ve seen many examples of equipment failure due to neglected grease fittings. These unassuming components, known as grease nipples or zerks, are critical to the longevity and performance of essential systems on your vessel, from the windlass to the drivetrain to seacock valves. They are very easy to…
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Seacock Talk: Keeping Your Boat Afloat
Seacocks are among the most critical components on a modern yacht or sailboat. They play a vital role in preventing water ingress, ensuring the safety and integrity of your vessel. Boats with any amenities will have seacocks, making it essential to understand their proper maintenance. The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) H-27.5 standard clearly…
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Shocking Corrosion on a New Seacock: A Cautionary Tale from a Marine Surveyor
As a professional marine surveyor, I’m used to seeing a wide range of vessel conditions, from well-maintained labor-of-loves to neglected disasters. I know I’ve partly covered this topic in a past article, but recently I came across something that left me genuinely shocked. While performing an inspection on a sailing catamaran that had been meticulously…
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The Death of a Boat: A Case from a Florida Marine Surveyor’s Notebook
As a Florida marine surveyor with years of hands-on experience across various types of vessels, I often encounter a broad range of issues that boat owners may not expect. One such case that recently came across my path involved a powerboat exhibiting a problem that is unfortunately common in older, lower-end production boats, and one…
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What is a Marine Survey and Why Do You Need One for Your Boat or Yacht?
If you’re in the market for a boat or looking to insure your current vessel, you’ve probably heard the term “marine survey” come up. But what exactly is a marine survey, and why is it so important? A marine survey is a comprehensive inspection conducted by a qualified professional. A marine surveyor. They’ll thoroughly examine…
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What is a Marine Surveyor and Why You Need One When Buying a Boat
Stepping aboard a boat you’re considering purchasing can stir romantic dreams of sailing off into the sunset or spending relaxed weekends on the water with family and friends. However, the excitement of a new boating lifestyle can cloud your vision to potential issues with the vessel. It’s all too easy to overlook faults when envisioning…