Getting a Cape Coral marine survey done as often as possible is recommended. This is because it is only with a survey that you will be able to identify issues on your boat and get them fixed before they worsen. Moreover, while some insurance companies will accept a survey that is 4 to 5 years old, you need to get a fresh survey whenever you are applying for boat insurance. This is the only way you will be guaranteed of getting the most comprehensive coverage.
As to the question of how often do I need a marine survey, the simple answer is at least once every 5 years. As a boat owner, it is imperative that you get a fresh boat survey done once the old survey is at least 5 years old. Doing so will help assess the current condition of your boat as well as determine the vessel’s fair market value. It is only with a fresh survey that you will be able to identify issues on your boat.
While waiting five years before the next boat survey is fine, it is important to note that you may require to update your boat survey report more frequently if you own a wooden boat. This is for the simple fact that wood has a higher risk of rot and damage. For wooden vessels, it is recommended to get a fresh survey at least once every 2 to 3 years. This is a common marine survey requirement for wooden boats. You should, however, note that some insurance companies are okay with extending the frequency of surveying a wooden boat to 10 or even 15 years. All in all, the more current your survey report is the better picture you will have of your boat.
Another factor that dictates the answer to how often do I need a marine survey is what you need the survey for. If you are frequently using your boat as collateral, you will have to get a fresh marine survey done every time you need financing. When applying for boat insurance, it is good to make sure that you get a fresh survey to present to the insurer. A marine survey that is 12 to 18 months old is better than one that is 4 to 5 years old. This is because the more current a survey, the better the coverage you will get.
There is no single answer to the question of how often you need a marine survey. Working closely with an experienced marine surveyor that comes highly recommended in Cape Coral will, however, guarantee that you get the most comprehensive survey report.