Helm

Connecticut's most trusted marine survey.

Pre-purchase marine surveys conducted by SAMS®- and NAMS®-credentialed surveyors. Accepted by major lenders and insurers.

Helm marine survey report sample cover, 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 50

Anyone can fall for a boat.

We tell you whether you can trust it.

Schedule now

Photographed, measured, explained.

The Marine Survey Report.

A credentialed inspection of every system on the vessel: hull, mechanical, electrical, rigging, safety. Documented in a 30+ page report with photographs of every finding and a fair-market valuation.

Every system. Every finding. Nothing assumed, nothing skipped, and accepted by every major lender and insurer.

  • Hull, structure & moisture analysis
  • Mechanical, electrical & rigging assessment
  • Safety equipment & compliance review
  • Photographed findings & fair-market valuation
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 50 at the dock, pre-purchase survey subject

Three steps. One clear answer.

  1. 01

    Book online

    Tell us about your boat and marina, pick a date. A confirmation email lands in your inbox the moment you book, with a short list of questions to answer before we arrive.

  2. 02

    The inspection

    An accredited surveyor inspects the vessel at your marina, on the date you chose. Photographed in full.

  3. 03

    The documents

    You receive the Marine Survey Report. Ready for your lender and insurer in two business days.

Schedule your survey

Asked often. Answered plainly.

A basic inspection covers what's visible. A proper marine survey covers what isn't: moisture in the deck core, corrosion in the wiring, fatigue in the rigging, evidence of prior damage. We perform the kind of survey marine lenders and insurers actually require. The difference is the depth and the documentation.

Our survey includes a visual and operational assessment of the engine, drivetrain, and steering. We report on what we observe with the systems inspected and running. A full internal engine evaluation (oil analysis, compression or borescope testing) is a specialized mechanical survey performed by a marine mechanic. For higher-hour or higher-value engines we'll tell you plainly when one is worth it, and we can coordinate it alongside our inspection.

Most pre-purchase surveys take four to six hours on-site. You receive the Marine Survey Report within two business days of the inspection. We don't rush it, and we don't pad it.

The report is yours. It documents what we found: the systems that are sound, the items that need attention, and our notes on each finding. What you do with it is your decision: negotiate, walk away, or proceed. We're not in the business of selling you repairs.

Yes. The accredited surveyor who inspects your boat is the one who writes, signs, and stands behind the report. No junior handoff, no anonymous template. You'll know exactly who did the work, and you can reach them directly with questions long after the report is delivered.

You're welcome to attend, and many buyers do. It's the best way to understand the boat first-hand. But it isn't required. Either way, we walk you through every finding once the report is in your hands.

A standard pre-purchase survey covers the vessel in and out of the water as access allows. Sea trials and short-haul / out-of-water inspections can be arranged when the seller or yard makes the boat available. Tell us what you need when you book and we'll coordinate it.

A pre-purchase survey is a thorough, non-destructive inspection. We don't open up structure, dismantle the engine, or remove tanks, headliner, or fixed joinery. It's a point-in-time assessment of accessible systems and condition, not a warranty or a guarantee of future performance. Internal engine testing and any work behind sealed or inaccessible areas fall outside the standard scope. Where something can't be fully assessed, we say so in the report, in plain language, rather than guess.

Schedule your survey.

No card to reserve. You pay after the survey's complete.

01 Your boat

30 ft

Estimated investment

$900 – $1,050

30′ vessel · pre-purchase survey

02 Choose your day

Month

03 Your details

You're on the calendar.

Thank you. Your confirmation email is on its way right now.