Douglas Gould
Surveyor Associate, SAMS
Standards Accredited, ABYC
Douglas Gould
Surveyor Associate, SAMS®
Standards Accredited, ABYC
USCG 100T License
843-655-3653
doing it part-time for about 5 years, and in 2006 I decided it was time to pursue a
business that offered more regular hours than the towboat/rescue industry does. I've
spent a lifetime specializing in career avoidance, so poking around on boats and
writing about them seemed like a natural progression. Joining SAMS® was a great
decision, because they offer the willing a chance to learn, and the senior members
are very generous with sharing their advice and knowledge.
A marine surveyor always brings a bag of tools which inevitably includes small
hammers, cameras, flashlights, meters, mirrors... A surveyor's most important tool is
not in that bag however, because a surveyor is not a craftsman that uses hand tools
so much as he is an investigative reporter, and it is his curiosity that is his greatest
asset. To me, boats are like miniature universities - filled with opportunities to teach
me something. What holds them together? Where did that puddle of oil come from?
Does that loose wire lead anywhere? Every boat is a learning experience, a
classroom to stimulate the curious mind.
When you hire a marine surveyor, you are looking for someone who is well versed in
all the various standards and regulations. Those are the building blocks of any good
survey report. But an outstanding report should be more than just a shopping list of
recommendations; that is why my survey reports include as much narrative as time
permits. Not only does that make a report more readable, but I think it makes the best
use of the written format
My experience in the marine assistance and rescue industry has formed a unique
foundation for what I see when I survey a boat. I have responded to thousands of
calls for assistance, from simple dead batteries to fires and sinkings. The results of
bad installations, poor equipment choices and the general mayhem that comes from
neglect are the problems that I see and deal with everyday. Marine surveying is a
logical extension of my skills as a problem solver.

Condition and Value Surveys. A Condition and Value (C&V) survey involves a
comprehensive visual inspection that has three primary goals. First, to discover
problems or deficiencies that would compromise the safety of the vessel or her crew.
Second, to accurately report the physical condition of the vessel and its equipment,
and finally, to appraise the vessel’s fair market value at the time of survey. A C&V
survey is what you need if you are financing a boat purchase and the finance
company is requesting a "marine survey", or if your hull insurance company has
requested a survey before renewing your coverage.

When I conduct a pre-purchase C&V, I assume that you want me to find every little
thing, both good and bad, to assist you in your purchase decision. I am going to act
as your advocate so that you understand what you are buying. I may even find
something that persuades you to shop for a different boat.

A C&V for insurance renewal is not quite as intense, because you already own the
boat. I'm not going to waste your money pointing out minor cosmetic flaws (like carpet
stains, for instance). While conducting the inspection, we don't spend time discussing
the ramifications of your purchase decision, so I can focus on the safety and physical
condition factors as they relate to insurance and value. What this means is that an
insurance renewal survey is generally less costly than a pre-purchase survey. An
insurance survey is often conducted with the vessel in the water, which further
reduces the inspection time.

Either one will produce a detailed report that describes the physical condition and
market value of the boat, to the best of my ability.

These fees are not written in stone, and I am always willing to discuss alternatives for
your situation.

Insurance Renewal Survey: $14/ft for boats up to 40'. Larger boats quoted
individually.

Pre-Purchase Survey: $16/ft for boats up to 40'. (with a $500 minimum). Larger boats
quoted individually.

Consulting and Sea Trial time: $95/hour, in half hour increments.

The report includes one paper copy delivered by US Priority Mail, plus a CD with a
digital copy of the report and copies of all the photos I took during the inspection.
Your report is saved as a PDF file, and can be easily e-mailed to anyone. Faxing the
report to US phone numbers is always free.

.50/mile travel charge outside a 30 mile radius from the Myrtle Beach International
Airport. Trips to south to Georgetown and north as far as Little River are not charged
a travel fee for complete C&V surveys.
You can download a Survey Agreement by clicking here:
Survey Request and Agreement
Surveys & Rates