Yachtsman Marine Survey LLC

We provide pre-purchase, insurance, condition & value surveys
and more throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Yachtsman Marine Survey provides detailed, accurate, and objective marine surveying and investigation services throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and surrounding Great Lakes communities.

Based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, we provide professional marine surveys for sailboats, yachts, houseboats, and small commercial vessels. Our inspections are conducted with a thorough and methodical approach, providing clients with the information they need to make informed decisions regarding the purchase, ownership, insurance, and valuation of their vessel.

Yachtsman Marine Survey is accredited in recreational and small commercial vessel surveying through the Navtech USSA Surveyors Association, based in Fort Myers, Florida. Navtech is one of the longest-established marine surveyor training organizations in the United States.

Marine Survey & Investigation Services

Our services include:

Pre-Purchase Surveys
Insurance Surveys
Condition & Value Surveys
Appraisal Surveys
Damage Surveys
Accident & Fraud Investigations
Consulting Services

Whether you are purchasing a vessel, obtaining insurance, evaluating its current condition, or investigating damage or loss, Yachtsman Marine Survey provides professional, impartial information to help protect your investment.

Certifications, Accreditations, Memberships

Our Mission

Our goal is to ensure the structural integrity and safety of every vessel we survey, investing as much time as required to achieve this goal. We adhere to a strict code of ethics with continuing education throughout the year. We will be sure to answer every question you may have regarding the inspection we are hired to do.

What is a Marine Survey?

A marine survey is an inspection of a vessel to determine its overall condition that day of the inspection. The marine survey should be comprehensive, thorough, and cover all systems in the boat as well as structure, cosmetic condition, include findings and recommendations, and valuation. If you’re intending to invest several thousand of your hard-earned dollars in purchasing a boat, a marine survey may be the least expensive and most valuable tool you have to assist you in that purchase.

What we do?

Our examination process of a boat is very thorough. We slowly inspect every part of a boat which is accessible. This being said, if a panel or coverings are removable, we will make every effort to remove it for inspection. This process begins at the bow of the boat then working my way aft then out of the boat.

This inspection process provides a reference of where we’ve been, whats been inspected, made notes, and take photos. Along the way we will also test electrical and mechanical systems, and develop an inventory. It’s a lot of on our hands and knees and contorting our body but that’s what it takes to get a full understanding on the condition of the boat

How much does a survey cost?

We think it’s all about what value the survey brings to you. Normally the initial cost of the survey is outweighed by the information gained and gathered and the problems that are found or averted. There have numerous boat owners that have saved thousands of dollars, not to mention the life safety issues. We also understand that you want to spend your money wisely and I’m sure that we can help with that. Call or text me to set up a consultation.

Title 46 and 33 Marine
Survey Standards

All surveys are done to the mandatory standards promulgated by The United States Coast Guard under Title 46 of the United States Code (USC) and Titles 33 and 46 of The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the voluntary standards and recommended practices developed by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Preparing For A Marine Survey Inspection

We work for you!

You hire Yachtsman Marine Survey with the confidence that we only work for you and report to no one else. It is our interest to protect your interest, call or text us for a free estimate today.

Underwater Hull Inspections with 4K Submersible Drone

Yachtsman Marine Survey LLC is proud to offer underwater hull inspections using advanced submersible drone technology — an affordable, time-saving alternative to traditional haul-outs.

Our state-of-the-art 4K camera drone allows us to perform comprehensive underwater inspections without removing your yacht from the water. This innovative service provides high-resolution video documentation of the following critical components:

Hull condition and potential blisters
Anodes and overall corrosion protection
Propellers, shafts, and struts
Bow thrusters and outdrives
Through-hulls and transducers
Trim tabs and leveling systems

Why Choose an Underwater Drone Inspection?

Save Time and Money: Avoid scheduling delays and high costs associated with lifting your yacht out of the water.
Immediate Results: Receive clear, high-definition video footage and a professional evaluation while your vessel remains in its slip or mooring.
Early Problem Detection: Identify hull blisters, corrosion, and underwater damage before they become costly repairs.
Convenient and Mobile Service: Yachtsman Marine Survey LLC proudly serves yacht owners throughout Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana — bringing our expertise and technology directly to your location.

Our underwater hull inspections combine modern drone technology with the trusted expertise of a certified marine surveyor. Whether for routine maintenance, pre-purchase evaluation, or insurance documentation, this service delivers valuable insight into your vessel’s underwater condition.

Contact us today to schedule your underwater inspection or learn more about how Yachtsman Marine Survey LLC can help protect your investment.

Maritime Accident and
Fraud Investigation

At Yachtsman Marine Survey LLC, we specialize in providing comprehensive Maritime Accident and Fraud Investigation services to a wide range of clients, including banks, insurance companies, marinas, yacht and sailboat owners, and other maritime businesses. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to uncovering the facts behind maritime accidents, ensuring the accuracy of insurance claims, and identifying fraudulent activities in the maritime industry.

We offer free estimates to help you understand the scope of our services and the potential costs involved before committing to an investigation. Our goal is to ensure transparency and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.

Our services include:

Accident Investigations: We conduct thorough investigations of maritime accidents, whether they involve yachts, sailboats, or commercial vessels. Our goal is to determine the cause, contributing factors, and liability of the incident, helping clients assess damages accurately, establish fault, and meet regulatory compliance requirements.

Fraud Detection and Prevention: Our team is equipped to investigate fraudulent activities, including false insurance claims, misrepresentation of vessel conditions, or unethical repair practices. By uncovering these issues early, we help protect yacht and sailboat owners, insurance companies, and marinas from financial losses and reputational damage.

Insurance Support: We offer expert services to insurance companies, ensuring claims are legitimate and providing detailed investigations into damages, repairs, and accident causes. Our accurate and reliable assessments help streamline the claims process and prevent fraudulent activities.

Bank and Marina Consulting: For banks and marinas, we provide specialized consulting services to identify and prevent fraud in financing, maintenance, and vessel transactions. Our goal is to safeguard your investments and assets from potential threats and ensure the ongoing security of maritime operations.

Services for Yacht and Sailboat Owners: For individual yacht and sailboat owners, we offer peace of mind through comprehensive accident investigations and fraud detection services. Whether you're dealing with an insurance claim, a dispute, or concerns about fraud, we provide expert guidance to help protect your vessel and ensure your financial interests are secure.

With a reputation for integrity and precision, Yachtsman Marine Survey LLC is your trusted partner for maritime accident and fraud investigation services. We provide clear, actionable insights that enable our clients to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and protect their investments in the maritime world. And with our free estimates, you can begin the process with confidence, knowing you’re making an informed choice.

Marine Survey Inquiry Form