SAMS or NAMS ??

[n5ama]

I’m considering the purchase of a boat across the country from me. I want a complete, unbiased and thorough survey. Does anyone have a feel between the two organizations, NAMS and SAMS, of which would be a better choice for a small monohull boat (Cape Dory 25D)?

I’ve never had any dealings with a surveyor and would appreciate some guidance.
Thanks

[Bycrick]

It isn’t the credentials. Either organization has good and bad members. Ask for prior customers and talk to a couple. Ask him to tell you about the boat you want him to survey. "Have you ever surveyed a Sinker 37?" "What did you think about it?" Try to get somebody who specializes in the type and size of boat you’re looking at. Somebody who’s good at go-fast fishing boats might know little of cruising sailboats. When I bought my current boat, I interviewed 15 surveyors. Find out heat he DOESN'T survey. Will he look at the engine, besides saying it’s there? rigging? Electronics? On a 25-footer you don’t have a lot of systems, but it’s nice to know what he won’t do.

[S/V Illusion]

Those designations are irrelevant. It's all about experience, expertise and effort and no membership card is an indicator of those. Ask locals (who you trust) who they recommend

[Flyrod1]

Nassau Bay.....I researched them, called a few and am having Nick Maudlin survey mine in the morning.

Purportedly he is the only one in the area that will also crawl up a mast.

[boatpoker]

As A retired SAMS AMS I see it this way. The focus of SAMS is Pleasurecraft. The Focus of NAMS is commercial craft. SAMS Accreditation or NAMS Certification should be seen as minimum baselines. After that someone graduatated at the bottom of the class.

Your responsibility is due diligence. Never hire a surveyor without seeing a sample survey report. The importance of this is clearly demonstrated here.
Sample, Example Marine Survey Report

[n5ama]

The boat is on the Wisconsin side of Lk Superior and there are two surveyors that work In that area. Unfortunately I’m down on the GOM and really have no way to evaluate them other than to ask them about their experience with sailboats. It’s a good start and one that I will investigate.

I guess with only two of them in the area, word should spread quickly on bad surveys. Unfortunately I’m not in a very good position to know who to ask about their work.

[n5ama]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

As A retired SAMS AMS I see it this way. The focus of SAMS is Pleasurecraft. The Focus of NAMS is commercial craft. SAMS Accreditation or NAMS Certification should be seen as minimum baselines. After that someone graduatated at the bottom of the class.

Your responsibility is due diligence. Never hire a surveyor without seeing a sample survey report. The importance of this is clearly demonstrated here.
Sample, Example Marine Survey Report

The SAMS accreditation is a good start because I have one of each. I appreciate the info about pleasure craft versus commercial.

Thanks

[n5ama]

I requested and received a example report from the SAMS surveyor. Having never seen a report, I was most impressed with the completeness of the examination and the presentation of the results.

I now understand why these surveys cost what the surveyor charges. I hope I can get the same survey quality for my potential purchase.

Thanks for the advise and sending me in the right direction.

Tom

[boatpoker]

Clearly I have some bias but ...

How to Choose A Marine Surveyor

[Nav4425]

Originally Posted by n5ama

I’m considering the purchase of a boat across the country from me. I want a complete, unbiased and thorough survey. Does anyone have a feel between the two organizations, NAMS and SAMS, of which would be a better choice for a small monohull boat (Cape Dory 25D)?

I’ve never had any dealings with a surveyor and would appreciate some guidance.
Thanks

If you could give your email, by private reply, I will forward our wonderful publication called STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT YOUR MARINE SURVEYOR. Membership in any organization accounts very minimally.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Nav4425

If you could give your email, by private reply, I will forward our wonderful publication called STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT YOUR MARINE SURVEYOR. Membership in any organization accounts very minimally.

Or you could just go to their website.
US Surveyors Association. Approved marine surveyor training and education

You might get lucky and get one of their certifications on sale.

[Nav4425]

Thanks so much, for 33 years we have provided the most recognized reliable training and information, objectively. Not sure why that post is acceptable on the forum boatpoker.

[Nav4425]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

Those designations are irrelevant. It's all about experience, expertise and effort and no membership card is an indicator of those. Ask locals (who you trust) who they recommend

Amen Amen Amen

[Nav4425]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Or you could just go to their website.
US Surveyors Association. Approved marine surveyor training and education

You might get lucky and get one of their certifications on sale.

Liabel post, passing to our attorney....didn't know you were such anti professional, anti education supporter....how sad

[Nav4425]

Originally Posted by Nav4425

Liabel post, passing to our attorney....didn't know you were such anti professional, anti education supporter....how sad

Yes, all materials have been moved online to help with those who have been adversely affected by COVID, thank you for the outpouring of support all. Many organization members have started with us, boatpoker. Thank you again.