Looking for a Surveyor in Upstate NY

[jimL]

Hi,

We’re about to decide on our next boat purchase and may be in need of a surveyor to perform a full condition and value survey (C&V). Short of looking blindly at the regional registrations at NAMS or SAMs, we’re looking for a referral based on past performance.

We’re located in upstate NY and are looking at purchasing a Mainship trawler that’s about ten years old. Does anyone have any recommendations of who to reach out to?

Thanks,

JimL

 

[Bacchus]

Hi,
We’re located in upstate NY and are looking at purchasing a Mainship trawler that’s about ten years old. Does anyone have any recommendations of who to reach out to?

JimL

Jim

I don't know anyone in the area personally.

Have you tried Coeymans Marina - They were the Mainship dealer and likely have experience w/ local surveyors (and likely ones w/ MS experience)

I'm assuming you are not purchasing through them and they don't have a vested interest in the outcome.

The other option might be to check w/ Gabe at Precision Propeller (Newburgh) - He has done some prop work for me and other acquaintances -
I trust his input and he has provided straight forward info to me in the past. He may have experience working w/ surveyors in that area.

Last option would be to check w/ the local Power Squadron or Yacht Club (e.g. Schenectady YC) to see if members have experiences / recommendations.

 

[smitty477]

Although I did not end up requiring a surveyor so I did not get a chance to hire him - "Al Prisco" was referred to me by the good folks at Roundout Yacht Basin (Kingston NY) who have been very helpful over the years we have been there. Their referrals in the past have always been on the mark.


"Al Prisco -- Office phone is 845-228-1071, cell phone is914-645-3525
website is www.marinesurveyorny.com."

 

[boatpoker]

I know two very good SAMS surveyors in upstate NY.
Erik Will in Sodus Point and Eric Johnston in Lancaster NY. Both can be found in the SAMS roster at The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, Inc.® - (SAMS®)
I have referred several Canadian customers to both and have gotten nothing but positive reviews.

 

[IRENE]

Recommendation - Roberts Services, Inc. SAMS

Jiml,

I had occasion to need a surveyor about 13 months ago when we purchased IRENE. I was coming from WA and it was minus 20 in NY. After three "cold" calls, I reached Robert Spencer of Roberts Services. It is noted that the other two surveyors never returned my call.

Robert was cordial on the phone and he asked intelligent questions. He was willing to work with me on the schedule, as I needed to coordinate with him, the marina, the seller, and myself. Robert was also willing to make the trip from Rochester to Cape Vincent. He advised me before the survey to make an effort to thaw the boat a few days prior to the survey so he might locate any moisture concerns.

Robert arrived on-time, prepared, and positive. It was literally 25 degrees below zero and we were in a shop heated to maybe 45. He was willing to allow me to participate in all aspects of his work. He was very patient, and he explained the things that were necessary as he got to know me. There was no sense of urgency and I feel he was very thorough. The evolution took longer than he indicated when I asked him during our first call. My survey was for the vessel only, no engine/drive work, and there was no sea trial. He is the kind of professional that has "I don't know" in his vocabulary.

I found Robert very pleasant to work with and I recommend him without reservation. His price was very fair. I have worked with only a few surveyors, but I have worked in the marine industry 29 years and have had several boats. I have had no communication with Robert since the "thank you" note I sent him after the survey.

Roberts Services, Inc.
SAMS
Rochester, NY
(585) 259-9527

Good Luck,

Jeff

 

[Wayfarer]

Jiml,

I had occasion to need a surveyor about 13 months ago when we purchased IRENE. I was coming from WA and it was minus 20 in NY. After three "cold" calls, I reached Robert Spencer of Roberts Services. It is noted that the other two surveyors never returned my call.

Robert was cordial on the phone and he asked intelligent questions. He was willing to work with me on the schedule, as I needed to coordinate with him, the marina, the seller, and myself. Robert was also willing to make the trip from Rochester to Cape Vincent. He advised me before the survey to make an effort to thaw the boat a few days prior to the survey so he might locate any moisture concerns.

Robert arrived on-time, prepared, and positive. It was literally 25 degrees below zero and we were in a shop heated to maybe 45. He was willing to allow me to participate in all aspects of his work. He was very patient, and he explained the things that were necessary as he got to know me. There was no sense of urgency and I feel he was very thorough. The evolution took longer than he indicated when I asked him during our first call. My survey was for the vessel only, no engine/drive work, and there was no sea trial. He is the kind of professional that has "I don't know" in his vocabulary.

I found Robert very pleasant to work with and I recommend him without reservation. His price was very fair. I have worked with only a few surveyors, but I have worked in the marine industry 29 years and have had several boats. I have had no communication with Robert since the "thank you" note I sent him after the survey.

Roberts Services, Inc.
SAMS
Rochester, NY
(585) 259-9527

Good Luck,

Jeff

I can second this. I used him twice. The first time, he was able to help me dodge a real bullet. He surveyed my current boat, and the few things he missed were only due to the fact that they were covered up. His terms clearly stated that he wouldn't be moving any stuff around to see underneath, and I wasn't there to move a big bag of life jackets from the aft cabin. There was some moisture damage to the upholstery caused by some carelessly run wires. No big deal.

I was on hand for the first survey, and he was very pleasant and seemed to be pretty knowledgeable. He didn't mind me asking dumb questions. When he had completed his moisture readings, he took me aside and stated that it wasn't his place to tell me whether I should buy the boat or not, and under normal circumstances, he would remain neutral. On this occasion, however, he told me not to walk, but to run. He only charged me for the time he'd spent there, instead of the full price that we had previously agreed upon.