Marine Surveys & Vessel Inspections
Thorough, documented, and independent. From a Chapman School of Seamanship surveying graduate, serving the Southern California coast from Chula Vista to Marina del Rey.
Request a Survey QuoteWe never repair, install, or maintain a vessel we have surveyed.
No conflict of interest. The survey reports what we find, with nothing to sell you afterward.
The right survey for the job
Pre-Purchase Survey
Know exactly what you are buying before you sign. A full inspection of the hull, deck, structure, propulsion, electrical, plumbing, fuel, and safety systems, with a condition rating and valuation.
- ✓Hull, deck & structural inspection
- ✓Systems inspection: propulsion, electrical, plumbing, fuel
- ✓Sea trial and haul-out observation when arranged
- ✓Condition rating and valuation
Insurance Survey
The survey your insurance company asks for. Documents your vessel's condition and value, and lists any deficiencies with clear recommendations so you can address them.
- ✓Condition and valuation for your insurer
- ✓Deficiencies listed with recommendations
- ✓Safety equipment and systems review
- ✓Photo-documented written report
Vessel Inspection
A focused condition inspection without the full survey. Useful before listing a boat for sale, after a long layup, or as a baseline for an absentee owner.
- ✓Pre-listing condition check for sellers
- ✓Post-layup or post-storm inspection
- ✓Baseline inspection for absentee owners
- ✓Scope tailored to what you need
Regulations Assessment
A check of your vessel against U.S. Coast Guard requirements and ABYC standards. Find gaps before an inspection, a sale, or after new equipment has been installed.
- ✓USCG required equipment check
- ✓Systems reviewed against ABYC standards
- ✓Post-installation compliance review
- ✓Prioritized list of items to correct
Every survey, documented
Written Report
A clear, organized report of the vessel's condition, delivered after the survey.
Photo Documentation
Findings photographed so you can see exactly what the surveyor saw.
Prioritized Findings
Safety-critical items separated from recommended repairs and routine maintenance.
Standards Referenced
Findings referenced to ABYC standards and U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
Mark Spriggs
Mark graduated from Chapman School of Seamanship's Yacht & Small Craft Surveying program in September 2026 with a 91%. The program covers hull and structural assessment, mechanical and electrical systems, ABYC standards, and U.S. Coast Guard compliance. Mark is also a member of ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council).
Survey Questions
Will you repair the problems you find?
No. Trident does not repair, install, or maintain any vessel it has surveyed. Your surveyor has no stake in what the survey finds, so the report stays independent. Repairs and installations are handled by a separate side of the business and are never offered on a boat we have surveyed.
Will my insurance company or lender accept your survey?
Requirements vary by company. Some insurers and lenders require a surveyor with a specific accreditation, such as SAMS or NAMS. Before booking, check with your insurer or lender. Tell us who they are and we will help you confirm.
Does the boat need to be hauled out?
A full pre-purchase survey normally includes a haul-out to inspect the bottom and running gear, plus a sea trial. Haul-out and yard fees are paid to the boatyard. We coordinate timing with you, the seller, and the broker.
How much does a survey cost?
Each survey is quoted per vessel. Price depends on the type of survey, the boat's length, and its systems. Send us your boat details and we will get back to you with a quote.
Can I be there during the survey?
Yes, and buyers are encouraged to attend. It is the best way to understand the boat and ask questions about findings as they come up.
Care for the boat you already own
A separate side of the business. Never offered on a vessel we have surveyed.
Absentee Owner Care
Monthly engine runs, system checks, and photo reports while you are away.
New Systems Installation
Electrical, electronics, lighting, and plumbing installs done to ABYC standards.
General Maintenance
Flushes, descaling, impellers, zincs, seacocks, batteries, and detailing at your slip.
Buying a boat? Get it surveyed first.
Send the boat's details and where it is located. We respond same day.
