RGC Marine Surveying, LLC

08/12/2025

First Break of the Year

Been a busy year for surveying. Seems like the website work I did last fall is helping to bring in business.

Many times when talking about what I do, I get "You survey only big boats?"

Smallest boat I have surveyed is a 13' flats boat. Largest is an 80' Hatteras. It is usually a mix every week. Center consoles are the most common. Time on the boat can vary from 3 hours to 2 days.

I have experience with owning, maintaining and surveying sailboats, motor vessels and center consoles.

Another service I provide is a First Look survey. This helps people who would have to travel a long way to just view a boat. Think of me as your eyes and ears. I can look for specific items you request or used a trained eye to spot things not captured in the seller's photos. Normal fee is $250 depending on distance from my location. Many times I can add a first look when I am in "the area".

Recently did 4 first look surveys for a client looking at older Grady-White boats. It was eye opening for my client and myself. He eventually settled on one and a full survey was done.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer.

Pictures of a swollen transom:

01/20/2025

Been surveying a lot of old trawlers and motor yachts lately. One thing keeps coming up. Soft decks.

There can be a lot of opinions on the use of a moisture meter to determine if the deck coring is wet. But, nothing proves it more than a deck that sags under foot. The fiberglass has separated (debonded) from the core.

First step is to fix the leaks that caused it. Next step is to fix the damage caused by that moisture. Most owners do not do the second step. It can be costly and requires yard time if unable to do themselves. A new owner may be reluctant to purchase because of the same reason.

Pick your to-do list carefully.

Send a message to learn more

12/08/2024

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/xrQ9muR

Marine surveying is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and performance of maritime vessels. Unfortunately, it is often surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. This blog post aims to clarify these misconceptions and provide a clearer understanding of what marine surveying really entails. Whe...

10/08/2024

Swinging Seacocks.

I knew that would get your attention. I am talking about exercising your thru-hull seacocks. Often not done and an issue on many levels.

A stuck seacock is one of the most common items I find during a survey. For all of you center console guys, this is for you to. Just did a center console where I could not turn any of the four underwater seacocks. If a hose bursts, unless you have the requisite plug, you have no way to stop waterflow.

So the next time you are at your boat. Exercise your seacocks. While you are at it, check the condition of the hose, hose clamps and bonding wires (if any).

Make this a monthly task. Your boat and your family will thank you!

Send a message to learn more

09/02/2024

My marquis 59 sold in July. Always a bittersweet moment. New boat on the horizon that will meet our changing lifestyle as we brush our "golden years".

Achieved the status of AMS (accredited marine surveyor) with SAMS (society of accredited marine surveyors) this year. Very proud to be a member and provide a needed service in the boating industry.

For those that don't know, each member of SAMS starts out as an SA (surveyor associate). As an SA, you have annual education credit requirements, annual survey review by your regional manager and encouraged to work with a mentor.

After 3-5 years (determined by SAMS), you can take an exam that tests your knowledge of CFR's, marine systems and the ethics associated with representing such a great organization. A sampling of your last 5 years of survey reports are also reviewed. SAMS wants to make sure we are operating at the highest standards to protect our clients and the companies that utilize our reports for insuring the client's vessel.

Education never ends with a SAMS surveyor. This happens on the job every day as well as continuing education requirements. Very seldom is a survey done where you don't see something for the first time.

I first saw a hull to deck joint leak 4 years ago. This made me attune to looking for these on every sea trial. In the first, and all found, they are only seen while underway. The rub rail protects your boat from dock rash, but if you hit too hard, it can cause damage under the rail that you do not even see. Since it only leaks while underway, most owners think that the bilge pumps are coming on to remove just residual water. Many owners are also the only crew. This makes it difficult to get in their engine rooms, or aft lazarette, while underway. The most recent was not a hull to deck joint, but an added lower rub rail. Picture shows the area where the sea water was coming in. Area is above waterline while stationary or at slow speeds.

Always working to ensure you know what your buying or insuring.

Give me a call.

04/11/2024

I have been receiving a lot of calls for insurance surveys this spring. Keep them coming.

Boat show season saw an uptick on pre-purchase surveys. Mostly center consoles.

Slow season is coming, so I am looking for work throughout Florida. Please call for your pre-purchase and insurance surveys.

I can also captain vessels for other surveys or for deliveries. 100-Ton Masters.

Video is of my boat for sale. That is the WOT test. 2250 RPM and 29 mph. You can find it here: https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2005-marquis-59-9168313/

01/10/2024

2023 was a busy year.

Retired after 25 years of technical sales.

Passed all steps for my 100-Ton Captain's License. Credentials are on the way.

Passed ABYC re-certification.

Passed approval for AMS upgrade at SAMS. Still need to take exam.

Moved back to land on Marco Island and selling my 59' Marquis.

Surveyed boats ranging from 17' to 78'.

Did a lot of center consoles. Keep in mind the survey can still take 3-5 hours if a sea trial is involved. Cabin cruisers and sailboats generally take a full day due to the number of systems. Boats over 50' can be 2-3 days when a haul out and sea trial is involved.

As a surveyor, our goal is not to advise on whether a boat should be purchased. It is to detail what issues are found and let our clients make a decision. The process takes time and clients should want their surveyor to be thorough.

Whether it is for insurance or pre-purchase, a thorough and detailed survey provides owner/client with information as to what should be corrected. Most like this for piece of mind. Safety, reliability and continuing value.

Work with us. Ask us questions. Provide details we may not know and need. Your experience and knowledge is valued as well.

01/02/2024

Happy New Year! Some good news for me to start the new year. My Google page is back up.

Here’s to a healthy and prosperous new year!

12/26/2023

Wide Open Throttle Test (WOT)

When the surveyor asks for it, nearly every boat owner cringes. Honestly, I used to be the same way.

If a vessel cannot get to WOT numbers, posted by the manufacturer, and usually on the engine plate, there can be a large number of issues. Dirty bottom or running gear, wrong or damaged prop(s), partially clogged heat exchanger, turbo issues, air intake and fuel delivery to name a few.

As a surveyor, I am not a mechanic and don't pretend to be. Before the survey, I will research what the WOT RPM range is supposed to be. Usually, I can find some performance numbers for the boat and engine package as well.

At WOT, I am looking for:
1. Can the proper WOT range be achieved.
2. Any smoke from the exhaust and what color it is.
3. Raw water, coolant and oil leaks.
4. Shaft seal leaking? If it is a traditional seal and supposed to drip, what is the temperature of the seal?
5. Exhaust leaks.
6. Excessive Vibration (throughout RPM range)
7. Temperatures at both ends of heat exchanger, mixing elbow and oil filter. Proper temps are listed by the engine manufacturer. Temps are taken with a handheld infrared pyrometer.

With outboards it is about hitting WOT range, vessel performance numbers, and engine vibration or "chatter".

Yamaha had an article recommending going to WOT, on every use, to provide an early warning indicator of issues.

So do not fret the request. When prepping your vessel for sale, ensure it can hit the WOT RPM range and the items listed are not there. I have seen many deals fall through because of issues at WOT.

12/23/2023

Moving a business location means no immediate work.

I have updated my address with SAMS Marine Surveyors and ABYC.

For some reason Google Business has dropped me. It appears they now require a store front and changing my address cause them to remove my account. Most of my reviews were on Google. Still working to get reinstated.

I am asking all of my past clients to please write a review here on Facebook. All, please let anyone you know that I am available here in South FL and looking for work.

Already hoofed it to the local marinas. Hitting the Naples boat show in January to talk to local brokers. Rick Obey Yachts is the broker selling my 59' Marquis. He is talking to people he knows as well. Everything in South FL is just a few hours away. Willing to drive.

Thank you all for your help!

12/20/2023

I have officially moved to Marco Island, FL. Will still be covering nearly all of Florida. Most areas are only a few hours drive. Just ask and I will let you know on availability for your location.

11/07/2023

One question that gets asked of me is, "what type of boat do you own?"

That question is really, "what experience do you have besides surveying classes, ABYC, years of surveying and continuing education."

Well, I have owned boats from 10' to 59'. Most of my times has been spent cruising on:

1. Wellcraft 32' with gas Mercruiser engines on Lake Ontario.

2. A Nonsuch 33 sailboat, that I personally converted to electric propulsion, and sailed out the St. Lawrence, from Lake Ontario, and down to Florida.

3. A Lagoon 410 sailing catamaran that I cruised along the east coast and the Bahamas.

4. Currently own a Marquis 59' motor yacht in Marathon, FL and cruise with a Sea Doo Jet Ski and a Robalo 22' center console.

All of these boats were maintained, repaired, updated and captained personally. My experience and passion for boats/boating goes into my surveying. If there is something I do not understand, I ask or research until I do. Same as I would do with my own boat.

I do not overbook and I take the time needed to properly survey your next purchase.