Located in Benton Harbor, Michigan
Reginald L Levy
Accredited Master Marine Surveyor
Accredited Accident and Fraud Investigator
Call/Text: 216-849-2152
Email: yachtsmansurvey@gmail.com
We provide consulting, inspections and appraisal services throughout
Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and the Great Lakes region.
Yachtsman Marine Survey LLC
Yachtsman Marine Survey provides our clients with a selection of detailed marine surveys in addition to accident and fraud investigation services throughout Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. We are located in Benton Harbor, Michigan and we provide marine surveys for sailboats, yachts, and small commercial vessels. We are certified and accredited in recreational and small commercial vessels through Navtech USSA Surveyors Association located in Fort Myers, Florida. Navtech is the second oldest marine surveyor school in the United States.
Our available services include pre-purchase, appraisals, insurance surveys and more. Contact us now for a free estimate.
Certifications, Accreditations, Memberships
Testimonials
Morton Grove, IL July 2023
" In an industry where it seems the go to phrase or response to any request is, "I'm way too busy," or, "I won't have time for that," we were delighted to have found Reginald at Yachtsman Marine Survey. We were able to get in touch with Reginald quickly and set everything up within a few hours, and even completed the entire survey process in about a week and a half at the peak of the boating season. He communicated clearly and efficiently and was able to get all our questions answered.
We will definitely be calling up Reginald and Yachtsman Marine Survey for our next boat purchase."
Tinley Park, IL July 2023
"Reginald is a very skilled surveyor. He gives a honest and thorough review of the vessels he inspects. He is very transparent and prompt! I proudly recommend him!"
Louisville, KY November 2023
"Reginald is a first class professional. He knows his stuff and he knows what to look for. Great advice and straight up. Stopped me from making a very costly mistake. So much of a mistake I think the Bertram I was under contract to buy would have sunk out in Lake Michigan. He understood the situation and since we didn’t get to sea trial and a final survey report he even adjusted what was already a very fair price for his services. HIGHLY recommended him!"
Crown Point, IN October 2023
“My survey was very well written, and the valuation was right on the button!”
Warren MI, March 2024
"Reginald was prompt on his arrival, he was very knowledgeable and stayed past his normal parameters of inspection to make sure I knew about every nook and cranny of the inspection. He made sure I had a good understanding of what he was doing and why it was important. I highly recommend Yachtsman Marine Survey!"
Colon MI, June 2024
“Reginald is one of the best of the best! I asked him to survey my boat before I put it up for sale. He gave me an honest assessment of the condition of my boat. Now I won't have any surprises when someone looks at the boat. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to have a survey before selling or to survey when buying.”
Chicago IL, August 2024
“Contacted Reggie through a Google search. Reggie was very helpful over the phone. Reggie was too busy to perform a survey but referred another surveyor that did a very thorough job. I later contacted Reggie with some questions and he was extremely helpful and gave some great advice. Reggie spoke over the phone for about 15 minutes on a Sunday and was patient and helpful. Sadly, many people in the boating industry are anywhere from poor at their jobs to flat out dishonest. I am an experienced boat owner and have owned boats from 14ft up to 65ft in Michigan, Illinois and Florida. I have experienced all types in the industry. Reggie and the surveyor he recommended were both outstanding! A good surveyor is your best asset or worst liability when buying a boat. I would absolutely, recommend Yachtsman Marine Survey to a new boater or an experienced boater.”
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?
My basic definition of 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 I do?
My examination process of a boat is very through. I slowly inspect every part of a boat which is accessible to me. This being said, if a panel or coverings are removable, I 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 I’ve been, where I’ve inspected, made notes, and take photos. Along the way I will also test electrical and mechanical systems, and develop an inventory. It’s a lot of on my hands and knees and contorting my body but that’s what it takes to get a full understanding on the condition of the boat
How much does a survey cost?
I 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. I can’t tell you the number of boat owners that have saved thousands of dollars, not to mention the life safety issues. I also understand that you want to spend your money wisely and I’m sure that I can help with that. Call or text me to set up a consultation.
Preparing your boat for a survey:
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Have all your ships paperwork aboard and easily located.
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Have shore power connected and available to test the electrical systems (AC/DC).
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Display your safety equipment (fire extinguishers, visual and audible distress signals or sounders , life jackets) for inspection.
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Fill the fresh water tank so the hot and cold water system is inspected.
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Have the head clean and operational.
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Have the vessels electronics and other devices on board and installed.
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Provide easy access to all locked or screwed down panels or hatch covers.
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Arrange for haul-out (if necessary). This fee is normally paid by the prospective buyer.
Make sure the hull has been power washed and it’s free of debris, growth etc.
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Have the ignition keys on board and in place so the engines can be tested.
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Arrange for the marina’s captain or vessel owner scheduled to pilot the vessel for sea-trial.
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)
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.