Marine Surveyor in Stuart, FL and the Treasure Coast
Marine Surveyor in Stuart, FL and the Treasure Coast
Veteran Yacht Services is a marine surveying company in Stuart, FL, led by John P. DeGoede IV, a USCG 100-ton Master, SAMS member and United States Marine Corps veteran. We do pre-purchase surveys, insurance condition and value surveys, damage surveys and yacht appraisals across Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties and south to Miami Beach. Call 269-998-6767.
One of the worst things a buyer can do is purchase a boat without a survey, no matter how much experience they have. Many lenders won’t finance a used boat without one, and insurance companies are often hesitant to cover a boat for the same reason. A survey from a reputable marine surveyor finds the problems before you spend your hard-earned money.
We also determine the boat’s actual value, so you know you’re paying a fair price. Every survey we do includes an appraisal of the boat’s value. We work with you to keep the process smooth and help you decide which upgrades or repairs the boat needs.
Surveys we do in Stuart and the Treasure Coast
Several types of small craft and yacht surveys exist, so picking the right one for your situation matters. Here is what each one is for.
Pre-purchase survey
Get a pre-purchase survey before you buy a new or used boat. The report covers the vessel’s overall condition and performance, so you know what you’re buying before money changes hands. One pre-purchase survey can cover both buying and insurance. See pre-purchase marine surveys.
Insurance condition and value survey
An insurance survey helps the insurance company decide whether a vessel is a reasonable risk. During the inspection we evaluate the boat’s structural components and its general safety for its intended use. Owners need one to insure a newly purchased boat or to reinsure a yacht. See insurance marine surveys.
Damage and claim survey
A damage survey documents what happened to the boat and what the damage is, for the owner or the insurer. See damage and insurance claim surveys.
Yacht appraisal
An appraisal gives you the boat’s fair market value. Appraisals are done for financing, estate settlements, legal cases and donations, and for other financial situations that need a documented value. See fair market yacht appraisals.
Boat research packs
Shopping for a used boat and want to know a model’s known problems before you buy? Our boat research packs cover a model’s known issues, typical specifications and pricing research. A research pack is desk research. It does not replace a survey.
Not sure which survey you need? Read types of marine surveys, or tell us what the survey is for when you call.
Who does the survey
John P. DeGoede IV does the surveys himself. He holds a USCG 100-ton Master License with Sailing and Towing endorsements, and he is a SAMS member. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran and a former Firefighter/Paramedic. He is also one of the instructors for the Chapman School of Seamanship Yacht and Small Craft Surveying course. More on his accreditation and memberships.
Where we survey
Veteran Yacht Services is based in Stuart, FL. We survey boats from Vero Beach to Miami Beach, including:
- Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound
- Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce
- Vero Beach
- Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach
- Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale
- Miami Beach
Surveying in Palm Beach County? See our Palm Beach County marine surveyor page. Surveying in Broward or Miami-Dade? See our Fort Lauderdale and Miami marine surveyor page.
A travel charge applies when the boat is more than a one-hour drive from Stuart. See what drives the cost of a marine survey.
What a survey day looks like
The buyer arranges and pays for the haul-out with the boatyard. Yards and marinas we work at around Stuart include Port Salerno Marine, Hinckley Yacht Services and Sailfish Marina. Sea trial time is included in our pre-purchase quote. We recommend the buyer be there for the survey.
Every system is inspected, tested if possible, recorded and written up. We don’t open engine internals or hook up a computer for fault codes. A hammer helps find delamination. A 25-ft center console takes about 3 hours. A 105-ft vessel takes 2 to 3 days.
The findings go into a written report. For a walk-through of what we inspect, see the overview of a marine survey inspection.
Survey costs
We quote each boat. Boats up to 50 ft are quoted by the foot and larger boats by the job, and we don’t publish rates. See marine survey cost for what moves the price.
Be careful hiring a surveyor who charges less than everyone else. Typically, such individuals are inexperienced or not fully committed to their profession. Anyone can print a business card or set up a website claiming to be a surveyor.
Experienced surveyors are qualified professionals who are members of SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) and/or NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors). They keep up with those organizations’ strict educational and ethical standards. They charge a reasonable fee, deliver a complete survey of the vessel’s condition, and give useful feedback on repair options and resources.
After a storm
Veteran Yacht Services does damage surveys for owners and insurers after hurricanes and storms in Martin and St. Lucie counties. The survey records the damage to the boat for the owner or the insurance claim. See damage and insurance claim surveys, or call 269-998-6767.
What a customer said
“John did a survey on my boat last week. Great guy, punctual, very thorough, honest, a veteran, and offered suggestions and recommendations. I was more than happy with his services and will definitely use him in the future.”
Chad M., Google, April 2026
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a marine survey to insure or finance a boat in Florida?
Often, yes. Many lenders won’t finance a used boat without a survey, and insurance companies are often hesitant to cover a boat without one. Ask your lender or insurer what they need before you book. A pre-purchase survey can cover both buying and insurance.
What’s the difference between a pre-purchase survey and an insurance survey?
A pre-purchase survey is for the buyer. It covers the boat’s overall condition and performance before you buy. An insurance survey is for the insurer. It helps the insurance company decide whether the vessel is a reasonable risk, and looks at structure and general safety for its intended use. One pre-purchase survey can cover both.
My insurer wants a condition and value survey on my boat in Port St. Lucie. Can you do it?
Yes. Veteran Yacht Services does insurance condition and value surveys in Port St. Lucie and across the Treasure Coast. Every survey we do includes an appraisal of the boat’s value. Call 269-998-6767 or see insurance marine surveys.
Do you do damage surveys after a hurricane in Martin County?
Yes. We do damage surveys for owners and insurers after hurricanes and storms in Martin and St. Lucie counties. The survey records the damage for the owner or the insurance claim. See damage and insurance claim surveys or call 269-998-6767.
What areas do you cover from Stuart?
We cover Vero Beach to Miami Beach: Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach. A travel charge applies when the boat is more than a one-hour drive from Stuart.
How do I get a quote?
Call 269-998-6767 or fill out the request a quote form. Send the year, make, model and length, the survey you need, and where the boat is. You can also email john@veteranyachtservices.com.
Request your survey quote
Tell us about the boat and we’ll send you a free quote. Request a quote or call 269-998-6767.
