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Marine Surveys for Sail & Power – Chicago, Great Lakes & South Florida
Pre-purchase, insurance & wooden boat surveys by a Master Marine Surveyor. 5-star rated on Google.

Ready to schedule? Click Get a Free Quote below.
Pre-purchase, insurance & wooden boat surveys by a Master Marine Surveyor. 5-star rated on Google.




Veteran-owned and based in Chicago, led by Capt. William T. Shehan IV, USCG Master, NAVTEC Master Marine Surveyor #43224, and ABYC Marine Systems Advisor. Independent pre-purchase, insurance, damage, and wooden boat surveys for buyers, owners, brokers, and insurers across the Great Lakes, South Florida, and Alaska.
Our expert marine surveys conducted by a qualified marine surveyor in Chicago provide a comprehensive inspection of the hull, structure, mechanical systems, electrical components, safety equipment, and electronics on both sail and power boats. Whether you're interested in a pre-purchase boat survey or a specialized wooden boat survey, you will receive a detailed report along with full photo documentation. Additionally, if you require assistance, our yacht delivery captain can ensure a seamless transition for your vessel. Vessel surveying starts at $25-35/ft.
Expert Marine Surveys in Chicago provide comprehensive condition and value assessments for underwriters and insurance renewals. Our Marine Surveying services, including Pre-Purchase Boat Surveys and Wooden Boat Surveys, cover vessel condition, safety compliance, and fair market valuation, starting at $20-25/ft. For those in need of a Yacht Delivery Captain, we ensure a smooth transition and additional peace of mind.
We provide expert marine surveys specifically designed for multihull sailboats and power catamarans, utilizing our extensive experience as a marine surveyor in Chicago, particularly with dual-hull and dual-system marine surveying. As one of the few surveyors in the Great Lakes region with a strong background in catamarans, we ensure thorough vessel surveying, including pre-purchase boat surveys and wooden boat surveys. Additionally, please note that there is a premium of $2-5/ft added to the base survey rate for our services, which also encompass yacht delivery captain duties.
We provide expert marine surveys in Chicago for the assessment and documentation of vessel damage related to insurance claims, including cause analysis and repair cost estimation. Our services also include pre-purchase boat surveys and wooden boat surveys to ensure your investment is sound. Additionally, we offer boat handling training and yacht delivery captain services. Contact us for a quote on our marine surveying and vessel surveying services.
Valuation only: market-based comparable analysis using current sales data, active listings, and industry guides, starting at $300. For those needing an appraisal update, our expert marine surveyor in Chicago provides comprehensive marine surveys, including a desk review to update a prior vessel surveying valuation without a site visit. This service is especially beneficial for insurance renewals within 2-3 years. Additionally, we offer pre-purchase boat surveys and wooden boat surveys to ensure you make informed decisions. Our yacht delivery captain can assist you with safe transport as well. Contact us for a quote on all your marine surveying services.
Expert marine surveys conducted by a qualified Marine Surveyor in Chicago include the meticulous inspection of the underwater hull, running gear, rudders, through-hulls, anodes, trim tabs, and transducers, performed by a retained diver under the direct supervision of the surveyor. Whether you're looking for a pre-purchase boat survey or a specialized wooden boat survey, the scope of our marine surveying can be tailored to specific components upon request. Additionally, for those in need of boat handling training or yacht delivery captains, we encourage you to contact us for a quote regarding your vessel surveying needs.
We offer expert marine surveys in Chicago, including a pre-purchase boat survey during your sea trial survey ($85/hour, 2-hour minimum). Our services also include engine oil sample collection ($125/sample), OUPV charter vessel inspection, and commercial vessel sampling. Additionally, our marine surveying services encompass sail service coordination and consultation for boat handling training. Brokerages can benefit from our multi-vessel discounts: 10% off for 2 vessels, 15% off for 3 vessels, and 20% off for 4 or more on our vessel surveying services. Plus, for those with wooden boats, we provide specialized wooden boat surveys, and our qualified yacht delivery captain is available for consultations.
Professional vessel delivery services are offered by a USCG-licensed yacht delivery captain, ensuring expert marine surveys including pre-purchase boat surveys and wooden boat surveys to guarantee your vessel's safety and performance. Rates for standard inland and coastal deliveries start at $500 per day, with final pricing determined by factors such as the vessel, route, distance, duration, condition, crew requirements, and weather conditions. Owner-paid expenses—including fuel, provisions, dockage, customs fees, airfare, lodging, and additional crew—are quoted separately or reimbursed at cost. For marine surveying and offshore, international, or complex deliveries, a custom proposal is required. Our coverage spans from the Great Lakes to the Caribbean, Alaska, and everywhere in between, making us the go-to marine surveyor in Chicago for your vessel needs.
NAVTEC Master Marine Surveyor #43224, ABYC Marine Systems Advisor, and USCG Master. Bonded and insured, with $2,000,000 E&O coverage per occurrence.
Every client who has reviewed us has rated us 5.0 stars. Read our Google reviews.
Detailed digital reports with full photo documentation, formatted for buyers, lenders, and underwriters.
Fiberglass, wooden, and multihull vessels, including catamarans, which few Great Lakes surveyors specialize in.
Army veteran-owned, with 30+ years and 10,000+ nautical miles on the water. We work for you, not the seller.
Reports typically delivered in 5–7 business days, with rush service available for an added fee. Serving Chicago and the Great Lakes, South Florida, and Seward, Alaska.







For inquiries about expert marine surveys, including services from a marine surveyor in Chicago or a pre-purchase boat survey, feel free to reach out via text, email, or phone call regarding your vessel surveying needs. If you're also interested in wooden boat surveys or boat handling training, our yacht delivery captain can assist you as well.
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Capt. William T. Shehan IV is also a yacht broker with American Yacht Group International LLC, helping clients buy and sell sail and power vessels.
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