Marine Surveyor
New Smyrna Beach Florida
Captain Don Samson — retired Master Marine Mechanic with over five decades of hands-on experience — delivers precise, reliable vessel inspections for buyers, lenders, and insurers in New Smyrna Beach Florida.
ABYC Standards
50+ Years Experience
Detailed Written Reports
Call Today 904-640-1506
What We Do
A marine survey is a professional, in-depth inspection of a vessel's condition, value, and seaworthiness. Whether you're purchasing a boat in New Smyrna Beach, renewing an insurance policy, or securing financing, a survey is your essential protection against costly surprises.
Captain Don examines every critical system aboard — bringing a level of mechanical insight that only a Master Marine Mechanic with 50+ years of real-world experience can provide.
Hull structural integrity & osmotic blister assessment
Electrical systems, bilge pumps & safety equipment
Engine, propulsion & fuel system evaluation
Steering, electronics & navigation equipment
Through-hull fittings & seacocks
Cosmetics, hardware & vessel documentation
Our Services
Appraisal Survey
Get an accurate, documented fair market value for financing, estate settlement, donation, or legal purposes
Marine Consulting
Have questions about repairs, upgrades, or a vessel's condition? Tap into Captain Don's 50+ years of hands-on expertise.
Pre-Purchase Survey
Know exactly what you're buying before you sign. Our thorough inspection identifies existing issues and gives you powerful negotiating leverage.
Insurance Survey
Most insurers require a survey for vessels over a certain age or value. We provide the documentation your insurer needs to issue or renew coverage.
How It Works
Initial Contact
Call or fill out our form. We discuss your vessel, location, survey goals, and timeline to make sure we're the right fit.
Schedule & Coordinate
We work directly with you (and the seller if applicable) to arrange haul-out, dock access, and sea trial logistics.
Onsite Inspection
Captain Don personally conducts the inspection — a thorough evaluation of the hull, all systems, and structure lasting several hours.
Sea Trial
We assess engine performance and all systems under real operating conditions. No shortcuts — we test what matters.
Detailed Report
You receive a comprehensive written report with photos, findings, valuations, and recommended actions — typically within 3–5 business days.
Follow-Up Support
Captain Don walks you through the report and answers every question so you can move forward with complete confidence.
Captain Don Samson
Master Marine Mechanic • Marine Surveyor
Formerly the owner of a respected repair facility in St. Augustine, Florida, Captain Don now brings his lifetime of expertise to vessel inspections.
50+ Years in the marine industry
Certified by leading engine manufacturers
Experienced from tenders to 80' motor yachts
Based Northeast Florida Coast
A Mechanic's Eye.
A Surveyor's Precision.
Most marine surveyors can spot cosmetic issues. Captain Don sees what others miss — because he's spent decades repairing the exact problems other surveyors overlook. His background as a Master Marine Mechanic means he understands how systems fail, not just what they look like when they're new.
When you hire Samson Marine Surveying in New Smyrna Beach, you're not getting a checkbox report. You're getting the honest assessment of someone who has seen — and fixed — every issue that can hide inside a vessel.
Personal service — Captain Don personally performs every survey
Specializes in vessels over $100K — yachts, sportfishers, trawlers
Clear, lender- and insurer-ready written reports
Honest findings — no sugar-coating, no conflicts of interest
FAQ
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Our pre-purchase survey pricing starts around $25 per foot, with the final quote depending on vessel size, type, and location. Contact us for an exact quote — we're happy to discuss your specific vessel and provide transparent pricing with no surprises.
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It's not legally required, but most lenders and insurers require one — and it's strongly recommended for any vessel over $25K. A survey often pays for itself by uncovering issues that give you negotiating leverage or help you avoid a costly mistake entirely.
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Most pre-purchase surveys take 4–6 hours depending on vessel size and complexity. The written report is typically delivered within 3–5 business days after the inspection.
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In almost all cases, the buyer pays for the survey. It's your investment — and the survey is conducted entirely in your interest, with no obligation to the seller.
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We specialize in sportfishing yachts, motor yachts, trawlers, and multi-engine center consoles — particularly vessels over $100K. We do not survey sailing vessels at this time.
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You're welcome to attend, and many buyers do — it's a great way to learn about your vessel. However, it's not required. Captain Don will walk you through all findings during the follow-up call and in the written report.
Ready to Survey Your Vessel in New Smyrna Beach?
Contact Captain Don Samson today — honest, thorough, and backed by 50+ years of marine expertise.