WHY HAVE A MARINE SURVEY PERFORMED? A thorough professional survey can provide you with important information on a vessels condition. Why hire a surveyor? A professional surveyor will provide objective opinions through experienced eyes. Buying a boat is emotional. People tend to fall in love with the prospect of a new car, house, a boat is no different. Love may be blind, but a surveyor is working for you eyes wide open. Most banks and insurance underwriters require a survey on older vessels. They will want to know her condition and fair market value in order to insure or finance her. The most important reason to survey your vessel however is for the safety of her passengers and crew.