Author: Chet Stephens
Founder & Lead Marine Surveyor – Sun Coast Marine Surveying & Consulting
Website: https://suncoastmarinesurveyor.com
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About Chet Stephens
Chet Stephens is a highly respected professional marine surveyor, entrepreneur, and founder of
Sun Coast Marine Surveying & Consulting, a trusted marine inspection firm serving boat owners, buyers,
insurers, financial institutions, and maritime professionals throughout Florida.
With more than 20 years of hands-on experience in vessel inspections, damage assessments, valuation, and
pre-purchase marine consulting, Chet has built a reputation for uncompromising accuracy, integrity, and client advocacy.
His work is relied upon by private buyers, yacht brokers, marinas, law firms, and insurance underwriters who require
clear, defensible, and technically precise survey documentation.
Chet’s commitment to delivering thorough, evidence-based evaluations has positioned Sun Coast Marine
Surveying & Consulting as a leading authority in the region.
Experience, Qualifications & Professional Training
Chet’s background combines formal maritime-related training with extensive field experience on a wide range of vessel
types and conditions. His qualifications include:
- Extensive practical experience conducting pre-purchase surveys, insurance surveys, damage surveys, and valuation assessments for recreational and commercial vessels.
- Advanced structural inspection proficiency, including hull integrity analysis for FRP, aluminum, steel, and wood construction.
- Engine and mechanical systems evaluation for outboard, inboard, sterndrive, and diesel propulsion systems.
- Electrical system diagnostics, safety compliance evaluation, and standards-based testing.
- Ongoing professional education in evolving marine safety regulations, corrosion analysis, and ABYC-aligned inspection methodology.
- Thousands of hours of on-vessel inspections, including offshore, in-slip, trailer-borne, and commercial marine environments.
This combination of academic knowledge and practical fieldwork demonstrates the kind of Experience and
Expertise that boat buyers, owners, and insurers rely on when making decisions about vessel condition
and value.
Chet’s Mission
“My mission is to protect boat owners and buyers by providing accurate, unbiased, and defensible marine survey
reports based on real technical expertise—not guesswork.”
Whether identifying hidden structural issues, evaluating seaworthiness, or determining a fair market valuation, Chet
approaches every vessel with the same level of discipline and thoroughness.
Areas of Specialization
1. Pre-Purchase Marine Surveys
Comprehensive evaluations designed to help buyers avoid costly or unsafe vessel purchases by examining structural
integrity, onboard systems, and overall condition.
2. Insurance Surveys (Condition & Valuation)
Insurance-focused condition and valuation surveys tailored to underwriting requirements, with clear, standards-driven
reporting to support coverage decisions.
3. Damage Assessment & Incident Reports
Detailed documentation for insurance claims, repair negotiations, and legal matters following accidents, storms, or
other damage events.
4. Yacht & High-Value Vessel Inspections
In-depth inspection and documentation for yachts and high-value vessels, with expanded attention to systems,
equipment, and cosmetic and structural details.
5. Consulting for Brokers, Marinas & Buyers
Objective consulting to help clients understand survey findings, prioritize repairs, evaluate risk, and make confident
decisions about purchase, refit, or sale.
Commitment to Quality & Industry Standards
Chet structures his surveys around recognized marine industry standards and best practices, including:
- American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) guidelines
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) marine electrical standards
- U.S. Coast Guard regulations and applicable safety requirements
- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) principles for valuation-related reporting
By aligning survey methods and reporting with these standards, Chet supports the Trustworthiness and
Authoritativeness that clients, lenders, and insurers expect from a professional marine surveyor.
Why Clients Trust Chet
- Clear, transparent reporting with plain-language explanations and supporting photos.
- Unbiased assessments – Chet does not perform repairs, helping avoid conflicts of interest.
- Timely turnaround for survey reports and follow-up questions.
- Risk-focused documentation that highlights safety concerns and cost-impacting issues.
- Meticulous attention to detail on every inspection, regardless of vessel size or price.
For many clients, the marine survey is the most important step in their transaction. Chet treats every inspection as if
he were evaluating the vessel for his own family’s use.
Articles, Guides & Educational Contributions
Through Sun Coast Marine Surveying & Consulting, Chet contributes educational content designed to help boaters make
informed decisions, including topics such as:
- Common pre-purchase red flags revealed during marine surveys
- Understanding hull moisture readings and structural implications
- Marine electrical safety and common onboard hazards
- Engine and mechanical inspection basics for used boats
- How marine surveyors determine fair market and replacement value
This ongoing educational work reinforces Chet’s role as a trusted resource for boat owners, buyers, and marine
professionals seeking reliable, experience-based information.
About Sun Coast Marine Surveying & Consulting
Sun Coast Marine Surveying & Consulting provides professional, standards-driven marine inspections
for vessels of all types and sizes throughout Florida. The firm focuses on:
- Accurate, unbiased condition and valuation reporting
- Safety-oriented inspections that prioritize people on board
- Clear communication with buyers, owners, brokers, and insurers
- Responsive scheduling and professional service
To learn more about services, coverage areas, and how to schedule a survey, visit:
SunCoastMarineSurveyor.com.
Contact Information
Sun Coast Marine Surveying & Consulting
Website:
https://suncoastmarinesurveyor.com
Service Area: Major boating regions throughout Florida