Handsome is as Handsome Does

“Looking Good” in the boatbuilding world appears to have gone by the board in this day and age!

Maybe because most of the designers don’t use drawing boards now as everything is done on the computer. Spiller Marine Surveyors and Designers still draw everything on the drafting table and then when the customer approves of the study plans we get our drawings on the computer as per Transport Canada and American Bureau of Shipping requirements, plus come up with 3D CAD renderings. We have found that we can initially draw out a study plan and the lines of vessels on our drawing boards faster than the initial CAD drawings by someone on the computer.

We have designed Modern Fishing Vessels, Old Time Wooden Sailing Fishing Schooners, Fiberglass Yachts and modern Tugboats. Presently we are working on a Traditional looking Coastal Mini Cruiser in the 160 ft. range. She is being designed as a coastal passenger charter vessel with 20 to 36 double ensuite cabins, equipped with up to five large hard-bottom inflatables, Approx. 15/20 paddling single and double kayaks.

The Charter Passenger Vessel will look like the old time passenger coastal steamer with a modern underbody and twin Z-Drives as propulsion and of course be Canada Transport and ABS. approved.

If you are looking for a Marine Surveyor in Vancouver be sure to contact us today!

What To Look For In A Marine Surveyor

“INWATER” MARINA  STORAGE

What To Look For In A Marine Surveyor

EXPERIENCE IN BOAT BUILDING AND REPAIR

Alec Spiller started his apprenticeship in a shipyard in 1968 after 4 yrs. in the Navy and his teen years previous to that Commercial Fishing in the Northern waters of British Columbia.

This experience enables Alec when surveying to spot potential problems of installation etc. before they develop into major issues or cost. Alec can provide shipyard experience to enable his surveying customers with the knowledge of preventive maintenance.

DESIGN AND MARINE ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE

Alec has design and engineering experience and has completed approved drawings for Transport Canada and American Bureau of Shipping and did project management of major builds and modifications to all types of vessels in the shipyard environment. This experience enables Alec to see at first glance whether a vessel is suitable for its intended purpose or the buyer or owner to be advised in a suitable manner.

THIRTY FIVE YEARS MARINE SURVEYING EXPERIENCE

The insurance companies have no interest in what organization the surveyor belongs to or what club he pays dues to. Their only concern is the reputation of the surveyor and his knowledge of Marine Hazards which is what a Detail and Insurance Survey is all about. Alec Spiller is accepted by all the major insurance companies in Canada and the USA.

If you are looking for a Marine Surveyor in Vancouver be sure to contact us today!

Recommendations On Off Season Vessel Storage From A Vancouver Marine Surveyor

“INWATER” MARINA  STORAGE

  1. A very common practice and one that insurance companies list as a marine hazard to be checked is the turning to the “Off” position all below water line thru hulls valves, for a vessel that will be moored for any length of time at anchor or tied up to a marina float. There are two ways a thru hull valve can fail: The valve itself can let go and begin to leak and more seriously, the hose and piping to whatever the valve is in taking or discharging from let go or disintegrate from electrolysis or vibration etc. Some of this piping or hosing can be hidden and is not regularly serviced and or retightened etc. This condition can cause the vessel is sink at the dock or mooring if not caught in time.
  2. Vessels commonly plugged into shore power should be fitted with “Electronic Galvanic Isolators” to prevent accidental stray currents which are common in the marina settings from damage your wiring, excessive sacrificial anode wear and other problems associated with “Hot Marina” moorage areas.

If you are looking for a Marine Surveyor in Vancouver be sure to contact us today!