Excelsior Yacht Surveys

Operating along the California coast with a base in Los Angeles, Excelsior Yacht Surveys brings decades of maritime expertise to boat owners, insurance companies, and marinas requiring thorough vessel assessments. Led by Captain Christopher Shearman, a credentialed Accredited Marine Surveyor® (AMS®) with the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®), the business specializes in comprehensive marine surveys covering vessels from 20 feet to well over 200 feet in length, encompassing both power and sailing configurations.

Captain Shearman's qualifications extend far beyond standard survey work. His background includes extensive project management experience overseeing custom new construction and major refits of private luxury super yachts, with project budgets ranging from $50,000 to over $60 million. This hands-on experience with yacht engineering, systems integration, and quality oversight informs every marine survey the team conducts. The technical and engineering knowledge gained from managing complex vessel projects—coordinating international contractors, reviewing marine construction contracts, and solving problems under strict deadlines—translates directly into more detailed, accurate survey reports that identify issues other inspectors might overlook.

Excelsior Yacht Surveys offers several types of marine inspection services tailored to different vessel ownership and operational needs. Pre-purchase marine surveys provide prospective buyers with detailed assessments of a vessel's condition, structural integrity, systems functionality, and fair market value before finalizing a transaction. Condition and value insurance surveys (C&V) meet the documentation requirements of marine insurance underwriters and marina operators who need current vessel condition reports for policy renewals or slip acceptance. The business also conducts sea trials to evaluate vessel performance, handling characteristics, and mechanical systems under actual operating conditions. Additionally, load and stow surveys document cargo and equipment aboard vessels when required for transport or compliance purposes.

Serving the entire California coastline from Santa Barbara south through Ventura, Oxnard, Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, Excelsior Yacht Surveys maintains relationships with yacht clubs, marinas, brokers, and boat owners throughout Southern California's extensive boating community. The geographic coverage area encompasses some of the nation's most active recreational and luxury yacht harbors, where thorough pre-purchase inspections and accurate insurance surveys protect significant investments in vessels ranging from weekend cruisers to oceangoing yachts.

Professional affiliations demonstrate the business's commitment to industry standards and continuing education. Beyond SAMS® accreditation, Captain Shearman maintains certifications with the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI), and holds credentials from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). These memberships require ongoing training in evolving marine systems, survey methodology, and best practices for vessel inspection and documentation. This combination of formal credentials, hands-on yacht construction experience, and specialized knowledge of marine engineering systems positions Excelsior Yacht Surveys as a resource for clients requiring detailed technical analysis and accurate vessel valuations throughout the Los Angeles and broader Southern California marine marketplace.