I have a 1979 Ketch that was in need of a survey for a insurance policy renewal. Needing a haul out for maintenance and knowing through various sources this company was cancelling policies on older boats it was the perfect time to switch providers. Jim Merrick was referred to me by a very knowledgeable friend. Going on this advice I was not disappointed. Jim arrived right on time and immediately got to work. Using the usual tools of the trade plus a number of advanced technical devices a very thorough examination of the deck, house and hull was completed. Below deck a very comprehensive examination continued covering ABYC guidelines and Coast Guard requirements. During this time Jim asked me questions and didn't assume anything. He answered my questions and gave excellent advice covering a wide range of expertise. Communications were excellent. Less than a week after the completion of the survey a very detailed report in PDF format was emailed to me. I found the description of items that needed to be addressed were presented in a format that indicated to be done now and other items to be addressed at a later date. The valuation of the vessel was fair along with a description of how it was determined. I would definitely work again with and highly recommend Merrick Marine. read more

I contacted Merrick Marine on a referral from Kaiser Marine who was not available for the time I needed for a marine survey on a boat I was considering purchasing 1994 Maxum 32000 SCR. Jim Merrick gave me great information prior to scheduling the survey which swayed me to schedule with him. Jim was patient and knowledgeable about the entire survey and purchase process. Jim arrived on time as scheduled with the necessary equipment. Throughout the process of the survey he was very patient and took the time to explain in detail everything about the boat as well as answer all of my questions during the sea trial. His final report was thorough, extensive and very detailed with clear explanations and several quality photos. His services far exceeded my expectations and I would recommend him as a marine surveyor even if you are a novice boater. His service will prove as quality and educational. read more

Jim Merrick and Delaney Couvrette-Merrick surveyed a 35 foot sailboat for us prior to our purchase. Both are extremely knowledgeable, professional, respectful, and honest. They are friendly and cheerful. They were thorough and explained all their findings during the inspection. Although we have spent a great deal of time on boats, sailboats are new to us, and they taught us so much. Obviously, we discussed problems with the boat, but they also told us about how we might update the electronics and add a cooling plate to make the ice box a refrigerator, which they really didn't need to take the time to do. We know so much more about the boat ourselves after following them around during their survey. We also received their report from Lori Merrick in a timely manner. It was well written and supported with lots of helpful pictures. We appreciated the work of all three of them. read more

Hiring Jim and his family at Merrick Marine for our pre-purchase survey was one of the best decisions we made during our boat-buying process. From start to finish, their communication was excellent--fast, clear, and professional. The survey itself was incredibly thorough. Jim's expertise and experience in marine systems were evident in every detail he inspected. He explained everything in a way we could understand, highlighted both strengths and potential issues, and gave us complete confidence in moving forward with our purchase. What stood out most was not just their knowledge, but their professionalism, integrity, and trustworthiness. They genuinely care about their clients and it shows. Merrick Marine was highly recommended to us, and after working with them, we now wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in need of a marine surveyor. read more

I was quite happy with the work done by Jim and his team to survey, evaluate, and suggest repairs and other solutions for my boat. I have a 43ft LOA classic 1929 motor cruiser with all the challenges you can expect to find in an old wooden boat. The survey team was well organized, reliable, detail-oriented, and very thorough. They produced an exemplary and accurate survey report noting every conceivable problem with the boat and a set of explicit recommendations and advisories. I am doing my best to fix every single issue they identified, despite the fact that doing so is very costly -- much more costly than I would prefer! But that is the deal you make as the caretaker of an old wooden boat. read more

On 2/4/25 Jim and Lori Merrick performed an in-water Insurance/valuation survey on my 1986 Ericson 35 MK3. I was able to get on their schedule within10 days of contacting them, very acceptable. They had a great approach to the survey and really knew their way around the boat. They were very personable, freely explained what they were looking for and were extremely knowledgeable about all the requirements and regulations. They explained any found shortcomings and appropriate solutions. The final report arrived in my hands as promised and was extremely comprehensive. It was a joy to work with them and I would highly recommend Merrick Marine for your vessel survey needs. Glenn Knitter read more

I am a retired Healthcare Safety Professional, as such I might the the slightest bit risk adverse... When Jim and Lori came to survey my new boat I appreciated that they came with the same "eyes" that I would bring to my profession. I really appreciate this thoroughness when it comes to things that impact safety at sea. Their report was clear, and cited the relevant standards. Equally important to me was if the citation had a regulatory (mandatory) or voluntary (Best Practice) basis. This made addressing my "hit list" easy and understandable. Use them again? YES! read more

Merrick Marine did an excellent job with the survey on my boat! Jim and Delaney spent nearly an entire day dedicated to thorough, complete, and professional work. I was impressed with the 25 page report as well as the link to a full photo album. Communication was clear from start to finish and I was comfortable asking questions during and after the process. I feel confident in the survey and have been given peace of mind about the boat I am purchasing. I would recommend them to anyone in the Puget Sound area looking for a great surveyor! read more

Jim and Delaney got me out of a bind with a last-minute survey requirement from my insurance company. I called a few surveyors before finding Merrick Marine, but was immediately impressed with Jim's personal approach and expertise, which was evident over the phone. In person, Jim and Delaney are true professionals and a pleasure to work with. The survey was very thorough and the report was the best I've seen. I would highly recommend the Merrick Marine team for your surveying needs. I wouldn't call anyone else! Thanks Jim and Delaney! read more

I highly recommend Merrick Marine. I recently had a 2015 46 foot sailboat surveyed and it was a very professional and thorough survey with a lot of valuable insight provided in the written report. Jim also assisted in moving the boat from it's past location to a new location and went out of his way to complete the transit after we encountered some bad weather that delayed and postponed the trip. If you're in need of a survey or other assistance with your boat I wouldn't hesitate to call Merrick Marine. read more

Merrick Marine did such a great and thorough job for me! Jim was referred to me with high regards and they still over exceeded my expectations. Jim and his daughter were so detailed and over communicated everything I had complete confidence in them. They also turned our survey around really fast which was greatly appreciated. Thank you! read more

Jim and Delaney were prompt, thorough, and informative throughout our sailboat survey. Survey report was provided in a timely manner and clearly outlined the condition and issues with the boat. They took the time to answer our questions, before, during, and after the survey. They are a professional, personable, and friendly team! read more

Great experience- from the scheduling to the actual survey. A very honest and helpful survey but also a lot of very helpful advice. The survey arrived after a couple days later. They were also nice people who I truly enjoyed spending the morning with. Would definitely recommend Merrick Marine! read more

Jim was recommended by one of the biggest and reputable yacht broker/ dealers in Canada. He made a plan to accommodate timelines, provided excellent communication, feedback and service all the way through and didn't miss a beat. I will recommend him and his services without reservation. read more

Jim Merrick preformed a Marine Survey for us on a 40' boat that we had made a purchase offer on. His survey was exceptionally thorough. The report was 35 pages. Highly recommend Merrick Marine for marine surveys. read more

They did a great survey of the boat we were looking at. Jim took the time to answer my questions on site. The printed survey was very well put together and very informative. I would recommend Merrick Marine. read more

Great firm! Jim and Lori were incredibly helpful, detailed, so friendly, and accommodating. I will highly recommend them to anyone needing their services. read more

They did a very thorough and professional survey of my sailboat. Absolute highest recommendation! I'd definitely use them again.

Merrick Marine gave us a super thorough survey and helpful insights. Their expertise is very well worth the cost!