Your Local Marine Surveyor in New Bern, NC

Located in New Bern, NCServing the Mid-Atlantic Region

Thorough, straightforward, and professional marine surveys that help you make decisions with confidence, improve overall safety, and better understand your vessel.

Know Your Boat. Protect Your Investment!
Specializing in sailing and cruising boats, with the expertise to survey vessels of all types and sizes.
ProfessionalismDependable service and clear communication
ExpertiseKnowledgeable, standards-based evaluation
IntegrityObjective findings, straightforward reporting

Surveys & Services

Marine surveyor and prospective buyer inspecting a diesel engine in a trawler engine room

Pre Purchase Survey

A comprehensive evaluation of the vessel’s structure, systems, equipment, overall condition, and fair market value, accompanied by a detailed professional report that exceeds industry standards. This type of survey also typically includes a haul-out and an in-water trial run of the vessel. The purpose of a pre-purchase survey is to give a prospective buyer a thorough understanding of the vessel and its current condition before making a final purchase decision.

Marine surveyor documenting a lithium battery and fuse installation inside a cruising boat

Insurance Survey

A focused evaluation of the vessel’s structure, systems, equipment, overall condition, safety compliance, and fair market value, accompanied by a detailed professional report that exceeds industry standards. The purpose of an insurance survey is to document the vessel’s condition and value for insurance underwriting requirements.

Marine surveyor taking moisture readings on the topsides of a trailered boat

Condition & Valuation Survey

An objective evaluation of the vessel’s overall condition based on a detailed inspection of its structure, systems, and equipment. The purpose of a Condition & Valuation Survey is to provide a condensed professional report listing findings that affect the vessel’s value and inform a thoughtfully researched opinion of fair market value and replacement cost. This type of survey is tailored to assist with listing a vessel for sale or securing financing.

Marine surveyor photographing the galley during a quick look inspection of a cruising sailboat

Quick Look Inspection

A quick, high-level inspection of the vessel’s structure, systems, and equipment, accompanied by a condensed report covering significant findings, maintenance items, and overall condition. Ideal for out-of-town buyers who want a professional second set of eyes to help narrow their search before traveling to see a boat in person—potentially saving thousands in unnecessary travel costs. A Quick Look Inspection is not intended to replace a Pre-Purchase Survey.

Marine surveyor aloft inspecting sailboat mast and rigging

Rigging Survey

A focused inspection of a sailboat’s standing and running rigging, spars, fittings, and associated equipment. In addition to the typical deck-level rigging inspection included in all sailboat surveys, this service includes climbing the mast to inspect the entire rig and associated equipment for corrosion, damage, point loading, cracking, and other deficiencies.

Cruising instruction at a sailboat helm while approaching a marina

Cruising Consulting

This service goes beyond surveying and is offered to new or prospective boat owners seeking practical, straightforward instruction to build confidence with docking, anchoring, navigation, weather forecasting, and general seamanship. It may also include hands-on sailing instruction with a practical approach focused on safe and confident cruising.

Pricing

In the interest of transparency, Steel Rose Marine Services publishes the following pricing as a general guide for our clients. These prices are not a substitute for a formal quote and are subject to change. Final pricing may vary based on the specific vessel, scope of work, location, scheduling requirements and availability, or other circumstances.

Pre-Purchase Survey

$20–$30 per foot
$600 deposit / minimum survey fee

Insurance Survey

$15–$25 per foot
$500 deposit / minimum survey fee

Condition & Valuation Survey

$10–$20 per foot
$400 deposit / minimum survey fee

Quick Look Inspection

$5–$10 per foot
$200 deposit / minimum survey fee

Rigging Survey

$300–$600
Depending on the complexity of the rigging.

Survey Pricing Details

Survey pricing is based on the vessel’s length and the overall scope of work. The per-foot rate will vary based on factors such as the number and complexity of onboard systems, number of decks, hull configuration, and other vessel characteristics that may affect the time and complexity of the survey. Haul-outs and in-water trial runs are typically associated with Pre-Purchase Surveys and, when requested, may increase the overall survey price. A Rigging Survey may be added to any of the other survey types. For surveys located more than a two-hour drive from New Bern, NC, additional fees for mileage and travel expenses may apply. Deposits are non-refundable within five business days of the scheduled survey date and may be transferred to another survey scheduled within three months of the original proposed survey date.

Cruising Consulting

$500–$750 per day

Daily pricing will vary based on factors such as the complexity of the vessel, the client’s level of experience, specific training needs, and other circumstances that may affect the scope and complexity of the instruction. Additional fees for mileage and travel expenses may apply.

Meet Your Surveyor

Brian Rosensteel aboard a cruising sailboatBrian Rosensteel at the helm of a cruising sailboat

Hello, my name is Brian Rosensteel, and I would be honored to help you with a comprehensive survey of your current or future vessel.

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by boats of all types and styles. From a small runabout to a large cruising yacht equipped with the latest systems and technology, they all share much in common and provide their owners with endless enjoyment and opportunities for both recreation and adventure.

My passion for boating began in college, where I joined the sailing team and developed a love for being on the water and working on boats. From then on, sailing, racing, and boating became cornerstones of my life and occupied much of my free time.

Eventually, I met my wife and somehow convinced her that putting life on hold for a multi-year honeymoon aboard a monohull sailboat was a great idea. Together, we cruised extensively along the East Coast and into the Caribbean. In many ways, cruising became my school of hard knocks, providing the kind of practical, hands-on experience with boats, systems, maintenance, repairs, navigation, weather, and seamanship that can only come from living aboard, solving problems as they arise, and keeping a cruising boat moving safely from one destination to the next.

During this sabbatical, I decided to begin a new career as a marine surveyor and started pursuing the professional education and certifications necessary to do it properly. I have completed marine diesel and marine electrical systems training through BoatHowTo and earned the ABYC Standards Advisor certification. I am also a graduate of the Yacht & Small Craft Surveying program at the Chapman School of Seamanship, where I graduated as valedictorian. I am currently continuing my professional development by working toward a USCG Captain’s License and membership in the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS).

I approach every survey as though I were evaluating the vessel for myself. My goal is to provide you with a thorough, objective understanding of the vessel and the information you need to make sound financial and personal decisions with confidence. My goal is also to act as a confidant and advisor to my clients and to build long-lasting professional relationships based on trust.

Certifications & Professional Training

BoatHowTo logoMarine Diesel & Marine Electrical Systems Training
Chapman School of Seamanship logoYacht & Small Craft Surveying · Valedictorian
ABYC logoMarine Standards Advisor

About Steel Rose Marine Services

Steel Rose Marine Services is built around the idea that a marine surveyor can be more than someone you work with for a few hours during a single inspection. Our goal is to become a trusted resource for boat owners throughout the buying process and beyond.

For those just beginning their search, a Quick Look Inspection provides a professional evaluation of a vessel to help determine whether it is worth taking the next step. This can be particularly valuable for out-of-town buyers who may not have the time or ability to personally inspect every vessel on their list.

Once you have narrowed your search, a Pre-Purchase Survey provides a much more comprehensive evaluation of the vessel, helping identify deficiencies and potential concerns before you make a final purchase decision. After the purchase, Cruising Consulting can help you develop the confidence and practical skills necessary to safely operate and enjoy your new boat.

As your ownership continues, you may eventually need an Insurance Survey or, when the time comes to sell, a Condition & Valuation Survey to help begin that process.

At Steel Rose Marine Services, we want to be in your corner every step of the way. Consider us a continuing resource throughout your boating career, and we hope you will give us the opportunity to assist with your surveying, consulting, and boating needs.

Contact Info

Please feel free to call or email with any questions or inquiries. I am always happy to discuss your vessel, your surveying needs, or which service may be the best fit for you.

Steel Rose Marine Services

Marine SurveyorBrian Rosensteel
Websitesteelrosemarine.com
Location
Northwest Creek Marina
104 Marina Drive
New Bern, NC 28560

Steel Rose Marine Services, with the surrounding New Bern area and downtown to the west.

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Your request will be sent to Steel Rose Marine Services for review. Submission does not confirm a survey date. We will follow up to discuss availability, scope, and pricing.