Finding Your Next Boat Is Just the First Step…
Let Us Help You Get the Most Out of Your New Boat
Founded by brothers Jim and Mike Merrick and buoyed by daughter Delaney Merrick, Merrick Marine is uniquely positioned to provide peace of mind for the yacht owner. From the pre-purchase survey, to yacht delivery, to At-The-Helm℠ instruction in your own boat, we can help you get the most out of your time on the water.
Vessel
Survey
It all starts with a comprehensive survey of your boat by a SAMS accredited surveyor. From stem to stern, we will inspect, analyze, and clearly report the condition and value of your boat. We provide detailed reports and we are happy to discuss them with you.
USCG Master
Captains
Not only are we Coast Guard Master Captains, but we have years of experience operating all types of boats. Whether you need a skipper for a day, a delivery to Alaska, or someone to get your boat through the locks so you can focus on getting ready to go racing, you can trust us with your baby.
At-The-Helm℠
Instruction
We want you to get the most out of your boat. To be confident that you can take it anywhere, any time. We’ll teach you how to safely operate your boat, not from a book, or in a classroom, but at the helm of your own boat. Drop the hook, fly the chute—you can do it. Let us show you how.
Marine
Investigation
Sinkings, collisions, damage claims, title research, or vessel repossessions—whether you are an insurer or a vessel owner, Merrick Marine has a unique skill set to provide timely, complete reports and credible in-depth research. We’ll get to the bottom of why you were on the bottom!
OLD SALT OR FIRST TIME BOAT OWNER, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
We will definitely be going to Jim again for any future surveying needs!
Nan T. (via Google)
Merrick really knows his stuff
Paul S. (via Facebook)
We know so much more about the boat ourselves after following them around during their survey.
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.
Philippa S. (via Yelp)
I couldn’t have asked for more thorough attention to detail
Nicolas T. (via Google)
Very thorough
They did some nice work surveying our Axopar 37. Very thorough.
Bob S. (via Google)
thorough and professional
Kurt W. (via Google)
The survey was timely, thorough and very professional.
Dwaine H.
Thorough, informative, and thoughtful all around!
Brad B. (via Google)
I strongly recommend them.
Don F. (via Google)
I highly recommend them!!
Ben O. (via Google)
I would recommend them to anyone in the Puget Sound area looking for a great surveyor!
Bri S. (via Yelp)
surveyed in a timely manner
Skyler L. (via Google)
One of the most professional surveyors in WA
Robb B., Grand Yachts (via Google)
Very knowledgeable, comprehensive survey report.
Tim F. (via Google)
They made the survey and sea trial quite enjoyable and the report was excellent
Tony I. (via Yelp)
Would highly recommend them for any job large or small!
Erik N. (via Yelp)
The survey was was efficient, friendly and professional.
Brad G. (via Yelp)
I’ve found my new go-to for Surveyors and referrals!
The process was not only thorough but pleasant to talk to experts willing to help answer questions with an experienced perspective to boating.
I've found my new go-to for Surveyors and referrals!
Braxten T. (via Yelp)
Would use him again
Neal S. (via Google)
Captain Jim Merrick gets our highest possible rating and we do not hesitate to recommend him to one and all.
Dan G. (via website)
Great Service! Very thorough survey report.
Plus, great post survey report service answering in great detail several questions I had about how to proceed on a few items.
Mark B. (via Google)
If you’re looking to do a boat survey, I would recommend Merrick Marine
If you're looking to do a boat survey, I would recommend Merrick Marine.
Rod J. (via Yelp)
Reliable, on time and thorough sailboat inspection
Stephen M. (via Google)
Would definitely recommend Merrick Marine!
They were also nice people who I truly enjoyed spending the morning with.
Would definitely recommend Merrick Marine!
Stephen J. (via Yelp)
Merrick is the ONLY company we recommend.
Salty Boys Boat Works (via Google)
Absolute highest recommendation!
Reed B. (via Yelp)
Jim is a true pro
Craig M. (via Yelp)
Both are extremely knowledgeable, professional, respectful, and honest.
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.
Philippa S. (via Google)
I cannot recommend him enough.
Cameron M. (via Google)
They were incredibly professional from my first contact to the final written report.
Brian L. (via Google)
Great work!
Scott W. (via Google)
I’ve started recommending Merrick Marine to others and they will be my first call the next time
Tryg O. (via Google and Yelp)
great folks to spend a morning with surveying the boat!
Ivan S. (via Google)
Highly recommended
Kevin K. (via Google)
Jim and his daughter were so detailed and over communicated everything I had complete confidence in them.
Jake C. (via Google and Yelp)
I wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again
Jim and Lori did a thorough job of the boat survey, and I wouldn't hesitate to use their services again. Easy and straightforward to deal with.
Fred B. (Via Google)
I would definitely work again with and highly recommend Merrick Marine
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.
Lani S. (via Yelp)
I strongly recommend their services
James T. (via Google)
Top notch surveyors!
Dave T. (via Google)
Use them again? YES!
Steve M. (via Yelp)
Great communications and high quality work!!
Dean I. (via Google)
professional, friendly, and I learned some stuff
Jay E. (via Yelp)
I was very happy with their service and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others
Mike U. (via Google)
They were informative and professional, but also friendly.
Tom M. (via Google)
For a marine survey, this is the company to use
Gerald J. (via Google)
They were professional, knowledgeable, and fun to chat with
Winter H. (via Google)
It was refreshing to see how thorough and knowledgeable he was in performing the survey.
George M. (via Google)
Best of all he doesn’t disappear after the survey
Ben D. (via Facebook)
His services far exceeded my expectations and I would recommend him as a marine surveyor even if you are a novice boater.
James H. (via Yelp)
I highly recommend Merrick Marine
Kirk S. (via Yelp)
A winning team
Eric B. (via Google)
Recommended without reservation
Dirk K. (via Google and Yelp)
Good professional to work with
Brad D. (via Google)
Jim and Delaney did an amazing job…Would highly recommend the services of Merrick Marine.
Chris B. (via Google)
You won’t find a more experienced team
Perrin K. (via Facebook)
The completeness of your survey was a critical factor
Spike D. (direct)
Super knowledgable and fair
Jason S. (via Yelp)
I would recommend Merrick Marine to perform your survey.
Perry M. (via Google)
I highly recommend Merrick for all your survey needs
Lanny H. (via Google)
Highly recommend him for you survey needs.
Fern C. (via Google)
Very professional and easy to work with
Tom (via Google)
The entire end-to-end process was a great experience.
Mike D. (via Yelp)
Great firm!
Christa R. (via Yelp)
The printed survey was very well put together and very informative
Scot L. (via Yelp)
Jim and Delaney were prompt, thorough, and informative throughout our sailboat survey.
Jen T. (via Yelp)
Highly recommend Merrick Marine
Rob T. (via Google)
Great people. Great service.
Michael A. (via Facebook)
I would definitely contract with Merrick Marine again for survey services
Alan O. (via Google)
a stress free and educational experience
Doug H. (via Google)
Jim was great, and supported by a great family team who made things simple
Marty C. (via Yelp)
About Us
The Merricks have lifetimes of experience on the water in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. We grew up here, spending every possible moment on the water, cruising, racing, living aboard, and commercial fishing in Puget Sound, SE Alaska, and Bristol Bay. We have cruised and raced in every corner of the globe including not just the Salish Sea, but Australia, the Med, the Baltic, Hawaii (Vic-Maui), SoCal, the Caribbean, and the Chesapeake.
We have worked in fiberglass and aluminum manufacturing, including owning an advanced composite marine manufacturing business building boats from 12 feet to more than 70 feet. We began laying up dinghies in the garage long before we could drive a car. Mike even holds a patent in a unique fiberglass fabrication process.
Jim is an Accredited Marine Survey in Yachts and Small Craft with the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS), and both Delaney and Jim are members of the International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI). Jim is also an ABYC Certified Systems Technician. Mike holds a patent in fiberglass fabrication.
Like her father Jim, Delaney is a USCG-licensed Master with Sailing Endorsement, and she is also an active member of the USCG Auxiliary. She is also a licensed private investigator with her own agency. Her background in global investigations and security bring a unique depth and attention to detail to our reports and investigative work.
Merrick Marine is intimately familiar with boats and systems of all sizes and shapes, from cuddy cabin to motor yacht, from dinghy to offshore racer. Our experience in fabrication allows us to more thoroughly survey your boat and accurately estimate damage claims regardless of material, composites, core, or onboard systems.
Our approach uses the latest technologies including infrared, ultrasonic, and laser measurement, as well as the knowledge that comes only from years of hands-on experience. During deliveries, we can even offer dynamic GPS tracking so you can follow along and know exactly where your boat is at all times.
If all this seems overwhelming, don’t worry, we can help you make sense of it all. Whether you just want to know the best practice for docking your new boat or you want to learn how to do a dip-pole gybe with your tri-radial spinnaker, our At-The-Helm training will take you through it—hands-on, on your own boat, in the very water where you want to be. Our two-instructor “Couple’s” training allows us to work with both the person at the helm and the person on the lines at the same time, ensuring competence and confidence for all on board.