This program was originally designed for home inspectors. A friend of mine, who is in the home inspection business, showed this system to me and claimed that it is state of the art.

Intrigued, I ordered their trial version and started making my own vessel survey forms. I discovered that it was very simple to customize an existing form or create a new one.

You can easily modify forms so that they include exactly the items that YOU want -- you're not forced to settle for somebody else's ideas regarding what items to cover. YOU CAN MAKE THE FORM FIT THE JOB, INSTEAD OF TRYING TO MAKE THE JOB FIT THE FORM!

Here's how I operate:

I have a PDA (I use a Dell Axim X50v) that has my forms pre-loaded. I open a new report when I attend the vessel and enter all of my findings using the PDA (no more handwritten field notes!). I also take lots of pictures (digital, of course). When I get back to the office, I synchronize my PDA and my digital camera with my desk top computer.

Voila! After proof reading and inserting pictures, the report is ready! What used to take me 2 to 3 hours after I got back to the office is generally done in less than 1. The report can be printed out OR the program will convert the report to a PDF file for emailing -- getting the report out more quickly makes a happier client (and saves you even more time because you don't have to print out the report)!

You can insert up to four digital photos per line to show the vessel, a close up of the hull ID number or anything else that you have taken a photo of can be included. AND you can add circles or arrows to the photos, if you want to. AND you can size the photos.

You can categorize items that need attention into up to four categories (which you can name) and have them automatically print out on a findings page.

Are there drawbacks? I only know of one:

1. It takes me approximately one-half hour longer in the field to enter all the desired information using my PDA instead of hand writing all my notes. Overall, I still am saving hours of time.

Here's the basic reason why this system works:

You set up your forms to cover all eventualities so that you can tap on the finding that you want and have the computer fill in the words you want to say.

For example, the bottom of a vessel is heavily blistered. You have set up your form to say "The bottom of this vessel is heavily blistered -- a full blister repair will need to be performed." All you have to do is tap on that selection (one tap that takes less than five seconds) and all those words magically appear! Don't forget, if you don't like those words, you can modify the form to say the words that you want!

Are you hooked yet?

Here is the basic outline (form names and headings) for a Power Boat:

SURVEY INFORMATION
Survey information
Client information
Vessel information

HULL
Hull
Exterior
Bottom
Main deck
Bilge space(s)
Flybridge
Upper deck

MAIN ENGINE(S)
Main engine(s)
Transmission(s)
Gauges and instrumentation
Exhaust(s)
Steering system(s)
Outdrive(s)

UNDERWATER APPENDAGES
Propeller(s)
Propeller shaft(s)
Rudder(s) and skeg(s)
Trim tabs, stabilizers and thrust system(s)
Zincs

TANKAGE
Fuel
Fresh water
Holding (black water)
Grey water
Water heater(s)
Water making system(s)
LPG (propane)
CNG

INTERIOR
Interior
Galley
Head(s)

DECK AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT

AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
Special equipment
Dinghy(ies) and Motor(s)

ELECTRICAL
12V systems
110V systems
Generator(s)
Converter(s)
Inverter(s)
Grounding and Bonding system(s)
Galvanic isolator(s)
Lightning protection

FIRE FIGHTING AND BILGE PUMPING EQUIPMENT
Fire fighting equipment
Bilge pump(s)

THROUGH-HULLS AND SEA VALVE S

TRAILER

The Sail Boat form group also has a form for Sails and one for Mast(s) and Rigging; the Pontoon Houseboat form group has a different Hull section.

Here are some samples so that you can see what the finished product looks like (these are in PDF format, which is one of the options available through the 3D Inspection System):

Sample power boat
Sample pontoon houseboat
Sample sail boat

This program is exactly what you have been looking for. I've been using this system since the end of April 2005 and have nothing but praise for it.

It took me 10 days to get my initial forms set up and another 10 days (in bits and pieces) to get the forms where they are today. I expect that modifications will be ongoing for quite some time but believe that the changes from here on in will be minor.

If you haven't already done so, go to the 3D Inspection web site, http://3DInspection.com , and order (or download) the trial version (it's FREE!). When you decide that the 3D system is the way to go, click here to order and to save yourself 3% on whichever of their programs you choose. I do know that 3D are talking about offering a program that is focused solely on marine surveying (for a reduced price), if you can be patient.

Right now, my most recent form versions are available for $99.95 -- this includes all three form groups (Power Boat, Sail Boat, Pontoon Houseboat) and automatic updates for one year.

If you are interested in starting out with my form groups, please feel free to send me a $99.95 check (Peggy Feakes, 7011 Bridgeport Circle, Stockton, CA, 95207) or use the PayPal option below. I will then email the form groups to you (or, if you'd rather, I can send you a disc). You will then be well on your way to spending less time on paperwork and more time on survey inspections! Of course, you always have the option of creating your own forms (if you go this route and need some help, please feel free to contact me).

Here's the PayPal button:

Regards, Peggy Feakes, AMS®
R. J. Whitfield & Associates, Inc.