A
Google search of "Boat Surveyor" should give you more information than you can read. BoatUS has a good one-page write-up about the process and the two main US certifying organizations (SAMS and NAMS) at the following link:
https://www.boatus.com/insurance/survey.asp
I've recently bought a
used boat, and highly recommend a
survey once you get down the final boat. I made sure that the
surveyor I hired (which came recommended by several in the local sailing community) allowed me to be present for the entire (4 hour!) process. I learned quite a bit about my
new boat, the locations of all important systems,
maintenance hints, etc. -- I took pages of notes. In the end, I was much more confident with the
price I paid, there are no hidden flaws, and the
safety of my
family on this vessel.
The
price was about $600 - 700, so you don't want to hire someone until you get past "keel kicking" and decide on a final
purchase. Most owners also want some earnest
money before they submit to such a detailed
inspection.