Survey Types
Full Condition / Pre Purchase Survey
A pre purchase / condition survey is carried out for the potential purchaser of a yacht or motorboat. Its purpose is to establish the general condition of the vessel in terms of defects, general condition, levels of maintenance and ultimately to ensure that the boat is fit for purpose. The survey will also make a judgement on build quality and will identify any significant past repairs. As well as a detailed look at the yachts structure the survey will inspect and test all onboard systems and equipment (where possible) including deck hardware, electrical, mechanical, plumbing , gas and for a sailing yacht the mast and rigging. Internal fixtures, furniture, upholstery and fittings are also commented on. Many potential purchasers ask to be present during the survey. This is welcomed and actually encouraged but we do ask that you purely attend for the last hour or so when we actually have something meaningful to present to you. Once the survey report has been completed we are able to help with any necessary negotiation / renegotiation with the selling broker or individual based on the survey findings.
Insurance Survey
Most insurance companies will ask for a survey report at the time of cover being taken out and for repeat surveys every five years or so. The insurance companies ask for a survey report so as to identify any unacceptable risks they may be covering. Our insurance surveys are designed to provide the information the insurance companies need but also to give you the owner a thorough understanding of the vessels current condition. In other words they are not far off being a Full Condition Survey but tend to be a little more to the point and usually involve less follow up advice being required. As a result of this they are less expensive than a full survey. If the survey turns up significant material defects it can be that when the work is completed the insurance company requires a second report confirming this. We carry out any second visits and reports on an at cost basis.
Structural Survey
A Structural survey is exactly what the name implies, it is a survey of the vessels structure and associated structural fixtures. Areas inspected include the hull and deck (including moisture readings in GRP boats), keel and rudder, deck fixtures, strong points, windows and hatches and the through hull fittings. Structural surveys are usually commissioned by owners / buyers who have concerns over the boats structural condition or sometimes by a cautious owner following an accident or grounding.
Engine Tests
able to carry out engine tests. When it comes to the engine(s) most surveyors will report on the external condition of the engine, its installation, the electrical connections to the engine and the fuel system. Some (not all) surveyors where possible will start the engine and comment on its general health. Having a Marine Engineer on the team means that we can carry out far more comprehensive full engine tests. We do charge for this service but given that over half the value of many boats (especially motor boats) is in the engines then it stands to reason that a professional independent engine test makes sense.
Valuation Report
All of our survey types include a free of charge valuation statement. Always required by banks and finance houses if lending against the vessel. Valuation surveys are often also required by insurance companies and brokers and are also useful as a point of reference for the vessels owner.