Purchase Surveys

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION

This may save time and money when there may already be doubt as to the basic condition of the vessel, a Preliminary Inspection can save time and money. An inspection is carried out on the vessel, either in the water or on the hard and the observations obtained can indicate whether a full survey is required. Whilst not a substitute for a Full Condition survey It can provide an assessment of the general state of the vessel but without reporting on detailed findings.

FULL PRE-PURCHASE SURVEY

 This type of survey entails the examination of generally accessible areas of the vessel’s structure and gear. The report will refer briefly to the general external condition of machinery, domestic, electrical or navigational equipment.
 
The main items that can be inspected during a survey are listed below. The vessel is usually lifted ashore for examination of the bottom, topsides, rudders, sterngear, skin fittings and decks. The internal structure to be examined as far as accessible with the removal of normally portable panels and sole boards.

Hull Exterior

  • General Appearance
  • Topsides
  • Hull Below the Waterline
  • Evidence grounding damage
  • Evidence of past repairs
  • Fibreglass delamination
  • Hammer testing of hull
  • Moisture Readings
  • Keel fastenings
  • Rudder & Steering
  • Through-Hull Fittings, Valves and Seacocks
  • Anodes

Hull Internal Structure

  • General Appearance
  • Stiffeners
  • Internal Moulding
  • Bulkheads
  • Engine Beds
  • Keel Bolts / Studs

Deck and External Fittings

  • Hull / Deck Join
  • Deck Moulding, Cockpit
  • Chain Locker & Bulkhead
  • Hatches, Ports, Windows and Ventilation
  • Deck Fittings and Equipment
  • Grab Rails, Guard Rails
  • Boarding Ladder, Davits, Radar Arch

Rigging and Sails

  • Mast, Boom, Whisker Pole, Spinnaker Pole, Kicking Strap
  • Bowsprit
  • Shroud Chain Plates, Forestay & Backstay Chain Plates
  • Jib Furling Mechanism
  • Winches, Jammers, Travelers, Cars

Propulsion

  • Engine & Transmission – Engines inspected visually. Comment made on general condition, corrosion, indications of leaks. Condition of hoses, hose clamps and belts. Coolant and oil levels checked. Sterndrives inspected visually for corrosion and leaks. Oil assessed for ingress of water. Condition of propellers. Bushing checked for free play. Rubber seals visually assessed.
  • NOTE: Oil samples from engines, gearboxes and generators can be taken for analysis on request.

Systems and Services

  • Anchor and Chain
  • Anchor Windlass
  • Fresh Water System
  • Grey Water System
  • Heads
  • LPG Installation – LPG systems examined visually only. All work on gas systems must be carried out by competent personnel. All testing of LPG systems must be carried out by accredited gas engineers.
  • Galley
  • Electrical System
  • Navigation Equipment
  • Radio Communications

Safety Equipment

HULL & DECK STRUCTURE SURVEY 

This reduced scope survey does not include items such as deck fittings, installed systems, ground tackle or equipment. It has limited application but there may be circumstances where the comprehensive information provided by a full Hull and Gear Condition Survey is considered unnecessary.