PREPURCHASE SURVEY

We are Certified Surveyors or Surveyor Associates with the Association of Certified Marine Surveyors (ACMS®). The purpose of the Prepurchase Survey is to provide the buyer with the information they require in order to evaluate the structural condition of the vessel prior to purchase. This is the most comprehensive type of inspection and is strongly advised when purchasing a used vessel.

THE SURVEY REPORT WILL:

Identify the vessel and major equipment using serial numbers wherever possible.

Identify defects, damages, and previous repairs where visible.

Include an evaluation of the structural integrity of the hull and deck.

Report on the hull bottom for delamination and osmosis evaluation.

Report on the condition of the mast and rigging, excluding the rig aloft.

Report on the installation of machinery and the condition of engines as far as can be ascertained from a visual inspection.

Report on the installation of electrical equipment.

Report on the tankage.

Include details of the safety equipment.

Evaluate the navigation equipment

The report will be written in concise normal language using marine terminology where necessary.

The report will contain digital photographs of pertinent items.

The report will be completed in a timely manner.

The survey does not include a detailed evaluation of the sails or a detailed mechanical evaluation of the engine(s) or generator(s). These are available through local contractors.

THE SURVEY

We advise owners to check the vessel themselves before the survey. Check through hull fittings, hoses, hose clamps, expiry date on safety equipment etc. The vessel should be presented for survey in a clean condition with the ships papers and miscellaneous equipment ready for inspection. If the lockers are full of equipment, you will be asked to empty lockers. The surveyor may also ask you to provide some minor dismantling of some areas, for example access to chain plates.

We encourage prospective buyers to be present at the survey. It is our opinion that the purchase survey should be both in and out of the water. You will need to arrange to haul at a boat yard. Most yards offer a survey haul, when the vessel is kept in the slings over the lunch period which saves the cost of chocking etc. If the owner is not present during the survey you will need to arrange for a skipper to move the vessel for the haul. Sea trials are not included in the normal cost of the survey inspection, but may be arranged at a nominal extra cost. After the survey has been completed, the surveyor will verbally discuss the details with the buyer.

THE PREPURCHASE SURVEY IS ALSO USED BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND CAN BE USED FOR INSURANCE AS WELL