After the initial contact, arrangements will be made
to conduct a survey on a specific date and time and at a specific cost. A Work Order will be
prepared detailing the agreement for the specific work to be performed.
The person requesting the survey must review and sign this document
prior to the survey. Surveys must be paid for in advance or at the vessel
on the day of the survey and prior to the survey.
During a pre-purchase survey, it is not necessary but
can be helpful for the buyer to
be present. This allows for dialogue with the surveyor and is a good time
to ask questions. The owner’s presence is optional for insurance surveys
or appraisals. The length of time needed to conduct the survey will
depend upon the size of the vessel, the type of survey and the condition of the vessel
being surveyed. The average survey takes approximately 4 hours but
it is not unusual to spend an entire day for a
pre-purchase survey since this is a very detailed inspection. Large vessels may
require two or more days.
Arrange to present a clean, ship shape boat and have
all papers for the boat and systems ready for review. Lockers and cabin
areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear and open to inspection. Winter
covers should be removed to allow for a complete deck inspection.
Arrange for surveyor’s access, owner’s permission to board, keys and a
ladder if in dry dock.
Other Survey Considerations
Haul
Out is highly recommended for a pre-purchase survey in order to
perform a complete inspection of all wetted surface and hull areas
including underwater machinery. You will need to make arrangements for the
marina to haul the vessel for bottom inspection. Haul out charges are the
responsibility of the party ordering the survey.
Sea
Trial is highly recommended for a pre-purchase survey
especially on power boats.
There is a nominal additional charge for a sea trial providing it is
done the same day as the survey. Additional charges apply if the sea
trial is scheduled for a different day than the inspection survey. If a sea trial is to be conducted, the
owner or an owner-authorized operator must be present to operate the
vessel during the sea trial itself.
Engine
Survey is highly recommended for propulsion equipment and auxiliary engines
and should be conducted by a qualified engine surveyor. If an engine
surveyor is not hired, a compression check of the cylinders should be
ordered from the yard or the surveyor can have an optional oil analysis performed at
additional cost. The information obtained can then be presented to a
qualified engine mechanic to determine if any work is necessary.
Spars and Rigging are surveyed from
deck level only unless rigging is down. It is recommended that the standing rigging be taken down for
full inspection or a qualified rigger hired to go aloft and inspect all
rigging.
