Click on the type of survey below for more information!
This type of survey assesses the condition of a vessel for the prospective buyer. This is the most thorough of surveys with regards to structural features. Great detail on extent and seriousness of existing problems and suggested repairs are provided to the prospective buyer. Poor construction practices, where visible, such as the absence of bolts through the toe rail and hull-deck joint, absence of backing blocks for hardware, hardware of insufficient size, will be noted in the survey.
This type of survey is performed so that the insurance underwriter can determine whether or not the vessel is an acceptable risk. This survey will inform the insurance underwriter of the vessel type, construction and condition of the vessel, machinery and equipment. The survey also provides the underwriter with a list of items which do not comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirements, ABYC or NFPA standards. Further, the survey will identify specific requirements requested by the underwriter.
Insurance companies like to see a clean bill of health when they insure a vessel. If they see too many concerns with a vessel, they simply refuse to insure it. This survey will allow the owner to replace and/or repair items and areas that might otherwise cause the insurance underwriter to reject them. Once the pre-insurance survey has been completed and the owner has made the necessary repairs to the vessel, a Condition and Value Survey is requested by your insurance agent. Since you have already made the repairs as suggested by the surveyor, your vessel is much more eye appealing to the insurance underwriter. (Special rates apply, as this is not considered a full Condition and Value Survey.)
This survey deals primarily with a specific problem, such as damage from grounding, collision, dismasting or sinking. Emphasis is placed on the severity and the extent of the damages incurred.
One of the best ways to test a vessel is to get it out on the water. Now is the time, before the purchase has been made, to find out all that you need to know. Many system checks cannot be preformed while dockside. With the engine as your power plant and the hull as your home away from home, these items, to name a few, act differently while underway and in open-water. The simple act of a sea trial can tell you if this vessel is the right one for you and your intended use.
Lubricant condition, contaminants and machine wear are just a few of the results that I can provide with an Oil Analysis. You can find out more about your engine with this test than you might think. Within 24 to 48 hours I will have a detailed report, that includes all the information needed to trouble shoot your engine problems or give you the piece of mind that all is well.
Most boats have some zinc (cathodic) protection. Many items that need protection are not protected at all, or are done so improperly. A series of on-board tests will show any problems in your bonding system. A common misconception is that bonding is only needed on vessels in a saltwater environment. Although slower in its process of destruction, it does still occur with devastating results to your onboard equipment such as engines, generators, thru-hull fittings and transducers.
..Throughout your boat’s electronics, the potential for danger exists. Stray current (the silent killer) can be present and go unnoticed for an extended period of time. The result of a stray current can cause injury or even death.
Is your boat ready for you to take it to that place you have always dreamed of? Maybe a better question, are you ready to let that boat take you? This survey involves both the vessel and its crew. I can not say I have seen and done it all, but with 25 years of sailing experience and owning more boats than I wish to discuss, I can help you make some sound, qualified decisions on equipment and what to expect.
Rome was not built in a day. Setting up your new boat can feel like you are attempting to rebuild the Colosseum. This is the time to really sit down and talk about needs versus wants and get down to brass tax. As the list gets longer it is easy to lose track of the big picture. Let me help put things in perspective. We will tailor your boat to be exactly what you want it to be.
..If you have already found a boat but need a second set of eyes. Not a survey, just looking together. I am working for you, let me help you make a sound decisions. This has been especially helpful for the new boater or someone making the change from sail to power or making the jump from weekend boats to your future home away from home.