Buying a boat or yacht is a major investment. It makes sense to ensure that the vessel you are intending to buy does not have any unexpected problems or defects that will be expensive to rectify.
A surveyor will examine a boat from stem to stern for you, checking the condition of the basic structure of the boat. On a steel boat the hull is measured for residual plate thickness using an Ultrasonic Thickness testing meter to identify any areas that are corroded or wasted, and any pitting corrosion is measured for depth. On a GRP boat the hull is moisture tested to check for osmosis or other defects. Through hull fitting are checked for problems. In addition, all equipment that can be tested will be, including Safety equipment which will be checked for compliance. Rigging is checked from deck level. The condition of the interior will be noted, particularly important if the boat has previously been chartered.
A sea trial can be performed for you if specifically requested (for a modest fee) which will allow the engine, gear box, propulsion gear and other water-cooled equipment to be tested.
A report is then compiled, usually within 3 working days. You can recieve this in both digital and printed format. The report will list the condition of everything surveyed, plus recomendations for remedial actions. The report is compiled to meet the requirements of insurance companies. If you wish, a valuation can be provided for an additional fee.
A survey can give you peace of mind that the boat you are buying is sensibly priced for the condition it is in. It can alert you to any work that may be needed to ensure the boat is in an acceptable condition and can highlight areas that may need attention in the future. A survey provides invaluable information at the point of sale and in the long term will prove an extremely worthwhile investment.