Pre-Purchase Survey
The Pre-Purchase condition and valuation survey is the most comprehensive type of inspection, and is strongly advised when purchasing both a new or used vessel. A haul out and bottom inspection is also strongly advised. The inspection examines everything if it can be accessed non-destructively, without dis assembly or the use of tools to provide access. The vessels structural integrity, condition, and overall operation are examined. All on board systems are examined, such as: the electrical systems, the propulsion system, the fuel system, the generators or other machinery, the electronics and the navigation equipment, the cosmetic appearance and overall maintenance, as well as the out-of-water hull bottom, and running gear. The vessels compliance to safety, ABYC, NFPA, and USCG regulation, recommendations, and requirements. The vessel’s fair market value and the vessels replacement values are determined and included in the report.
Insurance Survey
The Insurance condition and valuation survey is usually an insurance company or under writer’s requirement, and is used order to determine if the vessel is an acceptable risk. Many of the same elements of the pre-purchase survey are examined, the vessels structural integrity, condition, and safety for its intended use, also propulsion, and all systems are inspected. A haul out and bottom inspection is usually required. The vessels compliance to safety, ABYC, NFPA, and USCG regulation, recommendations, and requirements. Most insurance companies require a current insurance survey on older boats, or when changing under writers.
Damage Inspection
Performed for yacht owners, insurance companies, or boatyards, to determine the extent of damage, recommend repairs, estimate the cost of repairs, and if can be determined, the probable cause.
New Build / Re-fit / Repair Project Management
Representing the yacht owner, yacht designers, builders, or boatyards, in managing all and any aspects of new construction, modifications, restorations, re- fits, or repairs in both USA, Canada, and International. Managing build / re-fit /or repair schedules to keep projects successful, on time, on budget, and supplying comprehensive updates and written reports as the project progresses, and is successfully completed.
Appraisal Market Analysis
The inspection is performed to gather just enough information or the general condition to determine the fair market value of the vessel. This is normally needed for preparing offers to purchase, estate settlements, donations and legal cases.
Consultation
Expert Consultation on a variety of projects including: failure analysis, repair recommendations, refit recommendations, modification recommendations, and optimization recommendations. Also any structural concerns or recommendations.
New Building Survey
Construction under the oversight of an on-site surveyor helps manage the risks associated with the building of a new yacht. Any yacht new-build project represents a significant investment, so it is essential that it is constructed to exacting standards if it is to optimize its through-life performance.
Mast & Rigging Surveys
Inspecting and providing a report on the condition of the mast and rigging, involves going aloft in a bosun’s chair, or optimally a more comprehensive inspection from ground level after the mast has been pulled. A full mast and rigging survey will take several hours of inspecting the mast from the mast head to the heel, and may not always be possible to complete it on the same day as a pre-purchase survey. An additional fee over and over and above the Pre Purchase or Insurance Surveys would be required. Any vessel where the standing rigging is over ten years old, any vessel where the mast and rigging has not been inspected in the last few years, or any vessel going offshore, should have a Mast and Rigging Survey carried out.
Sea Trials
The Pre-Purchase Survey will usually have a sea trial associated with it, and involves the demonstration of, and operation of, all of equipment, machinery, systems, and the hoisting of sails. On occasion there is solely a sea trial, to give an opinion about general operation, vibration and or smoking engines, a loose or un-tuned rig, weeping stern gland and packing, or something that the owner or seller is aware of but requires a second opinion and more importantly, a practical solution.