What will the surveyor do in a typical yacht survey?
In a pre-purchase and valuation survey, all accessible parts and systems in the boat are carefully examined. Whether or not the vessel
is out of the water determines how much of the hull can be examined. It is strongly recommended that an in-water boat be hauled so the
underwater components can be accessed and the wetted surface checked for blistering, etc. The hull and deck are checked for
moisture incursion and tapped with a phenolic hammer in a grid like pattern, which to the surveyor’s ear will locate problems if any in the
fiberglass laminate. Voids in the laminates might or might not have water in them, but if they do, they should be properly repaired. The
fuel system is checked. The propulsion system is checked. If requested, the engine(s) is started, warmed up and then oil samples are
drawn from each motor if applicable, and sent for analysis. Full gasoline engine and outboard surveys are available. The electrical
system is checked. Generators, shore power/AC system, air conditioners, marine electronics, stoves, heaters, fresh water, toilets
(MSDs), superstructures, towers, steering, hydraulics, sailboat rigging, winches, stanchions, hatches, lifelines, ground tackle and rode,
davits…the list goes on and on. All these things are checked for condition, catalogued, and compared to federal (CFR, MARPOL),
international (ISO, COLREG), and state regulations and standards set forth by the ABYC, (American Boating and Yacht Council), and
NFPA, (National Fire Protection Agency), for compliance. Deficiencies are listed according to severity at the end of the report. Many
photographs are taken and included in the report for clarity. The hull ID number is documented and pertinent papers such as
registration or federal documentation are examined and reported. Finally a value is placed on the boat. It is not unusual for the survey
to take 3 to 6 hours and at least as much time spent on the research and report writing. The report will be posted on TMS website for
viewing and printing as soon as it's completed. Report is instantly accessible only by you and people you give the password to. If
requested, you will receive an attractive bound report in a ring binder with a large color picture of your vessel on the cover plus many
pertinent photos within. Printing is done on both sides of the paper, and only HP® Premium Presentation paper is used.It is a thorough,
professional report that will put you in an educated position to bargain for price or itemize work to be done pre-purchase.
In a pre-purchase and valuation survey, all accessible parts and systems in the boat are carefully examined. Whether or not the vessel
is out of the water determines how much of the hull can be examined. It is strongly recommended that an in-water boat be hauled so the
underwater components can be accessed and the wetted surface checked for blistering, etc. The hull and deck are checked for
moisture incursion and tapped with a phenolic hammer in a grid like pattern, which to the surveyor’s ear will locate problems if any in the
fiberglass laminate. Voids in the laminates might or might not have water in them, but if they do, they should be properly repaired. The
fuel system is checked. The propulsion system is checked. If requested, the engine(s) is started, warmed up and then oil samples are
drawn from each motor if applicable, and sent for analysis. Full gasoline engine and outboard surveys are available. The electrical
system is checked. Generators, shore power/AC system, air conditioners, marine electronics, stoves, heaters, fresh water, toilets
(MSDs), superstructures, towers, steering, hydraulics, sailboat rigging, winches, stanchions, hatches, lifelines, ground tackle and rode,
davits…the list goes on and on. All these things are checked for condition, catalogued, and compared to federal (CFR, MARPOL),
international (ISO, COLREG), and state regulations and standards set forth by the ABYC, (American Boating and Yacht Council), and
NFPA, (National Fire Protection Agency), for compliance. Deficiencies are listed according to severity at the end of the report. Many
photographs are taken and included in the report for clarity. The hull ID number is documented and pertinent papers such as
registration or federal documentation are examined and reported. Finally a value is placed on the boat. It is not unusual for the survey
to take 3 to 6 hours and at least as much time spent on the research and report writing. The report will be posted on TMS website for
viewing and printing as soon as it's completed. Report is instantly accessible only by you and people you give the password to. If
requested, you will receive an attractive bound report in a ring binder with a large color picture of your vessel on the cover plus many
pertinent photos within. Printing is done on both sides of the paper, and only HP® Premium Presentation paper is used.It is a thorough,
professional report that will put you in an educated position to bargain for price or itemize work to be done pre-purchase.
From the Surveyor's Notebook
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