Full Condition (Pre-Purchase) Yacht Surveys
This comprehensive survey is carried out when the boat is both laid up in dry dock and afloat. The survey focuses on the structural assessment of the yacht, as well as reports on certain items which affect her general condition and value that may be in need of attention. The boat’s equipment and systems are tested and can include a sea trial. For the sea trial the client would need to provide a skipper. When the survey is carried out on hard standing only, at a later stage we can follow up with an in-water inspection including sea trial. Whilst the basics of a sea trial remain unchanged, the size and age of the vessel will determine the exact scope. Sea trials are not mandatory as part of a survey, but they are strongly recommended before purchase. Sailing yachts are sailed on both tacks.
The Full Condition survey is divided into the following areas:
Hull
This is the structural assessment of the hull. We check the moisture content and hammer testing by using a rubber mallet for the GRP and wooden hull, the metal plating thickness for the steel and aluminium hull (if considered necessary and agreed in advance), the hardness of the aluminum and fiber reinforced plastics and rigid plastic hull, the coating condition and the paint thickness, propellers, propeller shafts, brackets, bearings, thrusters, the cathodic protection system, trim tabs, through hull fittings (skin fittings and seacocks) etc.
Hull Interior
Structural assessment of the hull interior (internal structure), all portable sole boards should be lifted. A typical inspection will include bulkheads, and joinery, girders, stiffeners, bulkheads and linings. General bilge condition, bilge pumping, through hull valves, and keel bolts.
Superstructure & Decks
A structural assessment of the deck and superstructure of a boat including the hull to deck joint, inspection of windows, portlights, hatches etc.
Deck Equipment
Inspection of the teak deck, winches, windlass with the chains and anchors, mooring arrangements, pushpit and pulpit, capstans, scupper drains, boarding ladders etc.
Rig (for Sailing Yachts)
Inspection and condition assessment of the spars (masts and booms), the standing rigging, chain plates, terminals and mast fittings (all attachments and reinforcements/sails where possible and it is considered safe by the surveyor on the day of the inspection).
Safety Equipment
Inspection of the boat’s safety equipment, firefighting and lifesaving equipment and recording any defect list and recommendations that may arise.
Steering & Propulsion
This includes inspection of the steering and propulsion systems. We need to be sure that there are not any alignment issues, the seals are working satisfactorily, visually there is not any damage etc. Furthermore, the rudders should be operated lock to lock and play in bearings to be assessed.
Machinery & Fuel Systems
A typical inspection will include assessment of engine bay fire extinguishing systems, linings/insulation engine bearers and mounts, condition of the engine, fuel systems, raw water pipework, and anti-siphon measures.
Electrical Systems
General overview of electric systems where observed.
Navigation Equipment
Inspection and powering up of instruments in commision.
Domestic Systems
A typical inspection would involve all domestic installations. The fresh/grey/black water systems, the gas installation, the refrigeration and ventilation systems including the air conditioning).
Sea Trials
For the sea trials, a skipper should be provided by the client and the appropriate permission from the local port authorities, if necessary, should be arranged in advance. The sea trials will include running up and operating the boat’s systems that are commissioned at the time of the inspection.
The running-in programme of all the machinery and equipment should be carried out as per the makers’ recommendations. Main engines will be operated throughout their RPM range and once fully warmed up operated at open throttle settings (for power boats). All the important readings such as the oil pressure, the cooling water temperature and the exhaust gas temperatures that will give an indication of the engines’ condition should be recorded.
It is very important to be checked carefully the main engine’s performance and her behavior at various RPM, the reduction gearboxes operation, the machinery and equipment vibration and noise levels, the steering system efficiency and the reverse under power.
Also, should be checked the auxiliaries’ operation under load, thruster’s tests, anchors and windlasses operational tests, the sanitation system, the electrical installations including batteries & battery chargers, inverters, electric panels, air conditioning and refrigeration compressors, water heater, water maker and the bonding system.
For sailing yachts that are rigged sails will be raised or unfurled and the yacht sailed on each tack. Furthermore, should be checked the operational condition of the navigational electronic equipment (Radar, GPS, VHF, Speed log, Echosounder, etc.).