Pre-purchase survey

WARNING: DO NOT BUY OR BID FOR A BOAT ON THE INTERNET WITHOUT HAVING IT SURVEYED.

This is a comprehensive non invasive survey of the boat to determine the condition of the craft, machinery, rig,systems and equipment.

The surveyor will require the boat to be out of the water and on occasion the boat may have to be out of the water for at least 24 hours to conduct wetness testing.

The purpose of the survey is to provide a report that expresses the condition of the boat in order that an informed decision can be made to purchase.

It is important to discuss the survey with the surveyor prior to commencement of work, so both parties have an understanding of what is and what is not being done. For example, it is not uncommon for a purchaser to ask for a hull only survey. However the surveyor will need to qualify this and make sure the client understands where the hull ends and the deck starts, to avoid any dispute.

The time taken to complete a survey will vary according to the method of construction and material used. An older carvel planked boat will take considerably longer to survey than a GRP boat of similar size.

Older timber boats have their own special requirements and may need fasteners drawn for inspection.

If there is indication of rot in a wooden boat, core deck failure or hull blistering in a GRP boat, invasive testing will be recommended to determine the extent of damage.

Do not rely on an insurance condition (risk) survey for pre-purchase purpose.