Purchase SurveysWhether you are purchasing a Superyacht, blue water cruiser, lightweight racing yacht or a classic, Saunders Morgan Harris have the knowledge and experience to conduct a comprehensive purchase survey.
Often when surveying larger or lightweight FRP vessels, the initial survey process takes the form of a traditional inspection, although where of benefit to the client or where there is doubt over the soundness of the hull, the survey is extended to include Thermography or Ultrasound NDT techniques.
For larger vessels, typically over 24-30M LOA we inspect the yacht as a team in order to complete the survey in good time and often within tight timescales. This allows the individual members of the team to focus on their area of the vessel, be it the hull, structures, external surfaces or a detailed inspection and running of the vessels systems. Dockside tests and seatrials are also undertaken to ensure the vessel, its machinery and systems performs correctly and we can arrange noise and vibration inspections where required. Our survey team may include Surveyors, Engineers, Riggers and Electricians pending on the vessel under inspection. Often oil and fluid samples are taken from machinery and hydraulic systems, which are sent for analysis, the results of which are included within the formal reports.
PRELIMINARY INSPECTIONThis may save time and money when there may already be some doubt as to the basic condition of the vessel. A brief inspection is carried out on the vessel, as lying without any preparatory work or dismantling. The observations obtained should indicate whether a full survey is justified. It should provide an assessment of the general state of the vessel but without reporting on detailed findings. It is not a substitute for the condition survey.
This type of survey is usually adequate for valuation.
FULL PRE-PURCHASE SURVEY
This is the usual pre-purchase survey and satisfies the normal requirements of the standard ‘Full Condition Survey’ and those of an ‘Insurance Survey’ which is periodically requested on vessels over a certain age by Insurers. This type of survey entails the examination of generally accessible areas of the vessel’s structure and gear. The report will refer briefly to the general external condition of machinery, domestic, electrical or navigational equipment. The internal mechanical condition is not inspected and the seagoing function, operation or reliability of such items is not normally assessed.
Outline Scope: The vessel is to be hauled out on a slipway, dry docked, lifted ashore or otherwise placed on a suitable hardstanding for examination of the bottom, topsides, rudders, sterngear, skin fittings and decks.
Steel and aluminium alloy hulls are sounded externally and ultrasound tested at the discretion of the surveyor or on specific instructions. Utrasound fees in addition to survey fee.
Wooden hulls are sounded externally and lightly probed where practical. Sample fastenings may be drawn, caulking tested and sheathing removed (as applicable) at the discretion of the surveyor.
GRP / FRP hulls to be sounded externally. Sample areas of antifouling removed to expose laminate surface or applied coating. Examined for blistering and osmotic conditions. Moisture levels checked.
Skin fittings and fastenings to be hammer tested.
The internal structure to be examined as far as accessible with the removal of normally portable panels and traps. This may include the release and lifting of screw-fastened sole panels. Engine bearers examined.
Deck edge join inspected where exposed.
Exposed fastenings including sea connections, sample hammer and or spanner tested.
Anchors, chain cable and warps examined in situ or as presented. Windlass tested if possible.
Steering gear and hand operated pumps to be examined and tested where possible.
Engines inspected visually. Comment made on general condition, corrosion, indications of leaks. Condition of hoses, hose clamps and belts. Coolant and oil levels checked. Sterndrives inspected visually for corrosion and leaks. Oil assessed for ingress of water. Condition of propellers. Bushing checked for free play. Rubber bellows visually assessed.
Attendance on Sea Trial if appropriate.
Systems, tanks, electrics and machinery examined visually. Switch testing of electrical equipment may be undertaken if the batteries are charged. The system may not be tested if considered dangerous.
LPG systems examined visually only. All work on gas systems must be carried out by competent personnel. All testing of LPG systems must be carried out by accredited gas engineers.
Interior joinery and furnishings examined.
NOTE: Oil samples from engines, gearboxes and generators can be taken for analysis on request.
HULL & DECK STRUCTURE SURVEY
This reduced scope survey does not include items such as deck fittings, installed systems, ground tackle or equipment. It has limited application but there may be circumstances where the comprehensive information provided by a full Hull and Gear Condition Survey is considered unnecessary.
Outline scope: The vessel is to be hauled out on a slipway, dry docked, lifted ashore or otherwise placed on a suitable hardstanding for examination of the keel, bottom, topsides, rudders, sterngear, skin fittings and decks.
Steel and aluminium alloy hulls are sounded externally and ultrasound tested at the discretion of the surveyor or from specific instructions. Ultrasound testing fees are in addition to survey fee.
Wooden hulls are sounded externally and lightly probed where practical. Sample fastenings may be drawn, caulking tested and sheathing removed (as applicable) at the discretion of the surveyor.
GRP / FRP hulls to be sounded externally. Sample areas of antifouling removed to expose laminate surface or applied coating. Examined for blistering and osmotic conditions. Moisture levels checked.
Skin fittings and fastenings to be hammer tested.
The internal structure to be examined as far as accessible with the removal of normally portable panels and traps. This may include the release and lifting of screw-fastened sole panels. Engine bearers examined.
Deck edge join inspected where exposed.
Exposed fastenings including sea connections, sample hammer and or spanner tested.
Where applicable, hull and deck caulking to be tested.
HULL EXTERNAL SURVEY
The external surfaces of the hull are inspected up to main deck level only. The vessel will not be
boarded.
Outline scope: The external hull, appendages and fittings will be examined as described in the Full Pre-purchase and the Hull & Deck Structure survey. No inspection will take place on any other part of the vessel and therefore this survey will provide no meaningful information on the structural condition but may be relevant to the condition of surfaces and coatings.
MACHINERY / ELECTRICAL SURVEYS
This will entail specific and detailed examination of the installed machinery, systems and equipment as ordered. It is recommended that these procedures are carried out with the vessel underway on sea trial. Scope includes as appropriate: Engine and gearbox installation and performance, Engine starting and control, Engine instrumentation, Engine mounts, Cooling systems, Fuel systems, Lubrication systems, Exhaust systems, Mechanical bilge pumping systems, Generator installation and performance, Batteries, Charging, Battery ventilation, Switch and distribution boards, Overload protection, Switch test of electrical / electronic equipment, Shore supply.
VALUATION SURVEY
An insurance or finance company will often require an Opinion of Value. A small additional cost is incurred if a request for Opinion of Value is included with a Survey instruction. At other times, a Preliminary Inspection is required to gain sufficient information to submit an Opinion of
Value. A more formal Valuation Certificate may be required for legal purposes.
GENERAL NOTES
Most requirements can be met under one or more of the above headings but we are always pleased to
discuss the supply of specific information or variations.
It is of significant importance that all vessels are properly prepared for survey. Depending on the
scope of the examination, the following points should be given attention:
a)The vessel should have good access and placed over a firm surface.
b)The bottom should be clean and free from fouling. Pressure washing is often required.
c)The arrangements for the keys should be reliable, including cockpit lockers. Are there
any combinations locks or armed intruder alarms?
d)All equipment and gear to be in the same location as the vessel and properly laid out for
easy examination.
e)Loose gear and personal equipment to be removed from the vessel and the bilges pumped
dry.
f)Has permission been obtained from the owner or owner’s agent for the survey to proceed?
Strictly non-destructive techniques and equipment are employed unless dismantling or other
testing has been arranged with prior agreement.
Types of Boats Surveyed
With many years of survey experience we have surveyed most types of motor boats / motor yacht including the following:
AQUADOR, AQUABELL, ASTONDA, AZIMUT, BAIA, BAVARIA, BAYLINER, BERTRAM, BIRCHWOOD, BLYTH CAT, BMB, BOSTON WHALER, BROOM, COLVIC, CORVETTE, CRANCHI, CRN, CUSTOM LINE, DOLPHIN, DORAL, ELAN, EVOLUTION, FOUR WINNS, FAIRLINE Targa Squadron Phantom, FALCON, FERRETTI, HARDY, JEANNEAU, LANDAU, LEOPARD, NELSON, MACGREGOR, MANGUSTA, NAUTICAT, NIMBUS, PEARL, PERSHING, PRINCESS, RIB Avon Scorpion Ribeye Ribcraft, RIB CRAFT, RINKER, RIVA, SABRE, SAGA, SCANMAR, SEALINE, SEAMASTER. SEARAY, SUNSEEKER Manhattan Predator Caribbean Tomahawk, TRADER
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
This may save time and money when there may already be some doubt as to the basic condition of the vessel. A brief inspection is carried out on the vessel, as lying without any preparatory work or dismantling. The observations obtained should indicate whether a full survey is justified. It should provide an assessment of the general state of the vessel but without reporting on detailed findings. It is not a substitute for the condition survey.
This type of survey is usually adequate for valuation.
FULL PRE-PURCHASE SURVEY
This is the usual pre-purchase survey and satisfies the normal requirements of the standard ‘Full Condition Survey’ and those of an ‘Insurance Survey’ which is periodically requested on vessels over a certain age by Insurers. This type of survey entails the examination of generally accessible areas of the vessel’s structure and gear. The report will refer briefly to the general external condition of machinery, domestic, electrical or navigational equipment. The internal mechanical condition is not inspected and the seagoing function, operation or reliability of such items is not normally assessed.
Outline Scope: The vessel is to be hauled out on a slipway, dry docked, lifted ashore or otherwise placed on a suitable hardstanding for examination of the keel, bottom, topsides, rudders, sterngear, skin fittings and decks.
Steel and aluminium alloy hulls are sounded externally and ultrasound tested at the discretion of the surveyor or on specific instructions. Utrasound fees in addition to survey fee.
Wooden hulls are sounded externally and lightly probed where practical. Sample fastenings may be drawn, caulking tested and sheathing removed (as applicable) at the discretion of the surveyor.
GRP / FRP hulls to be sounded externally. Sample areas of antifouling removed to expose laminate surface or applied coating. Examined for blistering and osmotic conditions. Moisture levels checked.
Skin fittings and fastenings to be hammer tested.
The internal structure to be examined as far as accessible with the removal of normally portable panels and traps. This may include the release and lifting of screw-fastened sole panels. Engine bearers examined.
Deck edge join inspected where exposed.
Exposed fastenings including sea connections, sample hammer and or spanner tested.
Mast, spars and rigging examined as presented, i.e. from deck level if stepped but in more detail if unstepped and laid out. Chainplates and rigging attachments assessed.
Anchors, chain cable and warps examined in situ or as presented. Windlass tested if possible.
Steering gear and hand operated pumps to be examined and tested where possible.
Sails usually sample inspected furled or partially withdrawn from bags. If suitable clean space is available a more detailed laid out inspection can take place.
Engines inspected visually. Comment made on general condition, corrosion, indications of leaks. Condition of hoses, hose clamps and belts. Coolant and oil levels checked. Saildrives inspected visually for corrosion and leaks. Oil assessed for ingress of water. Condition of propellers.
Systems, tanks, electrics and machinery examined visually. Switch testing of electrical equipment may be undertaken if the batteries are charged. The system may not be tested if considered dangerous.
LPG systems examined visually only. All work on gas systems must be carried out by competent personnel. All testing of LPG systems must be carried out by accredited gas engineers.
Interior joinery and furnishings examined.
HULL & DECK STRUCTURE SURVEY
This reduced scope survey does not include items such as deck fittings, rig, installed systems, ground tackle or equipment. It has limited application but there may be circumstances where the comprehensive information provided by a full Hull and Gear Condition Survey is considered unnecessary.
Outline scope: The vessel is to be hauled out on a slipway, dry docked, lifted ashore or otherwise placed on a suitable hardstanding for examination of the keel, bottom, topsides, rudders, sterngear, skin fittings and decks.
Steel and aluminium alloy hulls are sounded externally and ultrasound tested at the discretion of the surveyor or from specific instructions. Ultrasound testing fees are in addition to survey fee.
Wooden hulls are sounded externally and lightly probed where practical. Sample fastenings may be drawn, caulking tested and sheathing removed (as applicable) at the discretion of the surveyor.
GRP / FRP hulls to be sounded externally. Sample areas of antifouling removed to expose laminate surface or applied coating. Examined for blistering and osmotic conditions. Moisture levels checked.
Skin fittings and fastenings to be hammer tested.
The internal structure to be examined as far as accessible with the removal of normally portable panels and traps. This may include the release and lifting of screw-fastened sole panels. Engine bearers examined.
Deck edge join inspected where exposed.
Exposed fastenings including sea connections, sample hammer and or spanner tested.
Where applicable, hull and deck caulking to be tested.
Chainplates and rig attachments assessed where appropriate.
HULL EXTERNAL SURVEY
The external surfaces of the hull are inspected up to main deck level only. The vessel will not be
boarded.
Outline scope: The external hull, appendages and fittings will be examined as described in the Full Pre-purchase and the Hull & Deck Structure survey. No inspection will take place on any other part of the vessel and therefore this survey will provide no meaningful information on the structural condition but may be relevant to the condition of surfaces and coatings.
MACHINERY / ELECTRICAL SURVEYS
This will entail specific and detailed examination of the installed machinery, systems and equipment as ordered. It is recommended that these procedures are carried out with the vessel underway on sea trial. Scope includes as appropriate: Engine and gearbox installation and performance, Engine starting and control, Engine instrumentation, Engine mounts, Cooling systems, Fuel systems, Lubrication systems, Exhaust systems, Mechanical bilge pumping systems, Generator installation and performance, Batteries, Charging, Battery ventilation, Switch and distribution boards, Overload protection, Switch test of electrical / electronic equipment, Shore supply.
VALUATION SURVEY
An insurance or finance company will often require an Opinion of Value. A small additional cost is incurred if a request for Opinion of Value is included with a Survey instruction. At other times, a Preliminary Inspection is required to gain sufficient information to submit an Opinion of Value. A more formal Valuation Certificate may be required for legal purposes.
GENERAL NOTES
Most requirements can be met under one or more of the above headings but we are always pleased to
discuss the supply of specific information or variations.
It is of significant importance that all vessels are properly prepared for survey. Depending on the
scope of the examination, the following points should be given attention:
a)The vessel should have good access and placed over a firm surface.
b)The bottom should be clean and free from fouling. Pressure washing is often required.
c)The arrangements for the keys should be reliable, including cockpit lockers. Are there
any combinations locks or armed intruder alarms?
d)All equipment and gear to be in the same location as the vessel and properly laid out for
easy examination.
e)Loose gear and personal equipment to be removed from the vessel and the bilges pumped
dry.
f)Has permission been obtained from the owner or owner’s agent for the survey to proceed?
Strictly non-destructive techniques and equipment are employed unless dismantling or other
testing has been arranged with prior agreement.
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