Boats are surveyed for
compliance with appropriate sections of: Standards for Small Craft by
the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC); NFPA 302, Standard on
recreational vessels by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA);
and the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR). Note that boats built
outside the US may not comply with all these standards.
All areas of the vessel and equipment available at the time of the
survey will be inspected including engines, machinery, electronics,
sails, rig, and safety equiment.
A seatrial may be included if requested and appropriate conditions are available.
If problems are discovered that will require additional time to evaluate
or are significant in scale, I will recommend further investigation by
an appropriate qualified specialist.
An electronic copy of the written report noting the structural condition
of the vessel and equipment and a list of recommendations is included
in the survey fee.
Survey Method
All testing is non-destructive. Any destructive testing must be agreed to by all parties prior to commencing.
Visual inspection of hull, decks, and equipment including surface finishes.
Percussion testing (hammer tapping) of composite laminates.
Moisture meter readings on composite laminates and wood structures when possible.
Testing of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems when operational.
Trouble-shooting of non-operational equipment or systems will be limited.
All information and findings are included in the written report.
Typical Responsibilities for Pre-Purchase Surveys
Seller or Seller’s Broker
Disclose all history of the boat including:
Date of last haulout.
Date of last engine service or overhaul.
Date system and starting batteries last serviced or replaced.
Date thru-hulls last serviced.
Date running gear last serviced or inspected.
Date rudder and centerboard last serviced or inspected.
Date mast last unstepped and inspected.
Date sails and standing rigging
last inspected. I recommend that extensive sail inventories be sent to a
sail loft for evaluation.
Prepare for survey by removing all personal gear and clearing all lockers and cabins.
Have all equipment being sold with the boat, either onboard or close by and ready for inspection.
Buyer or Buyer’s Broker
Provide survey deposit when scheduling date if required.
Make shipyard reservations and costs for haulout, launching and docking.
Providing an acceptable individual to operate the boat during the seatrial.
Survey Fees
Survey fees are due at the time of survey.
If the client or buyer's broker is not present at the survey, the fee is due prior to sending the report.
Travel time in excess of two hours is charged at the normal day rate.
Not to exceed prices are estimates based on the complexity of the vessel.
A fee may be charged for additional hard-copies of the report.
Cancelation Policy
The client is responsible for any non-recoverable expenses incurred including airfare or deposits for reservations.
If the survey is canceled within 48 hours of the scheduled start time the client will be charged 50% the estimated survey fee.
