Pre-purchase surveys
A prepurchase survey involves a thorough inspection of the hull, underwater fittings and machinery, and structure and general condition of a yacht.
During the survey, the yacht will need to be lifted from the water and safely supported whilst the hull is inspected. Ideally the yacht will be lifted and washed and then allowed a few days ashore prior to the survey, but if this is not possible, it could be lifted and washed and held in a travel hoist or similer whilst the inspection of the underwater parts is carried out.
A pre-purchase inspection of a typical sailing or motor yacht of around 30 to 40 feet will take most of one day to complete, with the report taking another day to compile.
Usually we allocate two sucessive days to a yacht survey to enable the dispatch of the report to the commissioning client the day following the inspection. Normally the report can be sent as a pdf file by email in a form that can be readily forwarded to insurers - as most insurers nowadays ask for a copy of a full pre-purchase survey before confirming their offer of cover.
The report will mainly consist of words, but the inspection will include the taking of photogaphs, and any particular points of interest to the buyers can be further discussed with the surveyor, whilst looking at photographs of particular defects or problems in order that the cilents can understand the extent of any problems found, and the degree of urgency and extent of repairs that may be required.
A Sample survey report can be accessed by clicking on this link Sample Survey