Survey Prep
Preparing for your vessel survey is key to ensuring the inspection process runs smoothly and efficiently. By following a few simple steps, you can help minimize expenses while maximizing the thoroughness of the survey. A marine survey is an essential tool for any boat purchase, insurance claim, or damage assessment, but it’s important to remember that the surveyor can only inspect what is accessible. Making your vessel more accessible and prepared will help save time, reduce unnecessary costs, and provide a more accurate evaluation of the vessel's condition.
Why Preparation Matters
The survey process involves a thorough inspection of a vessel’s systems, structure, and overall condition. However, a surveyor can only assess areas of the vessel they can physically access. Ensuring your vessel is prepared for inspection allows the surveyor to efficiently conduct the evaluation, reducing the time spent on logistical issues and focusing on the important elements of the inspection. Proper preparation ensures that the survey is as comprehensive as possible, providing you with the most accurate results and value.
Preparation Tips for Sellers, Brokers, and Buyers
For Sellers or Brokers:
If you are selling the vessel or working as the broker, it is your responsibility to present the vessel in the best condition possible. Here’s what you can do:
Clean the Vessel
Ensure that the vessel is in a clean, “shipshape” condition. This includes clearing out unnecessary items and ensuring all areas are easily accessible for the surveyor. Cleanliness is essential, especially when inspecting areas like the engine room, bilges, and storage compartments.
Prepare Vessel Documentation
Have all relevant documents ready and easily accessible for the surveyor. This includes the vessel’s registration, maintenance records, engine logs, receipts for repairs or upgrades, and any other important documents. Providing these documents upfront helps the surveyor create an accurate and detailed report.
Access to Systems
Ensure that systems such as DC and AC shore power are available. If applicable, all fuel, holding, and fresh water tanks should be filled so that the surveyor can test the systems’ continuity. Clear access to engine maintenance logs and upgrade receipts will ensure that these are properly represented in the final survey report.
For Buyers
If you are the buyer, working closely with the seller or broker to follow these guidelines will help ensure that the survey is thorough and efficient:
Assist with Logistics
Work with the seller to ensure the vessel is ready for inspection and accessible. This includes arranging for a haul-out (if applicable) and a water launch for a sea trial. A haul-out allows the surveyor to inspect the bottom of the vessel, which is essential to evaluate the hull’s integrity.
Prepare for the Sea Trial
While many surveyors are licensed captains, they cannot operate the vessel during the sea trial as they need to focus on inspecting the vessel. It is recommended to have a licensed captain at the helm or have the owner operate the vessel during the sea trial. Ensure that all the necessary paperwork for the sea trial and insurance coverage is in place.
General Guidelines for a Successful Survey
To help the surveyor complete their job efficiently and thoroughly, we recommend following these steps:
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Remove Personal Items: Remove any personal items from the vessel, especially from lockers, cabins, and storage spaces. This will allow the surveyor to inspect every area of the vessel without obstruction.
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Unlock All Areas: Ensure that all lockers, cabins, and compartments are unlocked and cleared of unnecessary gear. This makes the survey process more efficient and allows the surveyor to inspect all areas, including those that are often overlooked.
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Ensure All Tanks Are Full: To test the continuity of systems such as plumbing, fuel, and water, ensure that all tanks (fuel, holding, and fresh water) are filled prior to the survey. This allows the surveyor to evaluate the systems under normal operating conditions.
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Clean and Dry Bilges: Clean and dry the bilges, especially before a sea trial. This will help the surveyor identify any water intrusion, which is important when assessing the vessel’s integrity. Bilges should also be inspected to ensure they are functioning properly.
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Schedule Haul-out in Advance: If applicable, arrange for a haul-out of the vessel with the marina before the survey. Coordinate the schedule with the surveyor to ensure they have adequate time for the inspection. Haul-outs are essential for examining the vessel’s hull, propellers, and underwater systems.
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Pressure Wash Wetted Surfaces: If your vessel has been in the water for an extended period, pressure wash the wetted surfaces (the areas below the waterline) to optimize the inspection process. A clean hull helps the surveyor to inspect it more thoroughly and identify any issues, such as blisters or corrosion.
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Avoid Interrupting the Survey: Both buyers and sellers are welcome to attend the survey; however, it’s important to avoid interrupting the process. The surveyor’s job is to complete the inspection efficiently and without distractions, so try to remain as unobtrusive as possible.
What Does the Surveyor Inspect?
The survey will cover multiple areas of the vessel, including but not limited to:
Hull Condition
The structural integrity of the hull, including any signs of damage, corrosion, or deterioration.
Systems Inspection
Includes the sub systems, electrical, plumbing, propulsion (excludes full engine survey) and navigation systems
Sea Trial
The vessel will be taken out on the water to evaluate its performance, engine, and handling.
Rigging and Equipment
Inspection of all deck-level systems and electronics to ensure they meet safety standards.
Talk to a Surveyor Today
Proper preparation for your vessel survey ensures that the inspection is completed efficiently and accurately, helping to save time and minimize costs. By following these simple guidelines, you can make the process smoother for everyone involved and maximize the thoroughness of the survey. Remember, a survey is an investment in your peace of mind, whether you are purchasing, insuring, or managing a vessel.
