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There are different types of boat survey that you can instruct a marine surveyor to perform when examining a yacht. These fall into the following broad categories; Survey before purhase A survey before buying a boat is the most popular of all the various kinds of marine survey that are carried out. This type of survey is the most detailed and is to be strongly recommended when buying a second hand vessel. A marine surveyor may well spot problem areas that the ordinary buyer can not see. one or two specific examples could be stress cracks and signs of a bad repair. An independent boat surveyor will get a very fair idea as to how the boat has been maintained and obviously the better it has been maintained the better as it will save the new owner costs. On the other hand if it has been poorly maintained then you must be prepared for future costs to be expended. A boat survey could even be a good idea when taking delivery of a brand new vessel depending on the delivery and training offered by the manufacturer or dealer supplying the new vessel. In modern times some boats are getting very complicated and a hiddden fault might not reveal it self for a year or two. The same might apply if you have had some major work carried out such as new engines or a major refit. A survey prior to purchase of a boat will cover the whole structural condition of the vessel inside and out and from head to toe. This survey would cover inter-alia: The build and structural integrity of the hull, top sides,decks and superstructure. The propellers and drive systems. The electrical systems including batteries and related charging equipment. The fuel systems including pipe work and tanks. Fresh water and holding tanks. Navigation and radar equipment. A Survey for Insurers This type of marine survey is performed to in order that an insurance company or underwriter can assess if a boat is an acceptable insurance risk. This will not usually be required for a boat of recent construction that comes from a recognised manufacturer. With older boats the insurers may ask for a regular survey say every 2/5 years to ensure that the vessel is still a safe and viable proposition. Naturally they are concerned for the build quality and inherent structural integrity of the vessel. This will be taken into account and compared with the intended purpose of the boat. Depending on the sea worthiness of the vessel the insurance company will usually specify which waters the boat may be used on. Valuation or appraisal survey This inspection is needed in order to be able to provide the required information to justify what is the true and fair market value of the boat that is being examined. This could be of great importance if the boat is damaged beyond economic repair as it will be the amount the insurers (if liable) will pay out on a total loss claim. It is rare that vessels are a total loss as usually even in extreme conditions they can be salvaged by being beached or towed in. This valuation report could be required for variety of reasons including a marine mortgage, a divorce settlement, inheritance and taxation considerations for deceased estates. As mentioned above an Insurance company will also need to know the true value of the boat that they are insuring and a vessel in tip top condition will have a higher insured value than one that is not. Damage survey report This is carried out to assess the extent of any damage, recommend repairs, estimate the cost of those repairs, and if requested, consider the possible cause. Sometimes an insurance company may need to establish the reason or cause of the accident. For example if damage is as a result of a collision which party is to blame? If it is the other party then the insurers will be wishing to try to reclaim their costs. It has even happened just off the south coast in England where a motor boat hit a submerged object and there are apparently many marine containers and other debris floating around in the sea. It does make you wonder whether a fast motor yacht boat should have forward seeking sonar. The sea is a very dangerous place and this is why it is very important that any one taking a boat to sea plans a proper course on a chart and regularly checks their position by using all means available including chart plotters and global positioning systems. The Author writes many articles on Marine topics and for more information please go to Southampton Boat Surveyors
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