Pre-Purchase Survey
Pre purchase surveys are carried out to determine the condition of the vessel in detail and can also be used to satisfy insurance companies.
Super Structure
- Superstructure
- Decks, firmness underfoot, delamination
- Gelcoat / timber cockpit and cabin coamings condition
- The decks are inspected for signs of distortion, particularly in the position of loaded deck fittings
- Hull to deck joint
Hull Structure
- GRP Yachts: Moisture testing
- GRP Yachts: Gelcoat examination (e.g. identification of stress and collision damage)
- Wooden Yachts/boats: Sounding of planks to identify areas of decay
- Steel Yachts/boats: Using ultrasonic thickness testing
- Grounding damage
- Identifying areas of repair
- Fibreglass delamination
- Distortion
- Internal structure
Keel and Ballast
- Type of keel and materials used
- Signs of movement or grounding damage
- The hull structure in the position of the keel (cracks or distortion)
- Keel bolts and security
Stern Gear
- Propellers (condition, security)
- Shaft alignment
- Cutlass bearings
- Sail drives including; oil sample, diaphragm
- Anodes and cathodic protection
- Stern Glands
- Rope cutters
- P brackets
Steering Gear
- Rudders
- Moisture content readings
- Rudder bearings
- Steering systems i.e. hydraulic, wire or tiller
- Steering pedestals
- Emergency steering
- Autopilots
Spars and Rigging
- Mast & boom type and condition
- Gooseneck & kicking strap
- Furling gear
- Standing rigging
- Standing rigging tension
- Sheets & halyards
Sails and Covers
- Condition of all sails and covers
Deck Fittings (typically)
- Chainplates and fastenings
- Cleats and fairleads
- Windlass
- Winches
- Halyard clutches
- Main sheet track
- Genoa tracks
- Grab Rails
- Stanchions
- Guard wires
- Bow & stern rails
- Bow roller
- Davits
Safety Equipment
- Danbuoy
- Lifejackets
- Harnesses
- Flares
- Gas alarm
- Jackstays
- First aid kit
- Radar reflector
- Fire blanket
- Horn
- Liferaft
Ground Tackle (Anchors, Chains, Warps)
- Anchor type and weight
- Chain and warp
- Chain/anchor locker
Windows and Hatches
- Windows
- Companionway doors and hatches
- Deck hatches
- Port lights
- Flybridge and cockpit screens
- Inspecting for leaks
Gas Installation
- Gas locker
- Gas hoses and connections
- Gas pipe
- Shut off valves and regulators
Fuel Installation
- Fuel tank Material
- Security
- Filter type and condition
- Condition of fuel pipes or hoses
Propulsion Machinery
- Type of engine
- The engine will be run up if possible
- Engine and gearbox oil will be inspected visually
- Exhaust mounts controls
- External cosmetic condition
- Hoses and drive belts
DC Electrical Systems
- Batteries
- Isolation switches
- Switch panels
- Wiring installation
- Cabin and navigation lights
- Volt & ammeters
- Cables at the mast base
AC Electrical Systems
- Circuit breakers
- Wiring installation
Navigation Equipment
- Compass
- Echo sounder and log
- Wind instruments
- Windex
- VHF Radio
- GPS
- Radar
- Electronic charts
- Navtex
Bilge Systems
- Manual pumps
- Electric pumps, inc float switches and bilge alarm systems
- Condition of the bilges
Fresh Water System
- Type of tank fitted
- Overall general condition
- Pipe work
- Pressure system
- Manual pumps
- Shower tray pumps
- Calorifier hot water systems
Seacocks and Through Hull Fittings
- Skin fittings
- Seacocks / shut off valves
- Hoses connected to through hull fittings
- Transducer fittings
Domestic Equipment
- Cookers
- Toilets
- Heating systems
- Fridges and ice makers
Interior Furnishings
- Furniture material, construction, cosmetics, security, condition and quality
- Linings and soft furnishings
- Sole boards