Finding the Perfect Yacht Overseas: The Essential Step Before Making an Offer
Imagine this: After hours, days, or even weeks of research, you've finally stumbled upon the perfect yacht online. It's a beauty, nestled in the picturesque marina of Preveza, Greece. But there's a catch - you're in the USA, and the yacht is thousands of miles away. You're ready to make an offer, but how can you ensure that the yacht is in pristine condition as described? Enter the marine surveyor.
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Hello, I am Steve Truss, a UK-qualified IIMS Yacht Surveyor with over 25 years of experience in the field. If you're considering a yacht purchase in Preveza, I'm here to guide you through the essential step before making an offer: a professional yacht inspection.
Buying a yacht is a significant investment, and the last thing you'd want is to discover hidden defects or damages after the purchase. A marine surveyor provides an impartial assessment of the yacht's condition, giving you peace of mind and vital information to make an informed decision.
When you hire me to inspect the yacht in Preveza, here's what you can anticipate:
Thorough Inspection: From the yacht's hull to its internal systems, I will comprehensively assess every aspect, ensuring there are no hidden defects.
Detailed Report: After the inspection, you will receive a detailed report highlighting the yacht's condition, its valuation, and any recommended repairs.
Negotiation Leverage: The findings can be invaluable in negotiations. If there are any repair requirements, you can either request the seller to address them or renegotiate the price.
If you've found a yacht in Preveza and need a reliable marine surveyor, here's what you should do next:
Contact Me: Reach out to me with details about the yacht you're interested in. I'll provide you with an initial consultation and an overview of the surveying process.
Schedule the Survey: Once everything is clear, we'll fix a date and time for the survey. I'll coordinate with the seller or the local agent to ensure a seamless process.
Review the Report: After the inspection, I'll provide you with the comprehensive report, which will be your key tool in deciding your next steps.
Purchasing a yacht overseas can be a daunting process, but with the right assistance, it becomes a lot smoother. Let my 25 years of experience in yacht surveying serve as your guide and assurance. With me, you can rest easy knowing that your dream yacht in Preveza is precisely what you've envisioned.
Dream of cruising in your perfect yacht? Don't let the distance deter you. Make an informed decision with a trusted marine surveyor by your side.
Hello, I am Steve Truss, a UK-qualified IIMS Yacht Surveyor with over 25 years of experience in the field. If you're considering a yacht purchase in Preveza, I'm here to guide you through the essential step before making an offer: a professional yacht inspection.
Buying a yacht is a significant investment, and the last thing you'd want is to discover hidden defects or damages after the purchase. A marine surveyor provides an impartial assessment of the yacht's condition, giving you peace of mind and vital information to make an informed decision.
When you hire me to inspect the yacht in Preveza, here's what you can anticipate:
Thorough Inspection: From the yacht's hull to its internal systems, I will comprehensively assess every aspect, ensuring there are no hidden defects.
Detailed Report: After the inspection, you will receive a detailed report highlighting the yacht's condition, its valuation, and any recommended repairs.
Negotiation Leverage: The findings can be invaluable in negotiations. If there are any repair requirements, you can either request the seller to address them or renegotiate the price.
If you've found a yacht in Preveza and need a reliable marine surveyor, here's what you should do next:
Contact Me: Reach out to me with details about the yacht you're interested in. I'll provide you with an initial consultation and an overview of the surveying process.
Schedule the Survey: Once everything is clear, we'll fix a date and time for the survey. I'll coordinate with the seller or the local agent to ensure a seamless process.
Review the Report: After the inspection, I'll provide you with the comprehensive report, which will be your key tool in deciding your next steps.
Purchasing a yacht overseas can be a daunting process, but with the right assistance, it becomes a lot smoother. Let my 25 years of experience in yacht surveying serve as your guide and assurance. With me, you can rest easy knowing that your dream yacht in Preveza is precisely what you've envisioned.
Dream of cruising in your perfect yacht? Don't let the distance deter you. Make an informed decision with a trusted marine surveyor by your side.
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 has long been known for its sleek design, reliable performance, and comfortable cruising capabilities. For any boat owner or prospective buyer, a thorough marine survey is a critical step to ensure the vessel's structural integrity and overall condition. In this blog post, we'll take you through a successful marine survey conducted on a Jeanneau Yacht, highlighting its structural condition and well-maintained state.
Preparation and Inspection
Before embarking on the survey, it's essential to prepare a checklist of key areas to inspect. The surveyor typically begins with a thorough examination of the yacht's exterior and interior, checking for any visible signs of damage or wear.
Structural Integrity
One of the first aspects examined during the survey is the hull's structural integrity. The surveyor checks for any signs of osmotic blistering, which can indicate issues with the fiberglass. In the case of this particular Jeanneau 37, the hull was found to be in excellent condition, with no signs of blistering or significant damage.
The deck and superstructure are also crucial areas for inspection. The surveyor checks for any soft spots or delamination, which can be early signs of core material damage. Again, this Jeanneau Sun Odyssey passed this examination with flying colors, as the deck and superstructure were solid and showed no signs of moisture intrusion.
Sails and Rigging
Moving onto the sails and rigging, a surveyor assesses their overall condition, looking for any tears, fraying, or signs of rust or corrosion. Proper maintenance and care were evident in the examined Jeanneau 37, with the sails and rigging in great shape. This is a testament to the owner's commitment to keeping the yacht in top-notch condition.
Interior Condition
The interior of a yacht is just as important as its exterior. A marine survey includes a thorough inspection of the cabin, looking for signs of water intrusion, mold, or structural issues. This Jeanneaus interior was found to be clean, dry, and well-maintained, with no signs of significant wear or damage.
Mechanical and Electrical Systems
A comprehensive marine survey also delves into the yacht's mechanical and electrical systems. This includes checking the engine's condition, plumbing, and electrical components. In the case of this yacht, all systems were in great shape, demonstrating the owner's commitment to regular maintenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the marine survey revealed a yacht in a good structural condition and well-maintained throughout.
If you're in the market for a sailboat that combines performance, comfort, and structural reliability, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 is undoubtedly a noteworthy choice. This marine survey reinforces its reputation as a solid and well-crafted vessel ready for countless adventures on the open seas.
Embarking on a journey across the open seas, whether as a cruising couple or a solo sailor, demands a vessel that not only boasts exceptional strength and seaworthiness but also offers a haven of comfort and safety. The 1992 AMEL SUPER MARAMU 53, a creation of the renowned French boatbuilder Henri Amel, epitomizes these qualities and has left an indelible mark on the world of long-distance cruising. Having had the privilege of conducting a marine survey on this exceptional vessel, I am delighted to share my insights and observations.
**A Legacy of Excellence: The AMEL Story** To truly grasp the significance of the AMEL SUPER MARAMU 53, a brief delve into the history of AMEL is essential. Henri Amel, a visionary and perfectionist, recognized the need for long-distance cruising to be transformed into a comfortable and enjoyable endeavor. Drawing from his vast experience at sea and shipbuilding, he formulated a distinctive blueprint that laid the foundation for the creation of serious long-distance cruising vessels. What makes the AMEL story even more extraordinary is the perpetuity with which Henri Amel endowed his boatyard to his workers. This commitment to preserving his legacy is reflected in the passion and unwavering dedication displayed by the AMEL boatyard, setting it apart from modern counterparts.**Surveyor's Observations: The Pinnacle of Construction** During the marine survey of the 1992 AMEL SUPER MARAMU 53, I was immediately struck by the vessel's solid construction and meticulous design. The amalgamation of the hull and deck within the mold ensures a robust and integral structure. This approach, unlike traditional methods, allows for the boat to remain in the mold until all essential structural components are expertly glassed in. This meticulous process contributes to the vessel's enhanced strength and durability. One of the standout features of the AMEL SUPER MARAMU 53 is its innovative approach to watertight integrity. Instead of conventional through-deck penetrations, the boat incorporates permanent threaded backing plates that securely accept bolts. This design not only minimizes the risk of leaks but also adds to the overall sturdiness of the vessel.**Comfort Redefined: Interior and Insulation** Long-distance cruising necessitates a vessel that provides utmost comfort, even in the harshest of conditions. The AMEL SUPER MARAMU 53 excels in this aspect by offering a thoughtfully designed interior that prioritizes both comfort and functionality. Abundant and easily accessible storage spaces cater to the needs of extended offshore passages, ensuring that every essential item finds its place. Remarkably, the vessel's insulation and ventilation systems are so well-engineered that the occurrence of condensation is kept to a minimum. This not only contributes to the comfort of those on board but also enhances the longevity of the boat's interior. **Innovative Design for Enhanced Performance** One of the most captivating aspects of the AMEL SUPER MARAMU 53 is its ingenious rudder design. Unlike conventional setups, the rudder is designed to allow water circulation through it. This not only prevents leaks but also optimizes the vessel's performance by harnessing the dynamic flow of water.**Conclusion** In conclusion, the 1992 AMEL SUPER MARAMU 53 stands as a testament to Henri Amel's unwavering pursuit of excellence in maritime design. The vessel seamlessly combines strength, seaworthiness, comfort, and innovative engineering, making it an unparalleled choice for long-distance cruising. The legacy of Henri Amel lives on through the dedication of the AMEL boatyard, ensuring that every detail, from construction to design, is upheld to the highest standards.As I concluded my marine survey of this sensational vessel, I couldn't help but appreciate the extraordinary amalgamation of artistry and engineering that the AMEL SUPER MARAMU 53 embodies. It's not just a boat; it's a masterpiece that continues to inspire the dreams of sailors around the world.Things to look out for?
- Check the electric furling motors and through bolt connections. They are often worn out and can be expensive to fix. Main furling profile the holes for the bolts often get elongated.
- Check the handrails around the deck, the feet are bolted into a plate that is encapsulated into the toerail and once water leaks through the fastenings' the toe rail can blow out.
- New rig can cost 20K euros. New set of sails 10K euros.
- Check copper bonding straps and carry out a continuity test on the anodes.
- Keel bolts are hidden below the fridge, engine and water tanks (Good luck!).
- A good boat is worth 200K euros. You can find one needing lots of work for 135K euros.
- Replace Cd drive seals and wear bushes in the unusual reverse type sterndrive (every 2 years).
- Annual maintenance costs on these can be 10K euros and that's not including moorings!
As a marine surveyor, I’ve seen a huge range of yachts that have suffered groundings of variable severity. Sometimes the damage is obvious and it’s clear that repairs are needed. Sometimes, though, the damage is more subtle, but no less dangerous. Skippers who aren’t aware of what to look for have sailed on for months with their boat in a precarious condition.
KEEL: Owners are often lulled into a false sense of security if they’ve gone aground lightly on sand. However, sand underwater is like concrete. They might have been sailing at only 5-6 knots, but the tidal stream rate, wave height and angle of heel all play a big role in how the craft fares. I’ve seen the aft edge of a lead keel bent into an S-shape after a yacht has grounded when virtually upright. If you haul out, check for this by laying a straight edge along the aft edge. In professional hands, many lead keels can be straightened. With cast iron keels, the impact is not absorbed so well through the keel. Check for signs of stress crazing around the gelcoat where the keel joins the hull. Trouble spots at the front and rear of the keel are often easiest to find. On removal of the gelcoat, you’ll often find the hull’s reinforcement material is compromised. Due to the nature of gelcoat, hairline cracks take time to become visible to the eye, so periodic checks are vital. If damage has been found, it is prudent to remove the keel. With bilge-keelers, even if there is no damage internally, I’ve seen instances where the keels have splayed apart, bending the studs. This sort of damage needs to be assessed out of the water.
Look at the condition of the keel studs and check for any weeping. On some craft the first bolt and the aft stud are a smaller gauge, to reduce the chance of splitting the casting. This can result in the material being stretched. Also look for ‘tea-stains’ around the fastenings, a sure sign of water ingress. Don’t feel frightened to ring the studs with a hammer. If you do this on a regular basis, you will soon know when there is a problem – a dull sound often confirms the worst.
KEEL STUDS: Lots of boats built in the 1970s and 1980s have encapsulated ballast, where the keel is part of the hull moulding. The GRP fin contains steel punchings (the pellet of steel that is left after punching out the centre of a washer) and no bolts or studs. I’ve found these to be very strong and you only need to ensure the GRP casing is not compromised, leaving the punchings open to potential rusting.
SOLE BOARDS: After any grounding, I always recommend removal of the sole boards above the keel. This may require some careful work with a screwdriver, but once the boards are up, check the whole area for stress cracks and any detachment of items bonded in. On fin-keeled boats built since the mid-1980s, which are more likely to have a hollow-core matrix bonded in to provide support, it’s important to check right back under the engine bed.
SKIN FITTINGS: Grounding a twin-skinned hull could result in the skin fitting collar being stretched.
A bigger problem can be detachment of the inner skin moulding from the outer hull where the bonding has failed.
BULKHEADS: Bulkheads add rigidity to a hull but can also cause damage in a grounding. If the bulkhead has been bonded in tightly, it can produce a line of stress on both sides of the craft. On some boats, I’ve seen this spread up the side of the hull and across the deck moulding too. Bulkheads can also become detached. Most grounding force seems to push the back end of the keel casting upwards, which on traditionally laid-out craft is in line with the chart table and galley. Look in lockers, cupboards and under the chart table for detachment. On boats built before the mid-1980s, check for detachment of the floors, where they are bonded into the hull. I once found a Rival 34 where the floors had completely detached, allowing the hull to twist.
RUDDER: I’ve seen the pintles of transom-hung rudders stretched or bent and fittings pulled right through the transom. However, less obvious is when they are just weakened. Again, look for gelcoat crazing around the fittings. If the rudder stock is housed within a tube, check the bonding of the tube into the hull and the gland or method of sealing. Many new production craft use lip seals. Normally, lip seals are reliable, but if the rudder blade is forced upwards they can become dislodged and then leak when the stock is turned.
CONCLUSION: Some East Coast sailors bump their keels almost every time they go sailing and think nothing of it unless the tide’s falling. Similarly, bilge-keelers nearly always bump a bit as they take the ground. In both of these cases, personal experience is the key to knowing when you need to check for damage. Generally, though, I would advise never to underestimate the smallest of accidental groundings. At the very least, check properly in the bilges for the slightest clue that there is a problem – even minor weeping around the fastenings is a clear giveaway. And remember that gelcoat stresses don’t always show immediately, so periodic checks are important.
If anything looks suspect, get the boat out the water at once and contact your insurance company, which should have experienced staff to deal with this type of claim and in most cases will appoint a qualified surveyor to report the extent of the damage.
Article written by Marine Surveyor
Introduction:
Choosing the perfect yacht involves various considerations, and one crucial decision is whether to opt for a mono hull or a twin hull design. Both designs have their distinct advantages and disadvantages, catering to different preferences and requirements. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of buying a mono hull or twin hull yacht, helping you make an informed decision.
Mono Hull Yacht: A mono hull, as the name suggests, features a single hull design. Here are the pros and cons of buying a mono hull yacht:Pros: 1. Stability in rough seas: Mono hull yachts are known for their exceptional stability in rough waters. The deep keel and narrow shape of the hull enable better maneuverability and increased resistance to rolling, making them suitable for offshore cruising. 2. Enhanced sailing performance: Mono hulls are designed for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate the thrill of cutting through the water. They offer better upwind performance, allowing for increased sailing speeds and improved responsiveness. 3. Sleek and traditional aesthetics: Many yacht enthusiasts are drawn to the timeless elegance and classic design of mono hull yachts. Their sleek lines and graceful profiles exude sophistication and charm. Cons: 1. Limited interior space: Mono hulls typically have less interior space compared to their twin hull counterparts. The narrow beam restricts cabin size and may result in reduced living areas and storage capacity. 2. Reduced stability at rest: While mono hulls excel in rough seas, they can be less stable at anchor or during slow-speed maneuvers. This can lead to more rolling and discomfort for those on board. 3. Shallow draft limitations: Mono hulls usually have a deeper draft, making them less suitable for cruising in shallow waters or exploring coastal areas with shallow depths. Twin Hull (Catamaran) Yacht: A twin hull, also known as a catamaran, features two parallel hulls connected by a bridge deck. Let's explore the pros and cons of buying a twin hull yacht:Pros: 1. Spaciousness and comfort: Twin hull yachts offer significantly more interior and deck space compared to mono hulls. The wider beam allows for expansive living areas, larger cabins, and ample storage, making them ideal for long-term cruising or entertaining guests. 2. Stability at rest: Catamarans provide excellent stability at anchor or during slow speeds, thanks to their wide beam and two hulls. This feature ensures reduced rolling and increased comfort, especially for those prone to seasickness. 3. Shallow draft advantage: Catamarans typically have a shallower draft than mono hulls, enabling access to more secluded anchorages, remote coves, and shallow coastal areas. Cons: 1. Reduced upwind performance: Catamarans generally have less upwind performance compared to mono hulls. Their wider beam can result in increased wind resistance, making sailing upwind less efficient and potentially requiring more tacking. 2. Limited maneuverability: Due to their wider beam and twin hull design, catamarans may be less maneuverable in tight spaces or crowded marinas. Extra caution and skill may be required during docking or mooring. 3. Higher initial costs: Twin hull yachts tend to have higher initial purchase costs compared to mono hulls of similar size and specifications. Maintenance and docking fees may also be higher due to the larger footprint. Conclusion: Deciding between a mono hull or twin hull yacht depends on your specific needs, preferences, and sailing aspirations. Mono hulls offer exceptional stability, sleek aesthetics, and enhanced sailing performance, while twin hulls provide spaciousness, stability at rest, and shallow draft advantages. Consider the trade-offs and prioritize your requirements to choose the yacht that aligns best with your boating lifestyle.
Latest assignment was a Pre-purchase Survey on this Beneteau. All of the recent Groupe Finot boats designed for Beneteau have been big-even the small ones-and this lady, the Beneteau 523, is enormous.
When it comes to putting a cruising boat together, Beneteau favors solid laminates for the hull. A fiberglass grid bonded to the inside of the hull provides structural stiffness and also serves as a key for installing internal components. This grid is laid up in a mold and presents a gelcoated surface to the interiors of storage bins behind the saloon settees and in other places.
Under the sole, the compartments not occupied by fuel or water tanks are connected to each other by limber holes and to the bilge pump by a network of pipes. It’s an arrangement necessitated by the hull’s shape-it has no salient sump.
A balsa core stiffens the deck structure. The depth of the deck-hatch recesses in the overhead hints at the three transverse beams that support the saloon coachroof.
This one had been worked hard but structurally and mechanically still in good shape.
We are now located in Preveza in the Ionian Islands so if you have your eye on a Yacht in Preveza, Lefkada or Nidri drop me a message. steventruss1@aol.com
