Top 20 yacht survey tips!

When conducting a survey of a yacht, whether you are a buyer or a seller, it is important to thoroughly inspect and assess the vessel's condition. Here are ten top tips to consider during a yacht survey:

1. Hire a professional surveyor: Engage a qualified and experienced marine surveyor to conduct a thorough inspection of the yacht.

2. Research the surveyor: Ensure the surveyor is reputable, knowledgeable, and has expertise in yacht surveys.

3. Pre-survey documentation: Obtain and review all available documentation, including maintenance records, service history, and previous survey reports.

4. Conduct a sea trial: Request a sea trial to assess the yacht's performance, handling, and overall seaworthiness.

5. Inspect the hull: Check the hull for any signs of damage, cracks, or osmosis. Look for signs of repairs or patches.

6. Assess the deck and superstructure: Examine the deck and superstructure for any signs of leaks, delamination, or structural issues.

7. Inspect the rigging and sails: If the yacht has sails, assess their condition, and inspect the rigging for any signs of wear or damage.

8. Check the electrical systems: Test all electrical systems, including lights, electronics, and generators, to ensure they are in proper working order.

9. Inspect the plumbing system: Check all plumbing fixtures, including freshwater and sewage systems, for leaks or malfunctions.

10. Review the engine and propulsion system: Assess the engine's condition, check the oil levels, and examine the propulsion system for any signs of wear or damage.

11. Check the fuel system: Inspect the fuel tanks, lines, and filters for leaks, corrosion, or any other potential issues.

12. Assess the safety equipment: Ensure the yacht is equipped with appropriate safety gear, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and a functioning emergency radio.

13. Review the navigation equipment: Check the condition and functionality of the GPS, chartplotter, radar, and other navigation instruments.

14. Inspect the interior: Thoroughly examine the interior of the yacht, including the cabin, galley, and heads, for any signs of damage, mold, or leaks.

15. Check the upholstery and finishes: Assess the condition of upholstery, cushions, carpets, and finishes throughout the yacht.

16. Examine the hull fittings: Inspect the through-hull fittings, seacocks, and valves for corrosion, leaks, or damage.

17. Test the onboard systems: Test all onboard systems, including air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, and entertainment systems, to ensure they are functioning properly.

18. Evaluate the yacht's structural integrity: Look for any signs of stress or damage to the yacht's structure, bulkheads, and bulkhead attachments.

19. Consult insurance requirements: Check if the yacht meets the insurance requirements and if any modifications or repairs are necessary.

20. Review the survey report: Carefully review the survey report provided by the surveyor, and discuss any concerns or issues with them before making a decision.

Remember, a professional survey is crucial in assessing the condition of a yacht thoroughly. These tips can serve as a general guideline, but it's always recommended to consult with a qualified marine surveyor for a comprehensive assessment.

Todays Survey this Knysna 480 cruising catamaran. To save weight, the use of Airex foam coaring was used in the hulls, deck and bulkheads. Components are hand laid and vacuum bagged using isophthalic gelcoat and vinylester resin. A fiberglass grid set into the lower part of the hull helps accommodate rig and keel loads under sail, and supports cabinetry, the cabin sole and other below decks structures.

Layout gives four cabins outside the saloon with eight berths in total. The spacious interior provided comfortable, live-aboard facilities for extensive cruising.

 

On close inspection we found many cracks in the bulkheads around most of the door frames including the patio door into the main companionway. Recommendations concluded was to remove the door frames, grind back a 120mm taper each way and re-glass. The full laminate in the middle tapering each way, for the whole length of the crack + 60mm approx. The recommend that if Bi axial tape is available it be laid  + and – 45 deg to the line of the crack. The top layer can be light mat for grinding to smooth & match the surrounding surface as best as possible. This repair to be done both front & back, and if possible across the cutout in the corners, so the material forms a continuous flange. The dry weight of material should be 900 Gr each side. If possible epoxy resin would be preferred since you are laminating over old substrate.  

Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 523 for Marine Survey 2008 model

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

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 439 performance Boat for Survey

Todays Pre-Purchase Marine Survey Assignment was in Cleopatra Marina in Preveza. This lightly used and professionally maintained yacht was a testament to its owners,

The Sun Odyssey 439’s hull is solid, hand-laid fiberglass, while the deck incorporates a balsa core and is fabricated using Jeanneau’s proprietary Prisma injection-molding process. This technique allows Jeanneau to closely monitor the amount of resin going into the fabrication, which results in an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

A fiberglass grid set into the lower part of the hull helps accommodate rig and keel loads under sail, and supports cabinetry, the cabin sole and other belowdecks structures. The single rudder is fabricated with a composite stock, and 1x19 stainless steel shrouds and a manually adjustable split backstay support the double-spreader deck-stepped mast. Chainplates are inboard, alongside the low cabintrunk.

Boats for sale Preveza, Yacht Surveyor

Buying your first boat is usually a significant purchase and slightly daunting. Buying any boat, can be a significant investment. My role as a Marine Surveyor is to look over all aspects of the boat and report on its condition, systems and what needs doing. My reports are in plain English and are often used to discuss prices with the broker, raise finance and obtain insurance. You already know how important a comprehensive and thorough survey is. 

From me you will get my “plain English” approach with feedback on your potential purchase. Rest assured my surveys are fair, realistic, pragmatic and explain to the potential purchaser all my findings. I never scaremonger, I simply seek to provide a fair survey, that assists the purchaser and the broker, and ensures the purchaser buys with his eyes open. I work with yourself and with brokers to suit required timescales and reporting requirements.

Email me: Steve Truss at: steventruss1@aol.com. What can I help you with?