Range of Motor & Sail Yacht Surveys Offered
In this section, all the various levels of survey offered are broken down so that you can see what each survey is comprised of. For pre-purchase surveys, then insurance level or full condition level surveys are recommended, dependent on the age and condition of the yacht.
Full Condition Survey
This is a complete survey of the yacht and includes hull, topside and superstructure condition, coatings condition, moisture content (GRP and wood), metal plating thickness (steel and aluminium), skin fittings and seacocks, cathodic protection, stern and steering gear, internal structure, bulkheads and joinery, interior and linings, hatches / windows / portlights, mooring systems, ventilation systems (incl. air conditioning), domestic installations, fresh / grey / black water systems, gas installation, electrical installation, fuel installation, bilge pump installation, machinery installation, navigational equipment, fire fighting, life saving equipment, audio / visual installation and ancillary equipment. If it is a sailing yacht then the mast, rigging and all attachments / reinforcements / sails (where possible) are also checked.
Full condition survey example - motor
Full condition survey example - sail
​​Insurance Survey
An insurance survey is generally requested to ensure the yacht is in a condition in accordance with your policy regards flood, fire and safety issue. This includes hull, topside and superstructure condition, coatings condition, moisture content (GRP and wood), metal plating thickness (steel and aluminium), skin fittings and seacocks, cathodic protection, stern and steering gear, internal structure, bulkheads, hatches / windows / portlights, mooring systems, gas installation, electrical installation, fuel installation, bilge pump installation, macinery installation, fire fighting and life saving equipment. If it is a sailing yacht then the mast, rigging and all attachments / reinforcements are also checked.
Insurance survey example - motor
Insurance survey example - sail
Structural Survey
A structural survey deals with the yacht's structural integrity and includes hull, topside and superstructure condition, coatings condition, moisture content (GRP and wood), metal plating thickness (steel and aluminium), skin fittings and seacocks, cathodic protection, stern and steering gear, internal structure, bulkheads and joinery, hatches / windows / portlights and machinery installation. If it is a sailing yacht then the mast, rigging and all attachments / reinforcements are also checked.
Structural survey example - sail
Limited Outer Bottom Survey
As the name suggests, this is the most basic marine survey and essentially deals with the condition of the hull, coatings and internal structure below the waterline including all stern and steering gear (shafts, propellers, rudders) as well as all skin fittings and seacocks. The hull is tested for moisture content (GRP and wood) or plating thickness (steel and aluminium) and the cathodic protection system is also tested.
Limited outer bottom survey - motor
​Sea Trial
A sea trial is more than just a nice hour out on the water. Here, the vessel is put through its paces to see that everything works as it should do. The engines are tested at increasing rpm, noting all the important readings such as oil pressure and water temperatures that will give an indication as to their overall health. If it is a newer vessel, data such as engine load and fuel consumption can be downloaded by a manufacturer's representative. Readings can also be taken and compared against the manufacturer's original build data. The vessel's handling and manoeuvrability is also tested along with all the navigational systems (GPS / radar / VHF etc). If the vessel is a sailing boat, then the sail(s), winches and rigging will be tested.
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Whilst the basics of a sea trial remain unchanged, the size and age of the vessel will determine the scope of any sea trial. Sea trials are not mandatory as part of a survey, but they are strongly recommended in the way that you would take a car / classic car for a road test before purchase.
