The survey scope and its elements.
Below the waterline.
Typically the vessel will be hauled for survey, this is where we begin our understanding of the overall condition of the hull, thru-hull penetrations, prop shaft, prop, thruster, zinc condition, rudder, keel, etc. Percussion testing is used for detecting signs of de-lamination in FRP hulls. A TRAMEX marine comparative moisture meter is used to check for the presence of elevated levels of moisture within the hull’s contruction.
Topsides.
Percussion testing and moisture meter readings are continued on the freeboard and decks of the vessel. Attention is given to each deck fitting, toe rail, vent, scupper, mast step, chainplate, anchor platform, etc, for its condition and functionality.
Systems and interior.
We examine the interior structural components of the vessel like, the stringers or keel grid, the interior of the stem and transom, keel bolts. Functionality of all thru-hulls, seacocks, and strainers are assessed. Tankage will be inspected, as well as visual inspection of the vessel’s main or auxiliary propulsion. Marine systems onboard are inspected and powered on if power is present at the time of survey. Marine systems are a vital part of the vessel overall. These systems have a key roll in the safety and performance of the vessel. There are many Federal rules and voluntary safety standards in regards to marine systems, the survey will expose a nonconformity if present.
Sea Trial
A sea trial can be a very valuable addition to a Pre-Purchase Survey. The sea trial allows inspection and tests of systems that were not able to be checked for functionality while the vessel was hauled out of the water. Engines, transmissions, shaft bearings, A/C, autopilot and other systems can be observed for proper function, weaknesses, or failure. The sea trial also provides insight into issues with the integrity of the hull’s structure. Is there flexing or movement of stringers? Are the active leaks around through hull penetrations? Does the vessel have a pronounced list? These are just a few of the additional questions that a sea trial can help answer.
A visual inspection of the engine and drive systems is taken during the sea trial as well as recording of operation temperatures. The coolant system is pressure tested and antifreeze percentage checked. RPMs are verified by laser tachometer and cross referenced with the specific engine’s specs. For an additional charge oil samples can be pulled at the sea trial and set off for analysis, providing addition insight into the condition of the engine or transmission.
Thermal Imaging used to verify proper temperatures of propulsion systems.
Vessel survey report.
After the physical survey is conducted a detailed report is written complying all the observations taken, and general information of the vessel. This document is a snap shot of the condition of the vessel and its systems at the time the survey was conducted. It’s the marine surveyor’s role to be impartial and to present any findings with the evidence supporting them. Any areas of the vessel that were found not to be in compliance with ABYC standards, Federal regulations, or are not functional, will appear within the body of the report and listed in varying degrees of importance at the end of the report. Depending on the type of survey the overall condition of the vessel will be listed as well as an estimated fair market value and replacement value given.
The report will be delivered promptly, 3-4 business days of the survey or sooner, as a PDF file via email. A hard copy is available upon request.
Ultrasonic Gauging
Equipped and trained in UT gauging. Cutting edge through-coating transducers gauge hull plate thickness though bottom paint and coatings for welded steel and Aluminum hulls with high levels of accuracy.