Survey Introduction

Contract for Pre-Purchase Yacht Survey

Survey Format

Categories and Rates

Resume of Boating Experience

Interesting Links

Books

EDITORIAL

The KISS MSD

What Every NEW boat owner should do

Safety hints for all boaters, LPG

Surveyor's Trampoline Update

Jacklines: A comparative study & innovative idea

Elusive cruising catamaran performance

Helms, Good, Bad and UGLY!

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Survey Format

• All surveys include General and PRIORITY Recommendations. PRIORITY Recommendations are items that must be corrected before the vessel can be considered seaworthy or in compliance. The underwriter determines seaworthiness, not the surveyor.

• Survey reports will be completed within 36 hours unless otherwise agreed.

• Deck-level rigging is included. Bagged sails included if location and assistance is previously arranged. Mastheads and inaccessible furled sails are not. Mastheads may be surveyed by special arrangement. Most cases require a professional rigger and/or sail-maker.

• Machinery, engines, complex electrical systems and electronics will be included in the survey for installation and appropriate function. Proper operation, remaining life span and determining the value of the equipment are beyond the scope of survey. No warrantees are implied in discussions of average or expected life spans of various operating systems and sub-systems such as engines, bilge pumps, rigging, electrical wiring and connections.

• Specifically excluded from all surveys are scientific calculations, engineering data, moisture meter readings, cost estimates and speculations concerning future osmotic blistering. 

• The survey report is valid for the date of the survey only. There are no third party guarantees or warranties. The survey report is the exclusive property of and copy write to, the contractor for the survey.

• Reports will be sent in PDF format by email. Additional reports to insurance or banking institutions will be sent from request in writing (email) with no additional charge. Written printed reports carry additional charges to cover printing, mailing and handling based upon the length of the report. CDs of photos and other documents are available at extra charge.

• Surveys are conducted in accordance with established industry practices. References and standards used are: USCG (United States Coast Guard) CFR Code of Federal Regulations ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) SAMS (Society of Marine Surveyors)

• Pre-purchase surveys ought to be done out of the water. The person ordering the survey is traditionally responsible for the yard bill. The owner or his designate is responsible for handling the vessel, emptying lockers, raising sails, etc. not the surveyor or purchaser.