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Print out our informative
pre purchase survey check list and
FAQ's to find answers to all your survey questions.
An effective
way to get the most for your survey dollar is to be involved in the
process, understand the steps of a survey, and prepare for it.
Surveys may involve more persons than just the buyer, seller, and surveyor.
Depending on the situation a survey may also include a broker, engine
surveyor, boat yard, hired captain, and others. When a broker
is involved he will usually arrange the logistics of the survey, in
the absence of a broker it is up to the buyer to ensure all arrangements
are set. In either case it is in the buyers best interest to be
involved in the details to ensure last minute snags don’t end up costing
more money than necessary. Let’s take a look at what needs to
be done.
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Participants
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Most
importantly, the buyer should be present during the survey.
After all, the buyer is the one paying for the service and should
benefit from the inspection of the vessel and the surveyor's time.
The owner or owner’s representative must be present to grant access
to the vessel and, ideally, to observe the entire survey.
Beyond this, if the vessel is to be hauled for hull inspection or
sea trialed, the owner or his designee must be aboard to operate
the vessel. Finally other surveyors may be aboard such as
a diesel engine surveyor or other specialists. The number
of persons aboard the vessel during the survey is best kept to a
minimum. Hatches will be open creating a safety concern, and
the contents of lockers may need to be unloaded, therefore space
will quickly be at a premium.
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Vessel
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Engines
must not be run prior to the start of the survey. This
is important because valuable information can be obtained from how
the engines start from a cold state. White smoke on start-up
could indicate water or antifreeze in the cylinders possibly due
to a blown head gasket. Blue or black smoke could indicate
the presence of oil possibly due to worn valve guides or worn piston
rings. A cold starting problem can appear in the form
of a marginal starting battery, carburetor problem, faulty choke,
or other cause. In addition it is easier to thoroughly inspect
the engine compartment without having to avoid a hot engine.
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In general,
the less packed the vessel is with gear and other clutter, the better.
The surveyor needs access to all nooks and crannies of the vessel
to get the best possible picture of its structural integrity and
safety. If the buyer suspects that the amount of gear aboard
could affect access, it would be best to broach the subject with
the owner or broker prior to the survey.
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Sea Trial/Hauling
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During a pre-purchase
survey buyers usually request that a sea trial and out of the water hull inspection
be conducted.
Condition and Valuation surveys may require the vessel to be
hauled depending on insurance underwriter requirements.
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Hauling is
typically the responsibility of the buyer, while the seller is responsible
for operation of the vessel during the sea trial or to provide a paid
captain to do so. McGoldrick Marine Surveying will work with you
to determine the best way to schedule the in water inspection, haul
out, and sea trial depending on your specific situation.
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Timing
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Surveys
are usually scheduled two to five days in advance. The on-sight portion of your survey will
usually take four to nine hours to complete depending on various
factors such as vessel size, condition, and age. Pre-purchase
survey reports will be completed 36 hours after
the survey inspection. Three signed and sealed hard copy
reports will be mailed to you immediately upon completion.
Three hard copies allow you to send an original copy to your
insurance and finance company, while keeping a copy for your own
records. If you provide an email address an electronic
copy will be email to you immediately upon completion.
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McGoldrick Marine Surveying
provides a comprehensive array
of services to suit your needs. Please view the
Services page for a complete description.
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