Hull surveys
GRP hulls are lightly sounded externally and sample areas of antifouling are removed to expose laminate surface or applied coatings. Exposed areas are examined for blistering or wicking, or other defects. All GRP hulls are checked for osmosis and recommendations on any remedial action are given.
Steel and aluminium alloy hulls are sounded externally and may be ultrasound tested at the discretion of the surveyor or following specific instructions from the client. Ultrasound testing fees are in addition to the normal survey fee.
Wooden hulls are sounded externally and lightly probed at the discretion of the surveyor. In some circumstances, sample fastenings may be drawn for inspection with the permission of the owner.
Pre-Purchase condition surveys
Normally the following inspection work is undertaken:-
- Hull, keel and rudder/s (including moisture readings on GRP vessels)
- Deck and superstructures
- Internal hull structures
- Bulkheads and framing, fastenings etc.
- Stern and steering gear
- Cathodic protection
- Windows and portlights
- Masts, spars and rigging (up to head height if mast is stepped)
- Chain plate anchorages and mast support
- Davits, boarding ladders, companionways and accesses
- Handrails and stanchions
- Ground tackle and mooring arrangements
- Skin fittings and seacocks
- Doors and hatches
- Machinery installations (visual inspection only)
- Fuel tanks and pipework
- Gas installations (to be certified by a Gas engineer)
- Bilge pumping installations
- Fire fighting equipment
- Life saving equipment
- Navigation lights and instruments
- Fresh water and sanitary fittings
- Sails and canvas
How much will a survey cost? - A quotation and contract for all survey work is provided before starting on site
- Costs vary depending on survey instruction and type, age and hull material of vessels.
- Typically the charge is between £43 and £50 per 'Meter' of vessel surveyed for pre-purchase condition surveys
- There is a minimum charge of £250 for power boats and £350 for sailing boats.
- For UK surveys mileage is charged at £0.40p per mile unless included in the agreed price.
- All out of pocket expenses, such as accommodation and flights are at economy rates and are charged at 'cost' with the prior approval of the client.
- Depending on vessel size and location some surveys take more than a day to complete.
- All boatyard and other costs in connection with the survey are in addition to the surveyor's fees and expenses and are the responsibility of the instructing client.
- All survey costs to be paid in full, prior to release of survey findings.