What does a typical “Hull Survey” include.
A typical pre-purchase survey includes checking almost every single system onboard the vessel.Generally, your surveyor will start in the machinery space if the vessel has inboard engines, as we like to able to inspect the machinery space prior to engines starting, so the area is not too hot, as we will be crawling all over and around the engine(s) and generator(s).
In the machinery space (and around the rest of vessel) we are visually checking every system that is accessible, including all the hoses, electrical wiring, pumps, battery chargers, tanks, air conditioning, stabilizers, sanitation system etc. Basically, if we can access it, we will be checking it, testing it and ensuring it does what it supposed to do. Obviously, every boat is different, and some of these systems may not be installed in the machinery space and will be installed somewhere else in the vessel (if equipped at all). The major exception to this is that we are not “engine surveyors”. Although all Elite Marine Surveyors are mechanically inclined and proficient in most engine types and set-ups, we are not dedicated mechanics, so our inspection of engines is limited to visual inspections, as we do not possess the hardware or software to plug into most engines and do not perform any in depth diagnostics. We always suggest you contract with an experienced engine surveyor who is familiar with your engine/generator package for in-depth inspection.
Once engine room inspection has been completed, ideally, we will ride with the boat to the haul out facility where we inspect the vessel hull and running gear once the vessel has been hauled out. For this inspection, we are checking the hull for any osmotic blistering, delamination or dis-bonding of fiberglass laminate, or checking hull thicknesses with an audio gauge for Aluminum or Steel vessels. We will also be looking at the vessel propellers, shafts, bearings, trim tabs, keel, through-hull fittings, thrusters and underwater fittings such as transducers or underwater lights.
Upon conclusion of the haul out inspection, typically the vessel will be taken for a trial run, where we are testing the vessel performance underway. We are checking operation of trim tabs, stabilizers, steering systems, shaft seals, rudder seals, electronics, water-makers, engine controls and a myriad of other systems, depending on what your vessel may be equipped with. We will also be recording engine and speed data at various RPM intervals.
Once trial run data has been collected, the remainder of the vessel is inspected. We try and get into every accessible area on board and will be checking things like AV systems (TV’s & Stereos), all galley equipment, air conditioning, bilge pump operation and inspecting any internal structural components we can access. During the entire inspection process, our surveyors will be documenting any deficiencies that they may encounter, whether it be cosmetic, structural, safety related or operational deficiencies, which will be collated into the final survey report, along with an inventory of equipment onboard which will include any relevant make, model and serial numbers of major equipment.
Finally, the surveyor will give the vessel a “vessel rating” and place a “Fair Market Value” on the vessel which is what we believe the vessel to be worth at time of survey inspection.
What we don’t do:
For sailboats, we do not perform any type of rigging inspection above deck level. We always recommend you contract with an experienced rigging company to check all standing rigging.