What is a pre-purchase survey? It is a survey conducted to gain as much information on the condition of the vessel before you buy it. The amount of information that can be obtained is dependent on a variety of factors. These range from the boat itself, such as availability of access; to how much you are willing to pay to get that information. The most common question a surveyor is asked after "How Much Does it Cost", is "What do you do?" This is not easy to answer, for a process that basically takes the better part of a day to accomplish. The shortest answer is, "The primary work of a surveyor is observation and testing." The most important tools a surveyor possesses are not found in a toolbox, but are his experience and skills in observation. Needless to say, the better educated, the more experienced, and the more careful a surveyor is, the higher the caliber of his work. To make a long story short, the survey involves examining every aspect of the boat possible without taking it apart, and includes testing of all major systems. The process obviously focuses on the most important (and most expensive) aspects first. Major machinery and hull construction precede whether the coffee maker or stereo system is operable. Client Input: The more the surveyor knows about your boating experience and your specific requirements, the better able he will be to best serve your interests. When you call us for a survey and ask, "How much will it cost?" by way of an answer you will get a barrage of questions. There are endless varieties of boats, and boat buyers have endless levels of expectations. The more information you can give us, the better able I will be to serve you. The following is a brief description of the basics: Surveys consist of three distinct aspects: 1) the static, in-the-water inspection, 2) the haul out to inspect the underbody and underwater machinery, and 3) the sea trial. No survey is complete without performing all three, and preferably in the above order. The in-the-water inspection must be first because it will give the surveyor a good idea of the condition of the vessel, and indicate whether it is safe to go to sea. The haul out should be next again for the same reason. And after the haul out has been completed, usually a process of a couple of hours, when the boat is back in the water, a sea trial can be completed. The in-the-water inspection. The static in the water inspection will cover most of the major systems and safety items. I insist that the owner be present so he/she can turn systems on and off, as well as being available to answer questions. I also strongly encourage the prospective buyer to attend. I will begin the survey as early in the day as possible. Then at a more reasonable hour of the morning, the owner and prospective buyer can arrive and the owner can activate the systems. The haul out: It is best to schedule the haul out as the last thing before the yard personnel go to lunch. This is another "logistics" question that needs to be addressed when making arrangements for a survey. This gives a "free" quiet hour for the underwater machinery inspection. The owner and prospective buyer also have the opportunity to go to lunch. If there are no problems encountered, then the vessel can then be re-launched and the sea trial commenced. The sea trial: During the sea trial, not only is the engine and overall vessel performance evaluated, I also inspect the steering, controls, shafting, engine mounts, and exhaust systems, as well as the structural hull elements while under load. On sailboats, the overall sailing systems are examined and evaluated for condition and tuning. There are a lot of things that have to be looked at in a short period of time. Therefore, at the very minimum, I recommend an open water sea trial be carried out for at least one hour's duration, and longer for larger yachts. Short runs in restricted waterways will not properly accomplish this objective. This is yet another "logistics" question that needs to be addressed when making arrangements for a survey. I recommend open ocean trial runs whenever possible. However, when sea conditions are rough, I have to defer to the owner's discretion because of the liability risks that would be raised if I insist on going out in rough weather. About the engines: I do not conduct engine surveys. This is a highly technical field and involves experience and specific training. I inspect the exterior of the system for signs of leaks, for loose and/or worn wiring, hoses, and belts; and general condition of the engineering spaces. During the sea trial the surveyor will note the rpm of the engines at specific throttle settings. This surveyor strongly recommends that a factory trained marine diesel or gas engine mechanic be retained. The cost of an engine survey is substantial, but so are repairs. Diesel engine repairs often cost up to 4 times as much as gas engine repairs, and this is especially true of the newer high-speed diesels. Oil Samples are another area I do not generally inspect. Possibly more technical than engineering or mechanics, a great deal of training is required to analyze the results that come from a modern laboratory. In some instances of prior recorded sampling, or to form a baseline for future tracking of engine conditions, I can take samples and send them to the lab, but I would refer you to an engine mechanic for interpretation of any results. Logistics/Scheduling: Normally all arrangements are taken care of by a broker. However in a "by owner" sale situation, the owner is responsible to make sure all the necessary requirements are met. The buyer can choose the haul out site and is responsible for all haul out fees, which are payable at the time of the haul-out. The buyer and seller must come to an agreement about possibly changing the zincs, and who is responsible for paying for a power wash down of the hull underbody. After re-launching the vessel either the owner or his captain must then be available for the sea trial. The optimum schedule would include an early morning in-the-water- inspection, 1130 haul out, and 1500 sea trial. How long does it take? I schedule an entire day for the survey, even if it is a 24-foot boat. Small boats are not necessarily easier to survey than larger ones. Apart from the similarity of logistics the inspection time involved is more a factor of the condition of the boat than anything else. The average 36-foot vessel takes about 6-8 hours on the vessel. Then there is at least another 15-18 hours of research and report preparation back at the office. Survey conditions: It must be impressed upon all concerned it is critical that the vessel be properly prepared for a survey. The quality of the survey can only be as good as the conditions under which it is conducted. All lockers must be empty of accumulated gear, and a thorough cleaning undertaken. A surveyor will not move personal gear or accumulated dirt and it will result in a report note of "inaccessible". What does it cost? Fiberglass vessels are slightly more straightforward than steel or aluminum, and wood boats are the most difficult. Every vessel is equipped differently, and every present or prospective owner will have differing needs. I ask you to give me a call and we can discuss what you require and I will then give you a quote. I regularly travel between the Republica de Panama and Missouri, USA where I have farming interests. I have US offices in the New Orleans, Louisiana area, and near Jefferson City, Missouri. I charge for time and $1.00 per mile for travel when driving. I charge $125.00 per hour for my time, but I am open to negotiation for long term contracts. I am willing to fly worldwide, and arrangements can be agreed upon in a case-by-case basis. I charge $200.00 for lodging and meals expenses; and payment for air fare and expected expenses must be prepaid. The agreed fees for the survey are always due at the end of the inspection at the vessel. Most surveys are completed within one day. On yachts over 45 feet it usually becomes necessary to extend the survey to a second day. REMEMBER I REPRESENT ONLY YOU. ALL COMMUNICATIONS ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND THE REPORT IS FOR YOUR USE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS JUST CALL 1-504-236-8151 AT ANY TIME; AND IF I DO NOT KNOW, I WILL MAKE A PROFOUND EFFORT TO FIND THE ANSWER.

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