Scope of survey includes:
- Survey vessels to ABYC and federal standards where possible. Some of these standards are not found on boats built outside the US;
- Inspect all areas and equipment including sails, rig, machinery and electronics, report condition;
- Sea trial vessel when possible;
- If significant problems exist, I will suggest involving an appropriate specialist;
- The survey document reports on the structural condition of the vessel and all equipment and lists recommendations to correct any problems.
Vessel Valuation
- Determine value based on survey results and comparisons with other boats. I also consult experienced yacht brokers and trade publications.
Survey methods and equipment
- All testing is non-destructive. Destructive testing must be approved by all parties;
- Visual inspection of hull, decks and all equipment and surface finishes;
- Testing of composite hulls by the following:
- Barcol hardness measurement;
- Hammer tapping or 'sounding' of all fiberglass or carbon surfaces to check for softness, repairs, delamination, blistering, cracking or crazing;
- Moisture content measurement using a moisture meter for hull and deck laminates;
- System testing;
- Audio gauge thickness testing for steel and aluminum vessels;
- All information and findings are contained in the survey report.
Responsibilities and charges:
Seller or sellers broker should:
- Disclose all history of the boat;
- Prepare for inspection, by clearing lockers and cabins;
- Provide the following information prior to the survey:
- Age of sails and standing rigging
- Last date the mast was unstepped.
- Last haul out date
- Age of the system and starting batteries
- Last date the centerboard and gear were lowered for inspection.
- Last date the rudder was unshipped for inspection of the stock
- Last date the through hull fittings and seacocks were inspected or serviced
- Have equipment being sold with the boat, either aboard or close by for inspection;
- When the sail inventory is extensive, I recommend sending the bulk of the sails to a loft for evaluation;
- The buyer or representative is responsible for shipyard reservations and payment for dockage and haul-out;
- A survey deposit is required in certain circumstances;
- Survey fees are due following the survey or when the report is received (if the buyer is not present for the survey):
- The survey fee is $950.00 to $1,250.00 per day, dependent on the type of boat and survey;
- Traveling time is charged at the normal per day rate;
- Additional charges include:
- Airfare and airport parking;
- Car rental;
- Taxies;
- Accommodations;
- Reasonable expenses for meals.
Survey cancellation policy:
- In the event a survey is canceled, the client is responsible for all non-recoverable portions of air fares and other reservations;
- If a survey is canceled less then 5 days before the survey date, the client will be charged 50% of the estimated survey fee.
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