Marine Survey Types
Pre-Purchase Survey
Buying a boat is a very exciting thing to do.
To gain confidence in your investment a pre-purchase survey is a thorough investigation into the condition of the vessel and a report back with recommendations to aspects, which require immediate or urgent attention relative to those that can be dealt within the regular maintenance schedule. The Investigation is conducted using non-destructive techniques and specialist equipment to assess moisture within GRP and thickness of steel.
Ideally this investigation takes place with the vessel docked ashore allowing for detailed examination of underwater hull surfaces and its integrity.
Recommendations focus on defects, which affect the vessel's seaworthiness, integrity, value and insurability and are often referenced during final purchase negotiations.
On completion of the survey we can verbally discuss findings. A comprehensive written report will follow shortly including practical recommendations for correcting the items found as well as advice for further improving the vessel's condition. We remain available to discuss issues raised and to advise on next steps and an on-going maintenance schedule.
Insurance Survey
Required by underwriters from time to time prior to renewal of an existing insurance policy - frequency depends on the boat’s age and date of previous survey. Typically, after the vessel is 10 years old and every 5 years thereafter.
Insurers may ask for specific elements to be covered in the survey, but generally it will be similar in approach to a pre-purchase survey, although focusing specifically on the aspects of the boat that affect an insurance risk. It should be noted that although Insurance Surveys are less in-depth than a full pre-purchase survey, for an owner they could still offer peace of mind regarding the condition and safety of their vessel.
Limited Scope Survey
There will be occasions when a full survey report isn’t required and only part of the vessel requires inspecting (e.g. steering, hull, skin fittings etc.). This is called a Limited scope survey, the client will be made aware of the scope of the limitations and this scope agreed prior to the survey being carried out.
Valuation Survey
After an inspection of the vessel, we are able to provide a valuation based on the boat’s class, condition, age and specification,
Valuations are carried out as an additional service and will be issued as an independent statement from any survey carried out.
The valuation does not take into consideration any licences or mooring rights held with the vessel.
Damage Report
This survey is usually commissioned by an underwriter after a vessel has suffered a miss fortune, the aim is to assess the extent of damage sustained by the vessel.
An independent report is provided to the owner and insurer, detailing the full extent of the repairs and costs required to return the vessel to its pre-damaged condition.
The damage report can include a scheme of works for the repairs to be carried out as requested. Written quotations are often required, and these can be sought on your behalf.
The damage survey including reporting and follow-up are charged at an agreed hourly rate and costs are usually covered if the work is commissioned by the insurers.
Sea Trials & Engine Assessment
We recommended that a River or Sea trial be undertaken prior to completing any purchase of a vessel. This allows the clients to satisfy themselves that all working aspects of the vessel are in serviceable condition, or they are informed of the issues prior to them committing to the purchase of the vessel.
This is a service that we would offer in addition to any survey and can be accompanied by a marine engineer.
Work carried out in accordance with YDSA code of practice
Work carried out in accordance with YDSA code of practice YDSA CODE OF PRACTICE download
Our Marine Surveyor is a trained professional who acts in your best interests as an advisor. He is someone who gathers the information accurately, efficiently and impartially. We carry Full Professional Indemnity Insurance in accordance with standard marine practice.
“Great to have Adrian from Zeewarriors survey my boat for the insurance requirements. His professionalism and experience was reassuring and helpful in planning underwater paint system to keep this historic vessel in good condition”
— Derek K
“Zeewarriors skippered the boat out to Chatham and Adrian returned to survey the hull, He’s a man of many talents: skipper, marine surveyor, architect and maker.”
— Stephen W
