One of the most common questions asked when purchasing a pre owned vessel is  “what’s involved in the survey process” .

Generally once you have paid a deposit on a vessel you want to purchase, you enlist the services of a Marine Surveyor to complete a Pre-Purchase Hull Survey, and a Mechanic to complete an inspection of the engines – or someone suitably qualified who can do both. A survey Is a visual inspection of the vessel detailing the current condition on the day of inspection.

A Marine Surveyor will liaise with the broker, to make arrangements for the vessel to be slipped, so it can be inspected in & out of water.

A typical survey will last half to a full day, depending on the size. The inspection usually starts in the morning at the marina, the vessel is then driven to the slipway to be checked out of water. After the slipping is complete, the vessel is run under full load on a sea trial. It is important that the sea trial is done after slipping, so the bottom of the vessel can be checked for any growth below and be cleaned off. Lastly, the remainder of systems, structure and electrics are checked back at the Marina in the berth.

Buyers are welcome to attend and ask questions, as it can be a great learning experience on a new boat.

Once the survey is completed, a full report is delivered detailing the condition of the vessel.