On Deck
13. Main Companionway and other Accesses to Accommodation
14. Ports & Windows
15. Pulpit, Stanchions, Pushpit, Lifelines and Jackstays
16. Rigging Attachment Points
17. Ground Tackle and Mooring Arrangements
18. Other Deck Gear and Fittings
19. Davits and Boarding Ladders
Safety
24. Navigation Lights
25. Bilge Pumping Arrangements
26. Firefighting Equipment
27. Lifesaving and Emergency Equipment
Accommodation and on Board Systems
31. Accommodation General
32. Gas Installation
33. Fresh Water Tanks and Delivery
34. Heads
35. Electrical Installation
36. Electronic and Navigation Equipment
Steering, Stern Gear, and Skin Fittings
9. Rudder and Steering
10. Stern Gear
11. Cathodic Protection
12. Skin Fittings and other through Hull Apertures
Rig
20. Spars
21. Standing Rigging
22. Running Rigging
23. Sails and Covers
Engines
28. Engines and Installation
29. Generator
30. Fuel System
Recommendations, Conclusions and a Valuation if required
Our Pre-purchase condition survey reports generally contain the following sections:
Hull, Deck and Structure
1. Details of Subject Vessel
2. Keel
3. Hull below Waterline and moisture readings
4. Topsides above Waterline including Rubbing Strake
5. Deck Moulding & Coachroof
6. Cockpit
7. Hull/Deck Join
8. Bulkheads and Structural Stiffening
agreeing to purchase “subject to survey” the arrangements should be confirmed with the surveyor. If you need any advice before paying a deposit or signing a contract, we will always be pleased to help.
When buying a new or second-hand vessel, the normal procedure is to make an offer “subject to survey”. In other words, an offer is made to purchase the vessel at a price agreed between the vendor and purchaser. A deposit is then paid (usually 10% to a yacht broker), subject to a satisfactory survey. If a yacht broker is handling the sale, a contract is drawn up between the two parties. This states the time limits during which a survey must be completed, followed by acceptance or rejection of the vessel, or re-negotiation of the purchase price, within the terms of the contract.
When buying direct from the vendor, it is also advisable to have a recognised form of contract which states the deposit is returnable if the survey highlights material defects. At the time of
As when buying a house or a car, it is essential when buying a boat to ensure that the vessel is not only structurally sound, but also that equipment and fittings are in good condition. It is often the case that sellers are not aware of non-visible defects and by the time the buyer has noticed any faults the sale has completed and there is no means of recourse from the seller. Second hand boat sales are usually "Caveat Emptor" or "Buyer Beware".