Preparing for the Pre-Purchase Survey
The surveying of a vessel requires that the surveyor be able to observe and check a lot of things in a short amount of time. It is most helpful if the following guidelines, if they can be safely followed, are observed:
1. The owner or the owner’s representative must have the vessel's papers on board, and be available for the entire time of the survey to operate the vessel during the water test, and demonstrate all machinery aboard the vessel. This may take the better part of the day.
2. The survey requester will be responsible for the entire haul out expense, unless prior arrangements are made. This expense will need to be paid at the time of the haul out. Cash or credit cards are usually accepted; it is best to verify this beforehand.
3. The Surveyor’s fee will need to be paid at or before the end of the inspection.
4. The time required at haul out varies between a minimum of 30- 45 minutes to check the bottom of a 35 foot vessel, to an hour or more for a 45 foot vessel, and so on. If the survey includes a mechanical inspection of a pair of outboards or sterndrives, an additional 30- 45++ minutes will be required for the out of the water portion- It's best to plan ahead!
5. Adequate fuel supply aboard for a proper water test.
6. Shore power electrical cord connected and powered up at the berth.
7. Fresh water tank should have an adequate supply of water for testing of all fresh water system components.
9. All extraneous equipment and gear should be removed and stored ashore.
10. The number of passengers aboard should be kept to a minimum: With the need to remove hatches, gear and what not, and move around quickly to inspect everything, the surveyor will need all the space on board that he can get.
11.Time: A complete survey and water test of a thirty five foot express will be a two-thirds-day affair; Engine inspections add yet more time: The water test portion of the survey should be adequate in length to check all pertenant systems and performance, but it is not meant to be a joy ride: Please plan accordingly. The official report follows a day or so later.
you; and boat yards can be notoriously steamy: Fresh water, and
a lunch plan, are vital!
to plan.
Bill Potter wants to make the survey experience as informative and easy as possible!
