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Pre-Purchase Surveys When you buy a used boat, you want to obtain as much information as possible about its condition prior to closing the deal. Is the boat structurally sound and safe? Is the machinery and equipment on board in good working condition? Is the boat a good value for the money?  My Pre-Purchase Surveys give you confidence in what you are buying. They are comprehensive inspections covering structural integrity, safety, condition of machinery and equipment, as well as overall maintenance and cosmetic appearance. These inspections include, but are not limited to: Hull underwater Machinery Keel Skin fittings Rudder Deck fittings Sterngear Mast, Boom and Rig Topsides Gas Installation Deck, coachroof and cockpit Water Steering Fuel Hull internal Electrical Installation Bilge Anchoring and Mooring Hatches and Doors Sails Windows and Portlights As the title implies the Pre-Purchase Full Condition Survey is intended to identify all defects and deficiencies which might be discernible by a competent surveyor. Moisture meter readings and percussion soundings of hull and deck are also part of the survey. I use IIMS & YDSA Regulations and Standards and use their guidelines for my surveys. In addition, I check to see that all items mentioned in a Broker's Listing actually exist on board. A haul-out of the boat is essential, so that I can check all underwater parts. A sea trial is strongly recommended. This allows me to check the engine and other systems under normal operating conditions. A Pre-Purchase survey of a typical mid-sized boat may require a full day, depending on its complexity. I always encourage you, the prospective buyer, to attend the survey, so that you get a better understanding of the survey process and its results.My survey reports are detailed and include the Fair Market Value of the boat as well as pictures and recommendations. Check out this link for information on "Title Checking Procedures" available from the RYA. Also booklets available on "Buying new and second hand craft"  http:www.rya.org.uk

Rigging Survey Insight Marine Surveys are specifically trained in Surveying Rigs.  The Rig Survey is recommended before you carry out any period of extended cruising or when your Yacht’s Rigging Wires (standing rigging) are more than a few years old.  Some Insurance Companies will require that you replace your rigging wires every ten years, other Insurance companies will only continue to insure you if you have a Rig Survey. There are basically two methods of surveying the rig, with the mast stepped (standing) or un-stepped (lowered). The most effective method of surveying the rig is to un-step the mast and inspect the spars when supported horizontally on stands.  This should be done periodically during the life of a sailing yacht.  Interim inspections can be carried out with the rig stepped (standing).   Insurance companies will generally not expect a rig to be un-stepped for inspection, so at Insight Marine Surveys the Rig Survey for insurance generally involves the surveyor going up the mast (inspection from aloft). Insight Marine Surveys carries out Rig Surveys on all types of rigs throughout the UK. We have experience in surveying spars constructed of different materials including; Aluminium alloy, carbon, wood and steel. We hold qualifications in marine surveying and are members of surveying organisations including; International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) or The Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA).  Our rates are competitive, fill in the online survey enquiry form for a quotation. Rig surveys for yachts up to and around 12 metres or about 40 feet are normally completed within two or three hours. Rig Surveys on larger yachts with multiple spars are generally completed within one day. The Rig Survey includes an inspection of the following: Mast(s), including mast base, cap and tangs Boom(S) and fittings Rigging wires (standing rigging) Rigging terminals Turnbuckles (rigging screws) wire locking and split pinning Chain plates A report is provided explaining the findings of the Rig Survey.  Within the report problems found during the survey are listed and information given on their importance and recommendations for repair. Once the survey has been completed we guarantee to provide the survey report within 24 Hrs by email.  We will spend the time to answer any questions about the survey and are happy to give any yachting advice. Buy a Non Destructive Tester gauge for Yacht Rigging from our Webshop Damage Surveys A Damage Survey is usually commissioned by a specific insurance company as part of a claim investigation. Its function is to establish the extent of the damage and to give an estimate of the cost of repair. In such circumstances, the Surveyor acts as the Underwriters eyes and ears. The Surveyor works in liason with the insured, the repair facility and all the relevant participants. Insurance Surveys When you want to insure a boat, or have to renew an existing policy, your insurance company will need an Insurance Survey in order to determine its insurability for the intended use. This type of survey is often referred to as a Condition and Valuation Survey. The scope of an Insurance Survey approaches a Pre-Purchase Survey, but its focus is on structural integrity and safety and it is less detailed. An assessment of the boat's Fair Market Value is part of this type of survey. Insurance companies usually accept surveys made in the water without a haul-out or sea trial. Your insurance company may have its own requirements for what it considers an acceptable survey and boat owners are advised to consult with their insurance broker before commissioning the survey. An Insurance Survey requires several hours, depending on the complexity and condition of the boat. My survey report is similar to a report for a Pre-Purchase Survey, but somewhat less detailed. Valuation Reports These types of inspections are performed to gather sufficient information to determine the fair market value of the boat. My Appraisal Valuation Inspection reports include a description of the boat and an assessment of its overall condition, including pictures. An Appraisal Valuation Inspection usually requires a couple of hours plus another hour to write up the report. Oil Analysis Tests If you instruct Insight Marine Surveys Ltd to carry out an oil analysis test on the vessels engine, it could highlight potential engine and equipment problems before any serious damage is done to the unit and provide added security to those purchasing a vessel. Once I have taken the oil sample on the day of Survey, the turn around time from receiving the sample to you obtaining your report should be 48 hours. This report can be e-mail posted. The analysis will show: The actual wear pattern of the equipment. The condition of the fuel injection equipment. How well the maintenance has been carried out. In a twin-engine set-up we can run a comparison between the two Installations. In addition to preventing damage and expensive repairs by taking early action, a clean bill of health via oil analysis would also add value to any customer wanting to buy or sell a boat. A report maybe used to demonstrate that the boat has no long-term problems or any nasty surprises months after purchase. The basic cost of a sample would be £90:00 this will include VAT and all handling. Ultrasound Survey   Ultrasound Surveys are generally carried out to measure the hull plating thickness on steel yachts. Hundreds of readings are taken around the yachts hull to look for areas where the hull plating is thin. The Ultrasound Survey is not confined to hulls of steel yachts, bulkheads, decks and structures can also be measured as well as Aluminium and GRP hulls and structures, contact us for your specific requirements. Insight Marine Surveys carries out Ultrasound Surveys on steel yachts as part of a Full Condition Survey. We have the latest ultrasonic thickness gauge instruments, they are non destructive and accurate readings are made without removing any of the paint or filler system. Our primary instrument is the Cygnus 4 multiple echo ultrasonic thickness gauge, for more information on our instruments please follow the link. Insight Marine Surveys carries out Ultrasound Surveys on all types of vessels throughout the UK and Europe. We are experienced, hold qualifications in marine surveying and are members of surveying organisations including; International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) or The Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA). Our rates are competitive, fill in the online survey enquiry form for a quotation. A report is provided explaining the findings of the Ultrasound Survey. Within the report problems found during the survey are listed and information given on their importance and recommendations for repair. All the thickness measurements made during the survey including their position will be recorded within the report. Once the survey has been completed we guarantee to provide the report within 24Hrs. We will spend the time to answer any questions about the survey and are happy to give any yachting advice. To receive a quote for a Ultrasound Survey fill in the online survey enquiry form or contact us directly with you requirements. Delivery Inspections A Delivery Inspection of a new boat takes place prior to accepting the boat from a yard or its dealer. The inspection is similar to a Pre-Purchase Survey but focuses on how the boat has been finished and whether it has been completed in accordance with the specifications agreed upon at the time of ordering. I will also check to see whether subsequent modifications agreed upon have been taken care of correctly. My Delivery Inspection reports include a detailed punch list of items that have to be dealt with before you officially take delivery. In addition, reports list equipment that I recommend so that the boat is fully equipped for its intended use. Consultations If you have limited or no prior boating experience and are considering buying a boat, I can help you decide what type of boat will satisfy your needs. I will discuss with you the criteria that the boat and its equipment will have to meet, taking into account your boating experience and how you intend to use it. Subsequently, I can help you in your search for the right boat, either a new or a used boat. Boat Safety Inspections and Certification In 1996 the majority of the main inland waterways and rivers in the UK adopted the Boat Safety Scheme - BSS, where all boats have to be examined every 4 years to ensure that they remain safe. (MOT for boats). I am one of a number of examiners on the Broads, but unlike the majority of them I am not connected with a marina or marine engineering business and therefore I don't offer any remedial engineering work as part of the examination. This means that the owner can do any work himself, or choose his preferred engineer to effect any repairs, safe in the knowledge that the fault list has not been padded to increase revenue. Note: The cost of a Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) examination is set to rise from 1 April 2007 after the Environment Agency and British Waterways withdrew funding for the programme. To make up for the loss of the financial assistance, which last year ran to £200,000, the BSS is more than doubling the price it charges examiners for official BSS certificates, from £11.25 to £24. This means the end price for examinations will rise to make up for the hike.(phone me if you would like to book a test). Machinery and Systems Survey Insight Marine Surveys sub contract / employ Marine Engineers specifically trained in Surveying Yacht Machinery. The Machinery and Systems Survey is recommended after a Yacht refit, where machinery and systems have changed, or on a newly commissioned yacht to test the new systems. The Machinery and Systems survey will almost always include a sea trial, engines will be run and operated from all control stations.  The engine will be performance tested to engine manufacturer’s specifications.  All the ships systems will be run and tested for operation.  Systems that we regularly test during Machinery and Systems Survey include; Main engine tested for performance under load Gearbox for smooth operation in ahead and reverse Bow/stern thrusters and trim tabs Generator performance under load Steering lock to lock when moving ahead and astern, autopilot system Fresh water systems; tanks, pumps and water maker operation Sewage system; toilets, holding tanks and pumping Bilge pumping Fire fighting systems Batteries and charging systems Heating systems Refrigeration systems Air conditioning; pumps, handling units including performance test Cooking, gas/electric Windlass and winches tested under load Sail handling systems under load Before the survey Insight Marine Surveys will require information on the Yachts systems, this enables us to prepare a clear and defined scope of Survey.  Contact us with your specific requirements or for our recommendations. A report is provided explaining the findings of the Machinery and Systems Survey.  Within the report problems found during the survey are listed and information given on their importance and recommendations for repair. Once the survey has been completed we guarantee to provide the survey report within 4 days by email.  We will spend the time to answer any questions about the survey and are happy to give any yachting advice. To receive a quote for a Machinery and Systems Survey fill in the online survey enquiry form or contact us directly with you requirements. Sea Trials A 'Sea Trial' is a critical and important part of evaluating a vessel, its performance and its systems. A knowledgeable boater should discuss the specific parameters that a professional evaluates prior to the sea trial. A novice boater should retain a professional to attend the sea trial to gain the beneficial experience. General vessel and engine performance, handling characteristics and in-service system operations can be assessed and reported on. Many aspects of performance can only be determined during operation and experience allows comparative analysis. How do I proceed when I have decided that I would like to buy a boat? The following format is usual when purchasing a vessel. Contract to Purchase - An offer is made subject to survey and a deposit paid to the broker or vendor after which the surveyor is instructed. Contract with the Surveyor - The purchaser should take personal responsibility for selecting and instructing the surveyor. Do not allow the vendor or broker to choose or instruct the surveyor. It is advisable to discuss fully with the surveyor any particular concerns or special requirements that you may have before the surveyor inspects the vessel. Ensure that the surveyor is competent for the type of vessel involved.  The vessel must be out of the water for a condition survey to be carried out.  All boatyard and other costs in connection with the survey are in addition to the surveyor’s fees and expenses and are the responsibility of the purchaser.   The Inspection - The surveyor will carry out his inspection of the vessel as presented and in this respect the purchaser can assist the surveyor and help to procure a more complete report by arranging the best possible access to the vessel.  It is not the surveyor’s responsibility to carry out a de-storing and tidying exercise.  In a vessel lined with an internal moulding, preventing access, then clearly no internal defects of the hull shell can be identified and any problems could only be identified by external inspection. The Survey Report - This will list the defects found in the survey together with recommendations and suggestions for repair and remedial work.  The written report may be used to negotiate final purchase arrangements.  Survey reports issued by Insight Marine Surveys Ltd are recognised by leading insurers, marine finance companies and banks. My Fees My fees depend on the type of survey performed, the size and complexity of the boat and its location. Please go to my contacts page for an online quote.

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