Which type of Survey is right for you
Full out-of the-water constructional surveys are very comprehensive. A report may run from 30 to 70 pages of information. Just like a house survey the report will identify all minor and major problems with a vessel, as well as her attributes. Full advice on how to repair where required is automatically included in the survey report.
Partial surveys.
Partial surveys are exactly what they sound like:
Usually for areas of concern to an owner.
- Moisture readings prior to Gelcoat removal
- structural areas assessed for serviceability
- masts and supports
- hull thickness in steel or aluminum
- hull rigidity and potential delamination in grp
In fact any area you are concerned about , we can offer a Partial survey service. We are available to oversee work carried out by other professionals and tradesman. This ensures you get exactly what you are paying for and the work is done to a professional standard with approved materials.
Non-destructive surveying.
We are very careful not to damage any part of a vessel during the survey. Where a problem is found, a further investigation may be required and permission will have to be obtained from the owner..
Ultrasound Testing is used for measuring the thickness of steel & alloy hulls/tanks without causing damage. This can identify areas of thin plate caused by corrosion or underweight structure.
Moisture Meter readings are used to identify moisture and perhaps more significantly, chemical action leading to osmosis in GRP hulls. Moisture meters can also identify problems within cored hulls leading to delaminating & core failure caused by water ingress.
Coverage area map
Surveys require close examination of many areas of a vessel. Too many to detail here but below are some of the most important areas subject to a survey.
- Hull material and condition
- Hull integrity
- Softening in timber and delaminating in GRP
- Steel & alloy hull plate thickness
- Electrolysis
- Keel material and attachment method
- Identification of faulty construction + poor repairs and undisclosed damage
- Osmosis (where applicable)
- Soundness of construction
- All skin and underwater fittings
- Masts and spars
- Rigging and fastenings
- Underwater machinery
- Wiring condition
- Compliance of gas installation and recommendations
- Water and fuel storage
- Anchors and safety equipment
Pre-surveys?
There are occasions, particularly on timber vessels where a full survey might be very expensive. If the vessel is close, it may be possible to have a cursory inspection for a fraction of the cost. This can sometimes give a good indication of how the vessel might fair when a full survey is carried out.
We should be able to identify areas that indicate major problems in condition or construction. Subject to these findings an owner can decide if he wants to go further with a survey or carry on searching. It can be costly to lift a boat out of the water and a Pre-Survey does have real benefits and offers substantial savings to owners and potential buyers.
If this could be of interest then please call or Email or use the response form for further information. Applicable to both timber & grp provided the distance is within limits.
| What areas do we cover ? |
The adjacent map shows genera area we cover it includes the South Coast: Littlehampton- Plymouth, North Somerset. Travel charges based on distance.
Please call anytime for a quote. 01258 837153