The Survey
Process
Xtreme Marine Surveying
There are 3 basic steps to the survey process
1
Pre-Survey
Preparation
Xtreme Marine Surveying
The client is the person requesting the survey and can be either the buyer, seller, broker, agent, or insurance underwriter. After initial contact via phone, arrangements will be made to conduct the survey at a specific date and time. During a pre-purchase survey, it is recommended that the buyer and owner's representative be present. Having the boat prepared for inspection and making her easily accessible by the vessel owner or owner's representative can save time, additional expenses, and make the survey experience more enjoyable. There are a few important things the client should take care of before the survey date:
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It's recommended to include a "Subject to Satisfactory Survey" clause with your "Offer to Purchase" the boat with the seller.
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Provide specific directions to your boat. The more information about its location in the marina or boatyard, the better.
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Present a clean boat with covers removed and lockers that are clear of equipment. All unnecessary gear and personal items that are not intended to be sold with the vessel should be removed.
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All the keys to the engine, engine room, cabin, and lockers must be onboard.
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Have all previous surveys, maintenance records, registration, documentation, and miscellaneous gear ready.
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Minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. may be requested in order to gain access to suspected areas. Any dismantling and re-installation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel, arranged by the client, and be approved by the vessel owner. Written authorization from the vessel owner may be needed to board and/or to disassemble parts of the vessel.
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If a sea trial is to be conducted, an owner authorized operator or captain must be present and previously organized by the client.
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It is the responsibility of the client to make arrangements with the marina and vessel owner to haul out the vessel for bottom inspection. The client will be responsible for the haul out expense unless previous arrangements are made.
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Insure the vessel is prepared and operational for the sea trial. The fuel tank should have adequate fuel, batteries should be charged, and safety equipment should be on board and be up to date.
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Shore power and power cord should be available to test AC electrical components.
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Freshwater tank should have an adequate amount of water to test the freshwater system components.
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Do not start engines prior to the survey. Valuable information is obtained from how engines start from a cold state.
The client, owner, and broker are welcome to attend the inspection. The length of time needed to conduct the survey will depend upon the type of survey, and the size and condition of the vessel. The classic survey routine for a boat in the water is as follows:
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Inspection at a dock.
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Transportation to a marina for a short haul out inspection. (This may also be a good time to replace zincs).
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Re-launching and a sea trial.
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Any further inspections needed.
All components of the interior and exterior of your boat will be inspected for compliance with the current boating safety standards set by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), as well as U.S. Coast Guard standards. I will refer to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as it pertains to the safe operation of the vessel and its systems. All cosmetic, functional, and safety issues on the boat will be documented and provided to the client in a detailed survey report.
2
Survey
Inspection
Xtreme Marine Surveying
3
Survey Report
Xtreme Marine Surveying
An emailed survey report is provided to the client usually within two business days. This report can then be used to make educated decisions on purchasing, selling, insuring, or financing your boat in a timely manner following the survey. The report will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the vessel utilizing the mandatory standards, law, regulations, and recommended practices. A list of findings and recommendations for deficiencies will be included in the report. The survey will report the overall condition of the vessel, physical appearance, electrical equipment, geographical location, and "Blue Book" value to determine the estimated fair market value of the vessel.
Photos will be provided electronically with all survey reports. If an engine evaluation was requested, engine diagnostic results will be included with the report. If requested, oil sample results will be sent usually within 3 business days.
A marine survey is the assessment of the surveyor that inspected the craft as to the conditions that existed on the craft at the time of the inspection. It is not a guarantee, warranty, or insurance policy. The survey report will only be provided to the client who requests the survey. Payment is accepted anytime before the inspection or at the time of the inspection. The report will be delivered only after payment is received.