Why You Need A Motor Yacht Survey?

There are,of course, very many considerations to take into account on a motor boat when buying a boat.

What would be the kinds of thing that the boat surveyor will examine for when performing out the marine survey?

Probably the most important point to be taken into account is the condition of the bulkheads and hull of the vessell.

A marine surveyor will also need to test to see if the boat is displaying any evidence of Osmosis.

How does a marine surveyor check a boat hull for the possibility of Osmosis? They will initially look carefully along the hull of the boat for a rash, discolouration or blisters.

Then by using a moisture meter built for Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) they will be able to gauge the level of the moisture content. The latest types of meter read the conductivity through layers of antifoul.

How can one tell what is a moisture reading that is acceptable? The best way of dealing with that question is to take a reading using the moisture meter on the deck and the topsides which should then give a guide line to work.

Then carefully examine the exterior of the hull beginning at the waterline, in the area of the keel and in some yachts the rudder. Often a higher reading is found on or around the waterline and in motor cruisers the transom.

A boat surveyor will have to take into account the manufacturer, age and type of vessel to give an accurate assessment as possible.

If a sailing yacht that you are having surveyed is showing signs of Osmosis should you select another vessell?If a boat that you have had surveyed is showing signs of Osmosis should you select another boat?

Well this is a key question that you will need to assess together with the age, type, price and general condition before saying no as Osmosis can be repairable, but at a cost of both time and money.

Rigging should never be over tightened as bottle screws are easily over tightened and will put excessive pressure on the standing rig, mast and hull of the yacht.

Very often the first warning signs of over tightening is that the cabin doors do not open properly.

The inside of the hull and bilges will be examined by looking carefully inside the hatches for signs of stress lines or delamination around the bulkheads and cross stringers.

Water contained in the hull of the boat will add to problems relating to Osmosis.

Carefully examine and test all the seacocks for serviceability, corrosion and safety. If a fitting is rusted and or the seacock is faulty you could not only lose the motor boat but also your own life and that of your crew.

Engines and their related machinery should be carefully examined by an experienced marine engineer as to their overall condition, as just because an engine starts and runs it does not, in any way, warrant its future performance.

It is suggested practice to start the engine/s from cold examining all the fluids for indications of cross contamination, and a full sea trial which would include running the engine/s at full revs for a short time.

Only after carrying out these and many other intensive tests are you able to assess the true condition of marine engines.

The ideas above are but just a small sample of the type of points a good boat surveyor would be looking for.

Many times people enquire "what is the best plan when buying a used sailing yacht".

These are a few key thoughts.

1. Please take your time and it is a very great plan to get some sleep on your decision as the yacht will still be for sale the very next day.

2. Is this sailing yacht really the proper one for you and your family in all the key points?

3. Be very careful as all that glistens is not gold.

4. Do not finalise a deal until you have had the advantage of a full marine survey and have had the time to discuss it fully with your yacht surveyor.

5. As always please remember that very famous phrase "Caveat Emptor" buyer beware which is very good advice.

[If buying a secondhand yacht you should have a boat survey carried out as the results could be worth their weight in gold.|If you are purchasing a secondhand yacht you should have a boat survey carried out as the results could be well worth the expense.]


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The Author writes many articles on Marine and related Yachting topics and for more detailed information please go to Marine Surveying