Hull:
- Fibre reinforced hulls are tested for high moisture content and osmosis. If necessary (and only in agreement with the vendor), an assessment is made of the water barrier coatings (gelcoat/epoxy) by removing anti-fouling paint in small tokens.
- The exterior planking on wooden hulls is sounded at close intervals throughout, including the stem, keel and transom. This inspection will also involve a check on the fairness and uniformity of the hull lines which, will highlight any failing of the internal hull support.
- Examination of the integral hull stiffening will include bulkheads and bonding, accommodation mouldings, moulded floors and stringers. On wooden vessels, the framing and the centreline structure, including longitudinals, is included.
- The condition of a ballast keel and fastenings is assessed, with consideration given to any available history of bolt renewals.
- An overall opinion as to the cosmetic condition of the hull exterior is expressed, not only for valuation reasons, but also for any maintenance works that might be considered worthwhile.
Deck:
- The deck structure is assessed for adequate support, including any mast support members. Timber-built deck structures are examined for failing joints and sings of leakage below.
- Decks of sandwiched core construction are tested for moisture ingress.
- Wooden deck coverings, of either sheathed-over plywood or teak planking, are visually examined and tested by sounding.
- Timber-built upperworks (cabin sides and coachroof surfaces) will undergo a close examination; this will invariably include soundings taken in order to determine areas of suspected timber decay.
- Hatches, portlights and windows are checked for soundness and function.
- Bulwarks, cappings, rubbing strakes and rails are checked for security.
- The overall condition of the cockpit structure is considered along with the adequacy of any drainage.
Deck gear:
- Rigging attachments and all associated supporting structures below deck.
- Anchors and mooring arrangements.
- Stranchions, guard-wires, grabrails and harness attachments.
- Winches and control line gear.
- Boarding ladder and davits.
Services will include the following:
- Steering gear and foils, shafts and bearings, hydraulic linkage and any accessible control cabling.
- Electrical installations, including batteries and charging systems, wiring, panel switching and shore power circuits.
- Skin fittings and transducers, including seacocks and connected primary plumbing.
- Tankage, fuel and water including delivery.
- WC and gallery services.
- Installed heating systems.
- Bilge pumping.
- Cabin ventilation.
- Gas installations are examined and advised on accordingly, though a visit from an independent gas inspector will be advised for insurance purposes.
The condition of the accommodation fit-out is included with pre-purchase reports:
- Joinery and glass fibre mouldings.
- Deckhead and hull linings.
- Handholds and rails.
- Soft furnishings.
The rigging is examined, with recommendations duly considered in line with any available history of renewals:
- Mast and spars.
- Running rigging.
- Sails.
- Standing rigging.
- Furling gear.
Machinery:
- The security and safety of installed engine units and generators, including fuel and exhaust systems.
- Where practical, the stern gear and inboard glands are checked for leakage and wear.
- The conductivity and wastage of any installed anodic protection is measured.
- An opinion is expressed on the adequacy of any ventilation and sound deadening that might be offered through the machinery compartments.
Equipment:
- Distress signalling, fire fighting and safety equipment is noted and advised on accordingly.
- Electronic navigational equipment and navigation lights are operated where practical.
- An inventory of equipment that is normally carried aboard, relating to safety and navigation, is listed in a standard report.
- Where available, a power-up test is performed on electronics for pre-purchase reasons.
- General equipment including fenders, lines and covers is listed at the end of a standard survey report.
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