Hull:
- Fibre reinforced hulls are tested for moisture content and osmosis. If necessary (and only in agreement with the vendor), is an assessment of the water barrier coatings (gelcoat/epoxy), carried out by removing any anti-fouling paint in small tokens.
- With wooden hulls, the exterior planking, stem, keel and transom is sounded at close intervals throughout. This inspection will involve a check on the uniformity and fairness of the hull lines which may highlight any failing of the internal hull structure.
- Examination of the integral hull stiffening will include bulkheads and bonding, accommodation mouldings, moulded floors and stringers. On wooden hulls, this includes the framing and centreline structure.
- The condition of a ballast keel and fastenings is assessed, with consideration given to any available history of bolt renewals.
- An assessment of the overall cosmetic condition of the hull exterior is made, not just for valuation reasons, but also for any maintenance works that might be considered necessary prior to purchase.
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, together with the adequacy of any fitted 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.
