; Great Lakes Boat Building School students rowing a whale boat they built, under Pat's supervision and guidance, for The Charles W. Morgan whaling ship, the last existing whaling ship in the world, after its recent restoration at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, CT.
Great Lakes Boat Building School students rowing a whale boat they built, under Pat's supervision and guidance, for The Charles W. Morgan whaling ship, the last existing whaling ship in the world, after its recent restoration at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, CT.

TYPES OF SURVEYS

CONDITION AND VALUE SURVEYS

The CV Survey is often ordered by a client who has made an offer on a vessel for purchase and needs a professional assessment to determine a detailed description of the vessels Condition and a Valuation based on fair market price. This survey will assess the Condition of the vessel; list both its positive attributes and any deficiencies that require attention. Market value is determined by the overall condition, cost of repairs and comparison of similar boats recently sold. A C/V Survey can be a requirement for a financial institution or insurance underwriter to determine if the boat is a good risk.

Only an Out of Water Survey should be considered for a pre-purchase C/V Survey. The underwater portion of the hull requires a full and careful inspection along with a close inspection of the running gear; shafts, struts, rudders and bearing.

Different hull materials require different assessment methods. For a wooden boat the inspection of the hull is accomplished through nondestructive methods of, visual observation, sounding with a hammer and probing suspect areas with a tool. If I think it necessary I will remove plank fastenings to determine the type, condition of the metal and size of the fastener. The hull is inspected on both exterior and the interior as access allows.

Fiberglass hulls are inspected with methods similar to wood boats. Delamination can be determined by sounding and visual observation. A common problem on many fiberglass boats is blistering, this may require probing to determine the extent of the damage.

Metal hulls; aluminum, iron and steel, are inspected through visual and sounding; but may also require the services of an Autogauging expert if there is a question as to the plate thickness of older iron boats.

The spars, sails and rigging will be visually inspected on sail boats.

The electrical and mechanical systems are inspected and assessed in accordance to American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards and Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs).

Safety equipment is inventoried and condition noted as per ABYC and CFR.

Sea trials are generally not part of the survey but if the owner has agreed to perform a sea trial I can accompany as an observer at an additional fee.

The FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS section lists the deficiencies found and the recommended repairs.

 

The C/V survey will contain these important components:

      Vessel Documentation and specifications

      Vessel description

      Overall condition of vessel including cosmetic condition and up-keep

      Structural condition

      Electrical inventory and condition

      Mechanical inventory and condition

      Safety equipment on board (CFR)

      Inspection of interior and amenities

      Findings and Recommendations

      Valuation

 

INSURANCE UPDATES

An Insurance underwriter may require periodic inspections of their clients boat to keep up-to date records of condition and value. They may require an out-of-water survey depending on when the last survey was done or an in-water survey may suffice and can be done if ordered.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

Any time a vessel is involved in an accident or is otherwise damaged, an inspection should be ordered. This will be similar to the C/V survey with additional information to determine the cause of the accident and extent of the resulting damage. A cost estimate for the repairs, usually from a qualified shipwright, may be included.

TYPES OF VESSEL SURVEYED

      Small craft and yachts of any size

     Wooden boats of traditional construction

     Wooden boats of modern wood/epoxy construction; cold molded, plywood, strip plank

     Fiberglass boats

     Historic craft of any size

     Sailing craft

     Motor Yachts

RESTORATION AND REPAIR

It is rarely the case when a used boat is purchased that the new owner does not require some work to be done. This may be to correct structural or cosmetic deficiencies or to up-grade an older interior or mechanical systems.

As a professional with over forty years experience building, repairing and maintaining many types of craft I can help develop a plan that meets both the needs of the boat and the budget of the owner. Included are:

    Prioritize deficiencies

    Make recommendations for proper repairs

    Consult with repair yard / person

    Follow up / update survey

RATES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

The cost for a Condition and Value Survey will be calculated based on the size, construction and location of the vessel. A quote for services will be given prior to the survey and will include the inspection, report and travel. Any scheduling and other expenses; haul-out, wash-down and blocking should be arranged by the owner/buyer with the marina.

Payment is due at the time of the survey and electronic payment (with additional fee) can be arranged.