Pre-Purchase Surveys
Viking Yachts Factory – New Gretna, NJ
POWER BOATS
- Hull, Deck & Structure Inspection
- Systems Inspection & Testing
- Hull Bottom Inspection
- Performance Sea Trial
- Trailer Inspection (if applicable)
SAILBOATS
- Hull, Deck & Structure Inspection
- Systems Inspection & Testing
- Deck-Level Rigging Inspection
- Hull Bottom & Keel Inspection
- Sail & Engine Sea Trial
POWER BOAT NOTES
– Costs for haul-outs and short-hauls are not included in the survey price. We are more than happy to assist with coordinating haul-outs, but the boatyard will bill separately for this service.
– Engines, transmissions, drives and generators are inspected externally only. We highly recommended obtaining a manufacturer-specific certified technician to conduct an independent mechanical survey in addition to our hull and systems survey. Engine compression testing is not included in the hull and systems survey.
– For Yamaha outboards, we can download the engine’s diagnostic data that shows the engine’s fault code history, engine hours, and how the engine was operated throughout its life. Additional $75 per engine.
SAILBOAT NOTES
– Rigging is inspected at deck-level only. We can assist in obtaining an aloft rigging specialist upon request. If conditions allow, working sails are deployed and visually inspected from deck-level during the sea trial.
– As with power boats, costs for haul-outs and short-hauls are not included in the survey price. We are more than happy to assist with coordinating haul-outs, but the boatyard will bill separately for this service.
– Engines, transmissions, drives and generators are inspected externally only. We highly recommended obtaining a manufacturer-specific certified technician to conduct an independent mechanical survey in addition to our hull and systems survey. Engine compression testing is not included in the hull and systems survey.
The Pre-Purchase Survey
The most comprehensive of all marine surveys, the pre-purchase survey is performed on behalf of the prospective boat buyer before money is exchanged.
When buying a boat, it should first be understood that every single boat will have issues. Every. Single. Boat. I’ve inspected brand new boats straight off the manufacturing line with punch lists two pages long. That’s just the nature of a boat. There are many systems that are asked to perform many funtions and at least a few are bound to have problems. The key is finding these problems before you’re on the hook for addressing them.
I am frequently asked what my pre-purchase survey includes. But since every boat is different, the best synopsis I can come up with is, “We inspect and test every accessible inch of the boat’s structure and every accessible system.”
Depending the the vessel type, age and onboard equipment, the following systems that are inspected and tested can include, but are not limited to:
- Hull, Deck & Superstructure
- AC and DC Electrical
- Fuel System
- Steering Gear
- Plumbing & Marine Pumps
- Deck Level Rigging & Sails
- Drivetrain & Running Gear
- Hull Bottom Inspection
- Performance Sea Trials
- USCG & Safety Gear
- Laminate Moisture Testing
- Thermal Imaging
Haul-Out at Ross Marine, Johns Island SC
Not only is the most vulnerable part of a boat below the waterline, it is also the least seldom checked. This is why the haul-out, aka “short haul”, is a critical part of the survey process.
Center Console Sea Trial in the ACE Basin
Sea trials are also a must-do part of a thorough pre-purchase survey. A boat may look great sitting still at the dock, but how does she perform? How’s the steering? Do the engines perform like they should? Does she list? Any abnormal vibrations? The only way to know is to put the boat through its paces and ask the boat to do everything it’s meant to do.