Yacht Management Services Pty Ltd
Text Box: A Pre Purchase inspection will basically give you an insight into the general condition of a vessel. Most Contracts of sale are drawn up subject to satisfactory survey and sea-trials. Just as you do when you buy a property or dwelling, your final commitment to purchasing a vessel can be contracted subject to these conditions, and enables you to re-evaluate your original offer in an informed position. It is not necessarily the case that re-negotiation will be entered into; this is entirely at the discretion of the Vendor. A structured survey undertaken by YMS follows the industry standard Marine Surveyors Association Vessel Inspection Reporting form 1 A. This in simple is a 143 point checklist clearly indicating any faults that were noted, their relevance, and accessibility, not unlike an RAC checklist performed for the roadworthiness of a vehicle. The Surveyor usually works from the bow aft; deck fittings, safety lines, handrails, coatings, bright work are just a couple of the items which are sighted and assessed individually. Then moves below in the same routine scrupulously checking integrity size and spacing of internal structural members, hull and deck panels etc where access is granted. When possible plumbing, electrics, and general systems are run and checked and tested for operation. The vessel is usually hauled for an out of water inspection prior to undertaking sea-trials, to ensure that the hull surface and propeller are clean and free of marine growth which may hamper an accurate assessment of performance at sea. The entire hull below waterline is manually sounded. It is recommended that each vessel is pressure washed ensuring the best possible chance of detecting any defects or damage, and allowed to dry for approximately half an hour. It is this period while the vessel dries that it is easiest to detect any faults and fairness of the profile can be assessed while still wet and somewhat glimmering. Drive gear and rudders are inspected for bearing condition and general integrity. The vessel is then taken on sea-trials which is the Surveyors opportunity to really asses the functionality and effectiveness of systems and general performance of the craft. A practical test of the vessel’s stability, safety, and seagoing ability. Radio checks are undertaken with local coast stations while at sea. At YMS our insurance does not cover going aloft. A deck level only inspection is undertaken of the rigging, with consideration to age it is recommended that for a qualified rigger is engaged to accurately assess spars and standing rigging. Due to the broad nature of a Surveyors work, it is recommended that appropriately qualified tradesmen are employed to assess specialist areas such as electrical, machinery, and rigging where required. At your request we can arrange these services, along with thermal imaging or oil sampling. Once the physical inspection is complete, a review is undertaken with the client if on site, and a general appraisal discussed. It is a policy of YMS that the surveyor arrives for a pre purchase inspection equipped with knowledge of similar vessels available nationally and internationally to provide an accurate market comparison based on current advertised prices. In terms of reporting, the Form 1A is computer generated, and referenced in sections to a customized detailed report of faults, defects, or recommendations. The recommendations are prioritized, providing for items which may be due for immediate review and considered critical to the vessel safety, and a general inspection summary. An average report comprises approximately 20 pages including those just mentioned, a valuation, appendix with additional relevant information, and some supporting material such as State government publications outlining equipping and procedure recommendations. A copy of the recommendations is emailed, and the hard signed copy of the entire report follows via regular mail. It is not always possible due to seasonal demand; but it is usually aspired to have the report complete for delivery the next working day. A verbal review is always available, but it is always recommended that a purchaser wait until receiving and thoroughly reviewing the complete hard copy of the report before making their final decision. It should be noted at this point that this report can also be used for your insurance provider as an evaluation of the risk proposed. You must remember that a Survey Report is only the opinion of an experienced professional; it is not a certification that the vessel is safe and is usually prepared from the information supplied by the person who commissioned the report, the present owner or broker where available, and on the basis of the physical information of the vessel’s accessible areas inspected. Text Box: Pre-Purchase Inspection