General Conditional Survey for Yacht & Small Craft
(Pre-Purchase)

Pre purchase surveys are generally carried out to determine the condition of the vessel in detail, reporting on defects and problems that can affect the vessel’s condition, safety and value.

Super Structure

• Superstructure
• Decks, firmness underfoot, de-lamination
• Gelcoat / timber cockpit and cabin coamings condition
• The decks are inspected for signs of distortion particularly in the position of loaded deck fittings
• Hull to deck joint

Hull Structure

• GRP Yachts: Moisture testing
• GRP Yachts: Gelcoat examination (e.g. identification of stress and collision damage
• Wooden Yachts/boats: Sounding of planks to identify areas of decay
• Steel Yachts/boats: Using ultrasonic thickness testing
• Plus,
• Grounding damage
• Identifying areas of repair
• Fibreglass de-lamination
• Distortion
• Internal structure

Keel and Ballast

• Type of keel and materials used
• Signs of movement or grounding damage
• The hull structure in the position of the keel, (cracks or distortion)
• Keel bolts and security

Stern Gear

• Propellers, (condition, security)
• Shaft alignment
• Cutlass bearings
• Sail drives inc oil sample, diaphragm
• Anodes and cathodic protection
• Stern Glands
• Rope cutters
• P brackets

Steering Gear

• Rudders
• Moisture content readings
• Rudder bearings
• Steering systems i.e. hydraulic, wire or tiller
• Steering pedestals
• Emergency steering
• Autopilots

Spars and Rigging

• Mast & boom type and condition
• Gooseneck & kicking strap
• Furling gear
• Standing rigging
• Standing rigging tension
• Sheets & halyards

Sails and Covers

• Condition of all sails and covers

Deck Fittings (typically)

• Chainplates and fastenings
• Cleats and fairleads
• Windlass
• Winches
• Halyard clutches
• Main sheet track
• Genoa tracks
• Grab Rails
• Stanchions
• Guard wires
• Bow & stern rails
• Bow roller
• Davits

Safety Equipment

• Danbuoy
• Lifejackets
• Harnesses
• Flares
• Gas alarm
• Jackstays
• First aid kit
• Radar reflector
• Day shapes
• Fire blanket
• Horn
• Liferaft

Ground Tackle (Anchors, Chains, Warps)

• Anchor type and weight
• Chain and warp
• Chain/anchor locker
• Is the ground tackle adequate?

Windows and Hatches

• Windows
• Companionway doors and hatches
• Deck hatches
• Portlights
• Flybridge and cockpit screens
• Inspecting for leaks

Gas Installation

• Gas locker
• Gas hoses and connections
• Gas pipe
• Shut off valves and regulators

Fuel Installation

• Fuel tank Material
• Security
• Filter type and condition
• Condition of fuel pipes or hoses

Propulsion Machinery

• Type of engine
• The engine will be run up if possible
• Engine and gearbox oil will be inspected visually
• Exhaust mounts controls
• External cosmetic condition
• Hoses and drive belts

DC Electrical Systems

• Batteries
• Isolation switches
• Switch panels
• Wiring installation
• Cabin and navigation lights
• Volt & ammeters
• Cables at the mast base

AC Electrical Systems

• Circuit breakers
• Wiring installation

Navigation Equipment

• Compass
• Echo sounder and log
• Wind instruments
• Windex
• VHf Radio
• GPS
• Radar
• Electronic charts
• Navtex

Bilge Systems

• Manual pumps
• Electric pumps, inc float switches and bilge alarm systems
• Condition of the bilges

Fresh Water System

• Type of tank fitted
• Overall general condition
• Pipe work
• Pressure system
• Manual pumps
• Shower tray pumps
• Calorifier hot water systems

Seacocks and Through Hull Fittings

• Skin fittings
• Seacocks / shut off valves
• Hoses connected to through hull fittings
• Transducer fittings

Domestic Equipment

• Cookers
• Toilets
• Heating systems
• Fridges and ice makers

Interior Furnishings

• Furniture material, construction, cosmetics, security, condition and quality
• Linings and soft furnishings
• Sole boards

About Nick Healey, Surveying Yachts and Small Craft in Cornwall, Devon and other European locations

Your yacht general condition survey will be conducted by Nick Healey. Nick has been surveying yachts for more than nine years and is a member of the ‘International Institute of Marine Surveyors and Yacht Designers’ and the ‘Surveyors Association’.

As an experienced sailor, Nick has cruised, raced or delivered yachts and has more than 15,000 nautical miles logged. Nick is also a boat owner and has refitted three yachts.

Surveys are typically undertaken in the following regions:

United Kingdom:

Cornwall, including: Falmouth, Penzance, St Mawes, Penryn, Mylor, Helford, Camel Estuary, Rock, Mounts Bay, Millbrook, Torpoint

Devon, including: Plymouth (River Tamar), Dartmouth (River Dart)

European (Non UK):

Barcelona