Surveys

Bejasus

Bejasus

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When I recently spoke to a surveyor regarding a yacht survey, he mentioned that regarding masts and rigging, he only went up to head height. Is this normal and should I try to find someone else to look at the shrouds and mast heads?
 
For the (insurance) surveys I've had done in recent years, the mast has been dropped. Probably the easiest option t arrange in the long run.
 
Yep thats a normal survey, you can ask for more detailed work but the basic survey is really just a valuation and often only needed for insurance purposes to confirm the boat exists.

It's also fairly normal not to check the operation of electrics and electronics, state of oil/water....etc etc.

Get a detailed description of what will be looked at and in what detail. Some will just say 7 sea cocks others will see if they are stuck or operate freely. The head height thing is normal though.
 
When we were in the market earlier this year we were looking at 2 boats - 1 in the UK, the other in Holland.

I was surprised what was NOT included in the UK survey - at £650 not cheap. It was full of caveats you wouldn't believe. Bottom line: "she might float, but don't hold me to it". Was so impartial as to render it useless.

The Dutch survey (in English) included hull structural integrity, standing rigging, electrics & electronics + seatrail. At 625 EUR - a bargain. AND, the bloke was on my side.

It would have to be a real bargain before I would consider buying a boat in the UK or employing a UK surveyor.
 
the surveyor I have in mind is a brit living and working in Greece. Came well recommended and we had a good chat when we were there and seems ok. Also does damage survey work for Pantaenius so is known to them also. I think around £550+.
 
Re: Surveys - Not all are like that ....

But unfortunately industry has evolved a certain type and style of report ....

Many are worried about come-backs if they miss something .... A matter you as client would be first to pursue.

So who to blame ... surveyor for caveats - or market for producing a situation where surveyor has to cover his rear-end ????

Be honest about it ....
 
Re: Surveys - Not all are like that ....

[ QUOTE ]
But unfortunately industry has evolved a certain type and style of report ....

Many are worried about come-backs if they miss something .... A matter you as client would be first to pursue.

So who to blame ... surveyor for caveats - or market for producing a situation where surveyor has to cover his rear-end ????

Be honest about it ....

[/ QUOTE ]

True - but instead of relying on caveats like "within the scope of the survey", "may require further investigation" or "as far as can be observed"; why don't they just do a proper job?

The UK surveyor did not like me being present at the survey; I was only allowed to "observe from afar". He would not answer any questions - "It will all be in my report" (it wasn't!). Done and dusted in two hours.

In Holland the guy walked me through the survey, we were all over the boat. Everything was checked: from radar to reading light, from engine cooling circuit to stern gland packing, from windex to sump pump. He even went up in a bosun chair the check the standing rigging all the way up.

He started at 09H30 and we finished the seatrail at 16H50.

Afterwards we went to the broker and he raised some points which required immediate attention. In Holland this means that the seller has to fix them to buyer's satisfaction.
Thankfully nothing major came to light, but we were very impressed with the overall experience.
The survey was value for money!
 
Re: Surveys - Not all are like that ....

Wow, £650 for 2 hours on the boat plus say two hours to write the report. Not bad for half a days work. Now, where is that application for the surveyors course!!!!

PS Before all you surveyors jump, IME surveyors spend a lot more time for alot less money.
 
Fred drift...

I only asked if a head height survey was normal and whether or not, as this is a purchase survey and I cannot be there, I should try to get someone to look at the spreaders and mast heads... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Re: Surveys - Not all are like that ....

A surveyor who requires client to back off or not be present - is in my book not doing a good job.

You are the client - you can do as you please - look over shoulder, ask as many questions as you see fit. Is surveyor working for you or someone else ?

As to style / extent of survey - here we have degrees of survey - and where I advise that explicit instructions / requirements be made and agreed before surveyor even touches / sees the boat.

Too many times we hear of surveyor such and such did thsi that and other - often because he has not specific instructions.

Finally for a surveyor to brush off with "It's in my report" is another avenue I do not agree with ... talk it through with client ... maybe client can agree remedy there and then etc. - precluding insertion in report and being a condition with insurance co. etc.

There is more to this art than just bosuns chairs etc.
 
Re: Fred drift...

Is it reasonable to ask someone to go up a mast on an unknown halyard, on an unknown boat, possibly supported on an unknown cradle/braces and with an unknown hand on the winch? Also if he/she is working alone, then they cannot get up the mast anyway. If you are concerned then I would ask to have the mast unstepped. Of the two or three surveys I have seen, the mast was not inspected above head height.
 
Re: Fred drift...

Re reading my post, it seems abit abrupt and I apologise. Speak to the surveyor and see what he thinks re having the mast unstepped. If the boat is old and the standing rigging is of unknown age, I would budget to replace it in your first season or two anyway.
 
Re: Fred drift...

Thanks. Standing rigging is supposed to be 1998 and masts are wooden and 1980/81. I think I will wait and see what the surveyor comes up with in his report and take it from there regarding unstepping the mast. etc.
 
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