Yacht Pre-Purchase Condition Report

Arguably the most rigourous survey since it not only seeks to ascertain the seaworthiness and condition of the subject vessel and its equipment, but also seeks to identify potential problems which might occur in a few years time which would effect the resale value of the craft. This survey also seeks to value the vessel and to ensure that the price to be paid in the event that purchase proceeds, is fair and reasonable.

The degree of rigour applied to this survey needs to be carefully considered by the client as the surveyor can only comment upon those items to which he is able to gain access and therefore properly inspect. For example it is not possible for the surveyor to comment upon the condition of the hull and the possible presence of osmosis if the vessel is afloat. Equally upper mast inspection of rigging requires demasting or a mast climb for a visual inspection which exceeds the limitations of binoculars at deck level. Although the surveyor will be able to make informed comment, only adding a full structural survey will enable a complete assessment to be made of possible hull and/or deck delamination and the condition of the keel bolts through X-Ray examination. If the surveyor has concerns in any of these areas he will recommend that the more rigourous survey actions be instigated before purchase.

Also it may well be apparent from the outset that the survey is going to return a very poor report in which case the client may request an early curtailment of the survey work in order to reduce the cost of an otherwise unnecessary survey