Pre-purchase Survey
A pre-Purchase Survey is by far the most common survey and will in most cases, be the most detailed and in depth survey where the Client, frequently, is a first time buyer with little or no previous knowledge in this field and has total reliance on the Surveyor’s expertise.
This survey is normally but not exclusively required by the Owner or prospective Owner of the craft for the purpose of obtaining insurance, finance or as security for a loan, or indeed just for the Owners use. The Client’s requirements should be clearly discussed and agreed prior to accepting instructions to ascertain the exact purpose of the survey and the possible duty of care and to whom.
N.B. A pre-purchase and condition survey is considered to ascertain the structural condition of the craft. All other items are inspected on a non-intrusive, visual basis only unless specifically agreed in the contract of survey.
The following list is considered to be the minimum areas/items that should be covered by the Surveyor undertaking and carrying out this type of survey:
Bilge Pumps Keel Cathodic Protection Machinery Decks, deck equipment Mast, rigging & sails Equipment levels Plumbing Electrical Installations Rudders & Hangings Davits, boarding ladders & accesses Steering gear Fastenings Stem Gear Fire Equipment Superstructure Fresh Water installations Safety equipment Fuel tanks & pipework Stern glands Gas systems Shafts and couplings Guard & Handrails Skin fittings/sea cocks Ground Tackle Toilet installations Hatches & openings Ventilation systems Hull bottom coating Windows & Portlights
The survey should at all times be undertaken in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Institute with regard to the hull structure.
The survey shall contain recommendations as to work required and the Client should be advised in writing to obtain several estimates for this work prior to purchase. – See more at: https://www.iims.org.uk/smallcraft.asp