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You've received an offer on your vessel; the purchaser is arranging for the marine survey. The survey is an in depth examination of your yacht which may be the make or break aspect of the contract. So preparing for the specific survey ought to be given top priority. Marine surveyors search for an immaculate, well maintained boat; it sets the mood of the inspection. I've had at least some surveyors inform me they are able to normally tell what they are going to discover by how a vessel looks from the dock. A surveyor is likely to discover those items that do not function and advise the buyer. If items do not work, any potential purchaser will presume the worst and will most likely be looking for an allowance for new things. It really is a lot easier and cheaper to repair all equipment prior to surveying the vessel than to pay to have it done later on. Plus, as soon as your vessel is inspected by a likely purchaser, if everything operates, your deal is almost guaranteed. On the other hand, a good inventory of non-operable things can often trigger a buyer to get second thoughts. At that point, the most you can hope for is a much reduced sales price simply not to lose the deal! For Starters
* Make sure the vessel is clean and neat, it makes it a lot easier for the surveyor. Understand first impressions can be noteworthy.
* After that, be sure the yacht is free of "junk" and rubbish. Remove everything not a part of the sale, both to boost perceived space and to get rid of any uncertainty as to what's a part of the deal. Extra tools, aged fenders, dirty lines, that pail of washing chemicals contained in the lazarette… dispose of it all. It will get in the way of the surveyor doing his job. Make sure that all equipment functions
First of all, non operational equipment troubles could be a turn-off for any buyer. If a toilet doesn't function satisfactorily, a handle is loose, or something else is not as it should be, deal with it. You will most certainly deal with a good number of these concerns yourself, and a little amount of extra work can yield considerable value once the surveyor indicates to the purchaser he has discovered nothing wrong with the yacht. Before you go to survey: Electronics/Electrical
* Test all equipment, heads, inverters, entertainment systems for operational condition. Repair as necessary.
* Check all lights to ensure they work. This includes all inside lights and all of the navigation lights. Fix those that do not.
* Verify air conditioning and refrigeration systems work and get them repaired if they don't function correctly. A lot of boat owners never inspect the return HVAC filters on their yacht's air conditioning.
* Make certain all communication and navigation electronics are in decent shape and working. This includes the compass. Get repaired or exchange those that don't operate. Mechanical
* Inspect your engine room for fuel, oil or water leaks. If they really are there a surveyor will surely discover them. It's possible to fix these problems now more cheaply than if you have to compensate for it to be repaired after a survey.
* Inspect engines for all oxidization; wire brush and touch up with paint as needed.
* Test main engines and gen sets for water and oil; fill up as required.
* Make certain batteries are in good condition and topped off.
* Start and run all engines. Any hesitance to crank up or defective performance ought to be researched.
* Operate engines up to normal functioning temperatures. Any higher than usual numbers ought to be investigated and corrected.
* Try out all engine instruments. Exchange out inoperable gauges or calibrate as needed.
* Inspect all raw water hoses for age. If ever the hoses are split replace them. If they are really soft they need replacement.
* Check that all of the raw water hoses beneath the water line or under pressure are secured with two clamps at each ends.
* Inspect all hose clamps throughout for deterioration; exchange any that are.
* Check all sea cocks for easy operation and all leaks.
* Inspect all strainers. Clean as needed.
* Check exhaust hoses for age wear and tear. All hose ends need to be double clamped.
* Investigate prop stuffing boxes and rudder stuffing boxes for all excessive seepage.
* Inspect propeller and rudder stuffing boxes for all decay; rectify as necessary.
* Inspect struts in the yacht for any decay.
* Bilges ought to be spotless and dry; re-paint if needed. Housekeeping
* Do away with all personal non-essential things.
* Remove all non-essential yacht machinery regardless that it is going to be included in the deal. Documentation
* Make certain all applicable credentials are on the boat and are current. The surveyor will need to see documentation or registration documents. Also required are papers for all dinghys or PWC's.
* All construction schematics or manuals that can be provided may prove to be beneficial to the surveyor. Safety
* Check all U.S Coast Guard safety items mandatory for the size of vessel.
* Flares - make certain they're not expired. Expiration dates are printed on each flare.
* Fire extinguishers - proper number, and installed. Need to be checked yearly.
* Ship's bell on your vessel.
* One approved life jacket in decent shape for every person on board.
* Make sure the horn functions.
* There must be a replica of the US Coast Guard Navigational Rules aboard.
* Inspect anchor and rode, safety wire, and correct splice within the rode with thimble and bitter end secured.
* If there's an automatic permanent fire extinguishing mechanism on board, it must be in date - a once a year requirement.
* All bilge pumps and automated float switches must remain in working order.
* Check and test each and every alarm - bilge, fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, engine, generator, and electrical.
* Life rafts will need to have inspection documents.
* EPIRBS must be operational. Hull
* Restore any damaged wood and refinish if necessary.
* Have bottom and running gear cleaned by diver.
* Clean and exchange zincs.
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