Mike Beijar Marine Surveyor
Prepurchase C&V Survey
Please review the enclosed information carefully. Its what to expect from our survey process.
A link to a sample Prepurchase Survey Report is at the bottom of this page.
The Prepurchase C&V Survey is a detailed visual inspection of the hull and deck areas of a vessel and it’s reinforcing components (where accessible), including percussion testing. The inspection includes the installed systems pertinent to the operation and safety of the vessel and of systems and equipment normally found on a vessel of the size and class being inspected. This includes machinery (propulsion and / or auxiliary engines including component cooling and exhaust systems); fuel (tanks and their plumbing and valves, etc.); electrical (DC and AC including wiring, terminals, etc.); pumping and plumbing (including through-hulls and associated piping and fittings). Unless proven otherwise, all vessel components are presumed to be original.
The inspection is conducted without making removals, or opening up to expose areas normally concealed (there is not normally disassembly of the vessel). No invasive or destructive testing is normally conducted, and of course, in no case, would invasive or destructive testing be done except by authority of the owner of the vessel, or his representative. Dirt, marine growth, coating buildup, rust and corrosion, bilge water, etc., all will inhibit the surveyor’s ability to inspect.
Additionally, dockside testing of machinery and equipment is done to include the cranking all engines (by the owner or owner’s representative). Electrical circuits (under both shore and ship power) and electronics gear and equipment are enabled. It is highly recommended that a sea trial be conducted during which time the propulsion engines are full-throttle load tested (and full throttle no-load tested in the case of larger diesel engines). It’s also strongly recommended that the vessel be hauled for a bottom inspection. Many times, it is preferable for hull bottoms and underwater gear to be cleaned, usually by the haulout facility, to enable a proper inspection by the surveyor
Please note, that in no case, will this surveyor start any machinery or equipment including propulsion engines, generators, stoves, heaters, etc., which are fueled by combustible fuels. This is a responsibility for the owner or owner’s representative. Nor will this surveyor go aloft for any inspections. Sails will not be opened for inspection except for that inspection which can be made during a sailing segment of the survey. Nor will the surveyor place himself or herself in any position of personal physical risk.
The Prepurchase C&V inspection and report will be critical of structural, operational and cosmetic conditions. The estimated current value in a Prepurchase C&V Survey will be more critical than on a Marine Risk C&V Survey.
Given today’s complicated vessel systems, few marine surveyors are expert in all matters. Specialists should be strongly considered when a prospective purchaser has a concern about a particular system (or systems) on the vessel or when the surveyor relays a concern (verbally or written) to the prospective purchaser. This may include engaging expert riggers, mechanics, electricians, etc. In all cases, strong consideration should be given to engaging a marine mechanic whose specialty is with the kind and type of engine(s) on the vessel to conduct a mechanical survey.
Preparing the vessel for inspection is an owner’s (or owner’s representative) responsibility. Specifically, there should be reasonable access to all areas of the vessel (lazarets, lockers, machinery compartments including steering, fuel spaces, etc.). This may mean the temporary relocation of sail bags, inflatable small boats, heavy furniture, carpets, etc.; and personal equipment and gear, especially in the case of live-aboard boats, prior to the arrival of the surveyor. Bilges should be as clean and dry as possible. There should be DC and AC power readily and fully available (fully charged batteries, shore power as applicable) for operational testing. Equipment and gear to be inspected and tested should be properly installed. The surveyor will not start or operate combustible fueled machinery or equipment, therefore, the owner or owner’s representative must be available to do so, and to execute any other reasonable inspection requests, when asked to do so.
Prior to the Prepurchase C&V Survey, the prospective buyer should request from all parties to the sale, full disclosure including, but not limited to, operational records and logs, maintenance and repair records and logs, casualty / damage loss experience, vessel and equipment manuals, registry status, existing liens, etc.
The purchaser of a vessel has certain responsibilities and is strongly encouraged to be present for the on-site inspection. While the surveyor’s first priority is to the inspection process, the purchaser is encouraged to accompany the surveyor during the on-site inspection, and an on-site consultation will follow the inspection to address any questions the purchaser has; and to qualify important findings. Other interested invited parties may attend the on-site inspection (but not the on-site consultation). The surveyor’s findings and opinions are reserved for the purchaser (except for high risk findings which may place the vessel in imminent danger).
The commissioning party (usually the purchaser) is responsible for all payments. This includes payment to the surveyor which is required at the time of the on-site inspection unless other terms are approved in advance by the surveyor. For general survey fee information, please visit our Survey Fee page (link at left).
The commissioning party (again probably the purchaser) is also usually responsible to coordinate others employed in the course of a survey, and for payment of fees to them. This would include fees for haulout services (and bottom cleaning), engine / machinery surveys, rigger's inspections, etc.
The report. The survey is not complete until the report is delivered to the commissioning party. After the on-site inspection process is completed, a report will be issued. This process may take up to five working days after the on-site inspection. This time is required to allow the surveyor to review the inspection findings, conduct research, or make additional inquiries or consultations, as necessary. Additionally, the prospective purchaser should also allow for some time to receive, review and digest the report, and to consult with the surveyor, or anyone else, if desired. One or more of the parties to the sale will be encouraging a more rapid conclusion to the process. A prospective purchaser should consider the investment being made, and take no less time than he or she feels fully comfortable with.
The report is typically delivered as a PDF via email unless a different delivery method is requested. This allows you to archive, and then forward the report as a PDF or to print it as desired.