Yacht & Marine Surveyors

marine survey limitations

1. In the case of FRP boats with antifouling, we  remove patches approximately 50mm2 roughly every meter, more on fast motor boats, to allow a visual inspection of the hull gel coat or epoxy coating beneath and to allow moisture meter readings to be taken. We carefully look at and test everything we can get to that affects the structure or systems on the boat.Unless you ask us to, we would not normally check items like the enternatinment systems aboard.
2. With rigging often the mast is stepped thus the rigging is visually inspected from the deck, therefore we cannot comment on the upper sections. Sails are only inspected for their age and visual condition, for further assessment a sail maker should be consulted.
3. Windows and hatches are not tested for water tightness or potential ingres but we look for tell tell signs.
4. All water tanks, plumbing, heads, skin fittings, sea cocks, etc. are visually examined in situ as are the fuel tanks and fuel system. General equipment commented on is visually examined.
5. No fastenings are removed for examination and no dismantling to gain access other than normally removable panels is carried out. Woodwork or other parts of the vessel which were covered, unexposed or inaccessible have not been inspected; therefore we cannot report that these areas are free from defect.
6. The inspection of the gas system is limited to a visual external inspection without dismantling or testing. No "work" as defined by the Gas Safety Regulations 1994 was carried out.
7. Our surveys do not address the vessel stability, performance or overall design as this will have been covered by other regulations.