ROBERT R. GULICK AMS
Marine Surveying and Consulting
2190 Gulfview Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Email bobgpgi@comcast.net
PRE-PURCHASE MARINE SURVEYS
Record the type, size and name of the vessel
With the vessel out of the water on a suitable stand or in the slings:
· Inspect the bottom of the vessel visually checking for:
· Obtain the Hull Identification Number
· Overall condition of the hull both above and below the water line up to the deck level
· Blisters on the hull
· Indications of delamination
· Any indications of damage due to collisions, running aground or other causes
· Condition of the keel
· Condition of the anti-fouling paint
· Condition of propeller shaft struts
· Condition of propellers
· Condition of propeller shafts
· Condition of cutlass bearings
· Condition of the rudders and rudder shafts
· Condition of all through hull fittings, strainers etc.
· Condition of all underwater fittings
· Condition of the zincs
· On out drives check
· Overall condition
· Check for play in the steering
· Check exterior condition of the housing
· Check the propellers
· Check the condition of the “Boots”
· With the vessel either on the stand, as above, or in the water
· Check the decks for soft spots and other indications of delamination
· Check all safety rails and stanchions for secure fit and any possible damage
· Check all on deck equipment such as anchors, anchor chains, anchor rollers
· Check windlass
· Check the cabin (House)
· Port lights for condition, proper fit and for leaks
· Sliding windows for condition, proper fit and for leaks
· All doors and hatches for condition, proper fit and for leaks
· Check exterior of cabin top for overall condition, soft spots etc.
· Check all cleats for proper back up plates and for any play
· Check all lockers on deck, in bulwarks etc. . All covers should fit tightly and should be water tight when closed.
· Check interior of lockers for proper wiring, storage of hazardous or combustible materials
· Engine compartments, the following should be checked:
· Obtain the engine and transmission data including
· Make and horse power of engines
· Type of fuel
· Serial numbers if available
· Transmission type and serial number if available
· Type, condition and number of fuel filters
· Type, condition and number of raw water filters
· Condition of bilges
· Condition of the engine mounts
· Condition of the stringers
· Condition of engine hoses, fuel lines and exhausts
· Condition and security of the fuel tanks, fuel lines from the fuel tanks to the engines, valves at the tanks etc.
· Condition of any through hull fittings and the associated valves, hoses and hose clamps
· Condition of the bilge pumps
· Condition of the engine generator and it’s associated equipment
· The number and condition of all batteries
· The holding tank condition, condition of all hoses, valves and the macerator pump if there is one.
· The fresh water tank, check the condition of the tank and all hoses and valves and the pressure pump
· The hot water tank condition, wiring and all hoses
· Check the condition of any other hoses or tanks
· Type and size of fire protection system
· Cabin interior
· Check all areas for leaks around windows, all port lights, all hatches and where possible along the seam between the deck and the hull
· Check all of the cabin soles for soft spots, indications of leaks onto the decks, and for delamination of the cabin soles.
· Check all bulkheads for signs of leaks, delamination or other damage
· Check all storage lockers for signs of leaks or storage of hazardous or flammable material.
· Check all wiring to assure that it meets NFPA and American Yacht and Small Boat Council Safety standards and recommendations
· Check all hoses to assure that they meet the type and recommended size for their use
· Check overheads for leaks, or any signs of deterioration.
· Check all bilges to assure that they are dry. If there are bilge pumps in these bilges, check that they are operating satisfactorily.
· Check all galley equipment to assure that is of marine grade and is installed in accordance with the recommendations of the American Boat and Yacht Council.
· Check for proper number and type of PFD’s.
· Assure that the proper number and type of flares are on board
· Check for other recommended safety equipment
· Check for proper display of the “Hazardous waste” Cards
· Equipment
· List all electrical, electronic and associated equipment and indicate the operational condition of each unit.
· SEA TRIAL
The purpose of the sea trial is to determine if the engines, engine instruments, electronic gear, engine generator and all associated gear are operating within their rated capacity.
During this portion of the survey the engines are started, the vessel is maneuvered in and around the docking area to check slow speed operation of the engines in forward and reverse gear and steering equipment. The vessel is then taken to open water, where possible, and operated from idle speed to various cruising speeds, and finally to full throttle. It is held at each of these speeds until it can be determined if the engine temperatures, oil pressures and voltage output are within recommended ranges and that all engine gauges are operating properly.
The temperatures may be checked at the engine to determine if the temperature gauges, at the control station, are operating properly.
When installed the trim tabs are checked.
Where the vessel has outdrive units, the control for elevating them is checked.
Where the vessel has inboard engines, the stuffing boxes are checked for proper cooling water.
Liquid levels for the engines and engine generator are checked.
Speeds at the various throttle speeds are checked and recorded. If they are below expected ranges for the engines and boat, the difference is noted.
All galley equipment is checked for proper operation.
The heads are checked for proper operation.
The engine generator is operated, to determine if it will carry the specified electrical loads.
Where air conditioning/heating is installed, it is checked to determine if it is cooling and heating properly.
Running lights are checked for proper operation.
Anchors, anchor chain, anchor rode, the stem fittings, and where applicable the windlass, are checked for wear and for proper operation.
Sailboats
In addition to all of the above checks, all of the spars, standing rigging, running rigging and all sails are checked.
Particular attention is given to deck fittings, standing rigging, and fittings on the mast for the standing rigging.
Chain plates are checked for cracks, proper attachment to either the hull, or below deck knees or bulkheads, for elongated holes where rigging is attached and where they are attached to the vessel.
Below deck knees and/or bulkheads are checked for any signs of deterioration or dry rod due to moisture. Through deck fittings are checked for water tightness.
Standing rigging is checked for any signs of deterioration, wear, cable parting etc.
Turnbuckles are checked for cracking, elongation, or other signs of wear, deterioration or damage.
All winches are checked for proper operation.
Line stoppers, turning blocks for both halyards and sail sheets are checked for wear and overall condition.
Where roller furling is installed, the furling lines, furler , and stays are is checked for condition and ease of operation of the sails..