Partial Surveys

There are many reasons an owner or purchaser may require a partial survey, also known as a limited scope survey.

They may include an initial inspection, an acceptance survey (for newly delivered vessels), sea trials, a specific damage survey, safety checks, or hull only survey, to name a few.

The list below is by no means exhaustive, any partial survey as specified by the owner or purchaser is available subject to detailed written requirements and agreement of fees.

Initial Inspection

This can be a good choice for a less experienced purchaser before deciding to proceed with a full pre-purchase survey and possibly even before an offer is made. The inspection will be less detailed than a full survey.

It can be particularly useful to a purchaser as it can be conducted on multiple vessels to ascertain the best of any shortlist compiled.

Acceptance survey

This survey is usually carried out on a newly delivered vessel but can be for used vessels, too. The scope can vary enormously according to the client’s requirements.

It can include any level of detail from a check of equipment and safety gear to a sea trial through to a full pre-purchase survey to check the quality of workmanship and materials used.

Sea Trials

These may be conducted as part of a pre-purchase survey or as a stand-alone survey. For powered vessels, in particular, a sea trial is recommended as part of the pre-purchase survey. The purpose of the survey is usually:

• To check the starting, exhaust smoke, and running of the engine(s) under load. It will also check for leaks of fuel, oils and water, and any undue vibration and investigate as necessary.
• To check that the performance of the vessel is per the specification. Any drop-off in performance under load requires further analysis, whether it be a reduction in rpm or a reduction in the vessel’s speed specified.

For sail vessels, the above checks plus a look at the rig, if required, under load and a more complete examination of the sails than is possible when ashore.

Specific damage

A survey can be carried out as a result of an impact and will cover specific areas. The survey scope will depend entirely on the owner’s requirements and is recommended in the case of an insurance claim, as the insurer will understandably attempt to minimise the claim.

We assist by ensuring the repairs of any damage and subsequent related damage are adequate and cover the necessary criteria. Note: we are independent of any insurers.

Safety checks

Safety checks can be made for any items dependent on the owner’s requirements. They can range from simple safety equipment such as fire fighting equipment to specific hull or fitting items.

Structural survey

The most basic of pre-purchase surveys, covering items 1 to 13 under the scope section or as specified by the purchaser or owner as applicable.

Note: A pre-purchase survey (or any partial survey) can be conducted by vendors, pre-sale, to give prospective purchasers an indication of the vessel’s condition. This is particularly useful in a used boat show scenario, where buyers can feel daunted. I have seen this used to good effect personally.

Please do contact us to discuss your requirements.

Fairey Fantome

Damaged Keel