Protect your boat, budget, and peace of mind — before it’s too late

The pre-purchase survey is considered the most detailed of yacht surveys. It is often accepted by insurance companies and finance houses and is part of most yacht purchase negotiations.

A full out-of-the-water inspection is made of the entire structure of the vessel, checking for hull defects such as wasting or thinning of the hull material in the case of steel or aluminium or moisture content and lamination integrity in the case of Composite or wooden hulls. Each onboard system and installation is inspected and tested where applicable. Those items that require the vessel to be afloat are tested and checked once it has been launched for the sea trial, where the engines and systems are thoroughly tested and inspected.

On small to medium yachts and motorboats, the pre-purchase survey process can typically be achieved in one to two days (depending on vessel's size, boatyard service schedules etc.).

Larger vessels with more onboard systems can take more than two days.

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Galvanic corrosion is the result of two dissimilar metals coming into contact with one another and creating an electrical circuit. For example, salt water makes an excellent electrical conductor that can easily connect any dissimilar underwater metals on your boat, causing a potential current between them. If left unaddressed, serious issues can occur. The solution
Whilst afloat, I can conduct a simple test in order to measure the level of protection the anodes are providing to your vessel. I can accurately gauge the amount of galvanic action present or even detect the presence of electrolytic action, and suggest a solution to the cause of your problems.
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They normally require a report stating the general condition and overall safety of the vessel and its systems and including a valuation appraisal.

As with a pre-purchase survey, a condition survey involves a comprehensive inspection process, including inspection and testing of almost all onboard systems.

Depending on the construction type and materials used, non-destructive tests on the hull and superstructure are carried out to establish their integrity.

Although a condition survey is generally required by and tailored to the demands of an insurance company, the boat owner will also benefit from the report, which will provide them with a current and accurate view of the condition of their vessel.

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Sea trials are conducted either as part of a full survey or as a partial survey. Either way, the aim is to assess the vessel's capabilities and the function of the onboard systems whilst underway.

The scope of the survey will include external examinations of the engines and drive systems before, during and after a series of test runs.

The performance and engine information is recorded during each stage, and the results of a series of operational tests involving the remaining onboard systems such as steering, trim, and navigation equipment.

Any vibrations or excessive noise can be monitored and investigated during the sea trial.In the case of sailing yachts, sails should also be hoisted and inspected. This also enables the testing of running rigging and sail handling systems.

Peter has been carrying out comprehensive rigging inspections for more than 20 years and is as comfortable aloft as ashore. However, it is sometimes necessary to remove the mast or carry out the inspection from an independent cradle such as a cherry picker or small portable crane. This depends on the mast's age, type, condition, and rigging to be inspected.

Osmosis is a term used since the 1970s to describe blistering often found on GRP hulls. The hull is constructed of a mixture of polyester resin reinforced with glass fibres and built up to create a laminate. Any voids, micro cracks or air pockets within the laminate are susceptible to water molecules diffusing into it where they condense.

The laminate may also contain unreacted constituents and solvent particles from the manufacturing process. Hydrolysis occurs as a result of a reaction increasing the cavities and forming a hygroscopic solution. This process creates the much-dreaded blisters that, if left unattended, can eventually affect the structural integrity of the hull laminate.

Curing can be an expensive job. C. Solutions is well equipped to spot the early signs of osmosis. I can carry out regular inspections of the underwater hull and recommend the correct course of action if required.