I sometimes get asked why do I need a survey, especially when the purchaser is considering a vessel only 1 or 2 years old. It is clear to see the benefits when considering a 10 or 15 years old yacht, but what about a newer vessel.
Just recently I offer a full service to a couple purchasing a powerboat. I performed a Pre-Purchase Survey on the vessel followed by a seatrail with them and the brokers. Following the purchase I then project mananged the vessel's repairs and refit including supplying new Ocean Safety equipment. Finally, I spent a day on the vessel with them picking up snags, explaining how the vessel operated and giving guidance and coaching on handling the vessel.
As a marine surveyor we get to see safety equipment of all shapes and sizes, fitted in all manner of different locations and in different ways and in various states of repair. Regrettably over 50% of vessels surveyed have the wrong type of safety equipment, safety equipment poorly maintained or incorrectly fitted.
Hamble Marine Surveys have recently undertaken a Pre-Purchase Survey on a 43ft Aluminium built sailing yacht. Being a specialist survey firm and experienced in Aluminium as a construction material, we were able to assist the prospective purchaser.
Only recently during a Pre-Purchase Survey a hairline crack was discovered on a Cap Shroud stud fitting. The likely result of a failure of this fitting would have been the loss of the rig.