All boats are different in many ways both in condition and build, so Integrity Marine Surveyors will take each boat and give the vessel all the necessary attention in order to develop a complete and thorough survey all of the vessels systems.  Common inspection points on a pre-purchase survey include:

  • The vessel’s systems:
    • Propulsion: Visual inspection of main engine(s) and transmission(s)
    • Electronics: Inventory, Visual inspection, and power of all onboard systems
    • Electrical Systems: A/C and D/C systems inspections, and assure compliance to ABYC standards
    • Air Conditioning systems and pumps
    • Deck hardware: cleats, stanchions, safety lines, ladders
    • Bilge pumps and switches
    • All onboard systems will be tested for serviceability.
  • Hull and Bottom Inspections:  This will require a haul out of vessel at a local boatyard which is to be arranged by the client.
    • A complete sounding of the hull will be completed using a sounding hammer to check for delamination and soft spots in the topsides and bottom of the vessel.
    • Moisture meters will be used in order to determine whether there are any signs of water intrusion.
    • Running Gear: Shafts, Propellers, Stuffing Boxes, Cutlass Bearings
    • Inspection of Port lights, Thru-Hull fittings both above and below the waterline.
    • Swim Platforms and boarding ladders if equipped.
    • It is important that the yard performs a bottom power washing to allow the surveyor to properly inspect the hull, as well as determine speed and engine data on the sea trial.
  • Sea Trial:  It is the recommendation of the surveyor that the client hires a professional captain to operate the vessel to facilitate a proper, problem free inspection.
    • Verify the vessel is achieving its proper RPM.
      • Idle Speed: It is important that the engine is set to the proper idle speed for safe handling and maneuvering.
      • Cruise Speed:  Each engine has a manufacturer rated cruise speed, the speed at which the engine is designed to run for extended periods of time.
      • Wide Open Throttle: It is very important that the engine is able to run up to its wide open throttle (WOT) to verify that the boat is within manufacturers engine specifications.  This is crucial to determine that the vessel has the proper running gear to handle its weight and size.  If the vessel is unable to attain WOT during the sea trial, it may be determined that the engine is overloaded, which will drastically shorten the life of the engine.
    • Perform backdown tests and check for vibrations while underway
    • Examine the engine room while underwater to determine if there are any leaks from pumps, stuffing boxes, and hoses.
  • Safety Equipment: The surveyor will insure compliance with United States Coast Guards CFR 33, 40, 46,
    • Inventory all personal flotation devices (PFDs)
    • Flares and signaling devices
    • Fire fighting equipment: Installed systems and portable extinguishers