Recreational
recreational
Pre-purchase Inspections
A pre-purchase inspection allows a prospective buyer to be fully informed when negotiating to buy their dream boat. There is a lot of emotion that goes into a big investment such as this and finding out after the fact that your new “dream” boat is a dud can really take the enjoyment out of what should be a great occasion. The inspection covers such items as:
- Hull condition – below waterline, above waterline, decks, superstructure, windows.
- Machinery condition – engines, alternators, shafts, propellers, anchor winches, pumps, air-conditioning system, steering systems.
- Hull fittings and valves
- Fire protection and safety equipment – fixed fire equipment, portable fire fighting equipment, fire pumps, fire protection linings, pyrotechnics, lifejackets, lifebuoys, floatation devices.
- Navigation equipment – radar, GPS, sounders, radios, lights, AIS.
- Sails and rigging – sails, masts, stays, self-furling devices
- Electrical systems – AC/DC wiring, switchboards, bonding, shore power connections,.
- Ground tackle – anchors, chains
Normally the vessel will be hauled out for an inspection of the underwater components and the hull. This inspection can involve testing the hull condition using ultrasonic testing, a percussion test, testing for moisture under the substrate or thermographic imaging.
The final step is a sea trial to determine if the boat will perform as the owner/broker says it will.