Wooden Boat Survey – Scope

 

Scope of a typical Wooden Boat Survey

Timber vessels have been constructed in much the same way for several thousand years, right up until the 1960’s when GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) became the economic way forward for most boat builders.  Wooden Boats are as much an art form as a vessel in which to sail and it is our belief that one does not “Own” a Classic Wooden Yacht and that the current or prospective “owner” is simply holding the vessel in trust for posterity.   Click here  for more info. regarding surveying and maintaining a classic Wooden Yacht.

SCOPE OF MARINE SURVEY –  SAILING VESSELS (TIMBER)

The general parameters for a Full Condition Survey on a Timber Yacht are as follows:

Sounding and/or probing techniques to be used where deemed necessary.

1. Hull exterior (Incl.  Planking, caulking, stoppings, coatings, sterngear, rudder & hangings.

   Keel(s), Keel bolts if drawn, through hull fittings, fastenings where exposed or pre-

   drawn,  (topsides).

2. Hull interior; all accessible planking, frames and other structural members.  Internal paint coatings.  Seacocks.

3. Deck and associated structures.

4. Deck hardware and fittings.

5. Ground tackle and warpage.

6. Machinery and associated systems (cooling, exhaust, electrical, starting, fuel, inboard drive line).

7. Bilge pumps and associated plumbing.

8. Domestic tankage and plumbing.

9. Domestic electrical system (Low voltage).

10. Navigation and pilotage equipment.

11. Spars / standing rigging (up to 2m if stepped – we strongly recommend unstepping the mast).

12. Sails, covers and running rigging.

13. Gas installation.

14. Fire prevention and fighting equipment.

15. Engines will be observed running during the survey (as an additional free service) – only if appropriate prior arrangements have been made.

Please note, the survey would not include any opening up (other than removal of normally portable hatch-covers), dismantling of components, NDT, (other than manual sounding and ‘probing’ techniques) or running tests. (see 13, above). The vessel should be opened up/prepared prior to the agreed time of arrival of the surveyor. This work and subsequent restitution of displaced parts and material is the client’s responsibility

 This scope of work is a general guide and should be read in conjunction with any  proposal letter and contractual documentation relating to the specific vessel under consideration.  

Recommendations will be included in our report and should any further dismantling/inspection be deemed necessary, this will also be advised.

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