Home

Welcome

Condition
Surveys

Expert
Witness

MCA
Compliance

Yacht
Claims

Contact
Us

Condition Surveys
For Insurance and Finance

We are never recommended by Yacht Brokers because we have built a reputation for thorough unbiased reports. We only conduct thorough surveys for prudent clients, requiring an independent survey and report. As the purchase of a used vessel can be a daunting experience it is always advisable to seek your own chosen surveyor and have the vessel surveyed regardless of any such recent surveys forwarded by the vendor.

We are able to offer different types of survey including, valuations, structural surveys, osmosis surveys and consultancy. If the vessel that you are purchasing is not on the British part 1 register and you require finance we are appointed to conduct tonnage measurements by the YDSA Certifying Authority.

Our condition surveys examine all significant visible aspects of the vessel's structure and equipment. The contents of our survey reports reflect the detail and methodical inspection the vessel has received. When requested the engine is run and visually inspected during a sea trial for water/oil leaks, exhaust emissions, water temperature, oil pressure and general performance.

Any special requests - e.g. Sea Trials, opening up of the internal structure or linings, withdrawal of keel bolts or preparation for survey should be arranged with us before returning the signed contract.

A survey carried out by an Associate Member of the YDSA should be thorough, detailed and clearly illustrate how the survey was carried out. The report should include findings, conclusions and the correct recommendations. Our reports are definitive, descriptive and do not include generic terms such as, appears to be, seemed to be, etc. The reports that we produce are complete text documents as required by the YDSA. Where applicable photographs are included to illustrate any serious defects. We do not supply tick box type reports.

A condition survey for purchase, finance or insurance by Jayson Sibley will include the minimum following major items, where they make up part of the vessel. This is intended to be a guide and does not form any part of a contract.

An osmotic blister is opened and photographed using a forensic scale to indicate the size.	This osmotic blister was opened and found to have propagated into the glass fibre laminate.	Wicking at the waterline, a common defect with Med based vessels.

GRP HULL
Inspection of fibreglass laminate, internal structure, bulkheads and bonding. Investigation for osmotic blistering, gel coat defects and moisture measurements. Sample areas of coatings removed to expose laminate surface or applied coating. Hulls and decks sounded to assess the condition of the laminate and core where applicable. Check for distortion around keel and bulkheads. Condition of topsides and impact damage appraisal. Assessment of existing repairs. Barcol testing when applicable. Investigation for stress fractures at the connections of spay rails and chines on high speed power vessels.

A fracture at the connection of an internal top hat stringer.	Surveying the vessel on hard standing provided time to remove the coatings and locate the extent of the above fracture on the exterior of the moulding.	A repair of internal stiffeners completed to a poor standard has consequently flexed and fractured

TIMBER HULL
Inspection for rot and decay of planking frames, stem, keelson and internal timbers, for degradation and worm attack. State of fasteners, caulking and metal framing. Integrity of glued systems. Assessment of previous repairs and maintenance and ventilation of hull spaces. Condition of paint coating system.

STEEL HULL
Ultrasound thickness measurement of plating in sample areas as agreed and at the surveyor’s discretion. Inspection for corrosion, distortion of plating and frames, integrity of welding, existing repairs and of painted protection systems. Assessment of cathodic protection, internal structure and accessibility for maintenance.

MULTIHULLS
Structural connections of hulls, beams and bridge deck (nazel) structures inspected.

A transverse steel floor which holed when hammer tested.	Degradation of timber planking at butts on a timber carvel planked vessel.

KEEL
Inspection for signs of movement, damage to hull and floors through heavy grounding. Distortion in lead keels, corrosion of cast iron keels and integrity of encapsulated ballast. Assessment of keel bolts. Appraisal of surface finish. Inspection of lifting keel mechanisms.

This vessel had grounded and fractured the hull moulding at the aft of the keel connection.	This teak deck has suffered above average wear resulting in degradaition of the timber and proud caulking.	Delamination has resulted in water ingress between the teak and the steel deck, a serious defect.

DECK AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
Structural assessment including integrity of sandwich core construction, deck edge and gunwale protection, and attachment to the hull. Condition of surface coatings. Integrity of planked decks. Distortion around mast step and chain plates.

STEERING
Condition of rudders, stocks, and bearings. Integrity of rudder tubes. Steering linkages and assessment for free operation of steering system and automatic pilots.

UNDERWATER FITTINGS
Inspection for electrolytic corrosion of underwater fittings and stern gear. Electrical continuity check between anode, stern gear and propellers. Checks for crevice corrosion of stainless steel fasteners and fittings. Condition of seacocks and hose attachments.

This skin fitting was suffering from dezincification and sheered in half when hammered.	Leaking through hull fittings and ball valves.	A straight edge adjacent to this mast base indicates compression of the deck moulding.

STERN GEAR
Condition and security of propellers and stern bearings. Shaft condition, support and free rotation. Integrity of stern gland.  Inspection of bow thrusters, trim tabs and stabilizers.

SPARS AND RIGGING
Masts inspected. Rigging and terminals inspected for damage and corrosion. State of halyards and sheaves.

DECK FITTINGS
Security and attachment of loaded fittings. Integrity of chain plates and surrounding structure. Security of guard rails, stanchions, pulpit and pushpit. Condition of winches and jammers. Integrity of windows and hatches.

SAILS
Sails inspected for wear and damage. Ultra violet attack assessed. Furling systems tested. Covers, awnings and spray hoods inspected.

ELECTRICAL
Assessment of DC installations and cabling. Battery arrangements, switching and protection of circuits. Testing of all installed equipment. Security and assessment of AC installations, supplies and generators.

A raw water cooled exhaust manifold which holed when lightly tested.	Missing engine mount fastening	Deteriorated Hosing

ENGINES
Detailed assessment of engine installations and state of maintenance. Engine testing if required for satisfactory running, back pressure, gearbox operation, integrity of lubricating, cooling systems and hoses. Inspection of engine controls, mounts and exhaust system. Sail drive and stern drive inspections for corrosion, wear and satisfactory operation.

PUMPS
Inspection and testing of bilge pumps. Appraisal of fresh water, sanitation and fire fighting pumps.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Inventory of safety equipment. Inspection of anchors and cables. Assessment of fire risks and fire fighting installations.

INSTRUMENTS
Testing of navigation instruments. Radio check transmission. Position check on GPS.

TANKS AND PIPING
Inspection of tanks, pipes and hoses for corrosion, support and leaks. Gas installation and integrity of hoses and pipes. Ventilation of gas locker. Testing of bilge alarms.

ACCOMMODATION
Inspection of cooking and sanitary equipment. Testing of heating and cooling systems and inspection of their installations. Assessment of furnishings, linings and joinery. State of bilges and concealed spaces. Ventilation.

ESSENTIALS FOR A GOOD SURVEY

• Keys to be available for the cabins, lockers, battery switches and engine starting panel.
• Batteries to be charged and connected.
• Instruments to be connected.
• Sails to be available at the vessel.
• Past repair and re-rigging invoices, and survey reports to be made available if possible.
• Vessel to be made available out of the water for underwater inspection, and also in the water for engine testing if requested. Lockers empty.

We do not recommend that you have your vessel surveyed during lunchtime travel lifts which usually last 2 hours. It is impossible to obtain accurate moisture readings on GRP vessels in this time scale. The limited time frame reduces the opportunities for the surveyor discovering defects to the external structure, of which significant areas are obscured by lifting slings. Our recommendation is always to have the vessel lifted and secured on hard standing at least one day before the survey.