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There are a few different reasons why you should get a boat surveyed but many people are put off by the cost of a professional survey. In the long run getting an independent professional survey at the right time could potentially save you far more!
So when should you get a survey?
Pre-Purchase Survey
When considering the purchase of a boat it is a good idea to get the boat surveyed by an independent surveyor even if you are buying a fairly new boat or buying through a reputable marine broker. If nothing else this will give you peace of mind that you’ve made a good decision, it may however save you from your dream purchase turning into a very expensive problem!
Periodic Survey
Cars are required to have an MOT once they’re 3 years old but there are no such rules for boats. Depending on the type of boat you have, age, construction and use it is advisable to get the boat surveyed at sensible intervals. All boats suffer wear and tear through normal use, the failure of a part through wear or just through ageing can prove expensive and normally isn’t covered by a marine insurance policy.
Damage Survey
If your boat has been in an incident, other than visible superficial damage you should consider a survey to make sure the boat is still safe to use - even if damage is not immediately apparent. This is particularly important where the boat has collided with underwater objects.
This will either provide reassurance that the boat is undamaged or enable you to deal with any damage quickly to ensure it is safe to use. It’s also worth noting that while accidental damage will normally be covered by your insurance policy any further damage deterioration due to the original damage being left un-repaired may not be – problems left unaddressed tend to get worse with time.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Coding Survey
Pleasure craft under 24m only require MCA Coding unless it is being used for Charter or other Commercial purposes. Only surveyors registered with a certifying authority can carry out a Coding Survey.
Benefits of a Professional Surveyor
- Marine surveyors possess in-depth knowledge of boat construction, materials, and systems. They can identify potential issues and recommend necessary repairs or maintenance.
- Surveyors can identify issues you would not have thought to look for.
- Surveyors provide an unbiased assessment of a boat's condition, helping buyers and owners make informed decisions.
- Marine surveyors can provide useful advice on resolving issues identified at survey, ongoing maintenance schedules and also provide recommendations for suitable repairers and suppliers.
Finding a suitable Marine Surveyor
You can find a marine surveyor through local contacts or via one of the main professional bodies, International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS) or the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA) – both of these have lists of surveyors on their websites.
If you have a boat of a specialist type or construction you may want to check that the surveyor you choose has the relevant experience in similar craft or construction. In most cases, most surveyors will be able to survey most types of boat.
When purchasing a boat it is important to ensure that the surveyor you use is independent of the seller or broker, this will avoid conflicts of interest should an issue arise.