recommendations for servicing or repairs, your report should always recommend that the owner has the rigging inspected by an experienced and competent rigger. Many insurers insist that stainless standing rigging is replaced every ten to twelve years and you will need to check the owner’s boat- file records for when this vessel’s rigging was replaced. A word of warning. If the mast is stepped with the vessel ashore, do not be tempted to go up the mast for inspections. If you are on your own, this advice should be obvious and many insurers will not cover you anyway if you have an accident.
During the interior survey, thoroughly inspect the hull planking and frames, the bilges around frames and deep-floors for cracks or breakages and pay close attention to the condition of all visible fastenings especially the keel bolts. Inspect all metal floors and knees for corrosion and thoroughly examine engine beds and longitudinals.
Examine and test all through- hull fittings, seacocks, hoses and clamps. Hose connections to thru- hull fittings below the waterline should always be double-clamped. Double-check anti-syphon valves in heads inlet and discharge hose loops as the valves in some patterns often stick or clog.
Inspect the engine, engine mounts and check for leaks from fuel or water tanks and plumbing.
Inspect the electrical systems including navigation lights, battery installation, charging systems including shore-power and battery management system.
Inspect all safety equipment including anchors, the windlass for security of installation, ground- tackle, lifejackets, liferaft and distress flares for condition and inspection dates.
Regarding keel bolts, most wooden sailing vessels have external ballast bolted to the hull which
may have been cast from iron or lead. Typically, cast-iron keels have wrought-iron or stainless bolts and cast lead keels more often than not have bronze bolts. Check with the owner when the bolts were last inspected or replaced and if this information is not available, then, depending on the size of the vessel, recommend that two or more bolts are withdrawn for you to inspect. Only when you are satisfied that the bolts are in a sound condition should you sign off the report.
Some of the tools you will need are listed below:
• A digital camera, measuring tapes, soft-faced mallet, bradawls and a long fine pointed spike.
• Small hammer and scraper and a good torch.
• A good moisture meter is useful as long as you understand what it is for. If a deck is sheathed with porous polyester resin, the meter can highlight a problem with the plywood deck. Or, if you are checking planking to determine the moisture content with a view to splining the seams it is an essential piece of equipment. If not, then leave the meter at home.
Words of caution when going to a lonely marina in the winter to carry out a survey.
1. Always check-in at the marina office and tell them where you will be.
2. You will most likely have taken your own boarding- ladder to access the vessel. Make sure that you lash the ladder to a winch or cleat because you would be surprised how many owners will simply walk off with your ladder to access their own boat.
THE REPORT
This is probably the most important thing you will ever write in your surveying career. It is a legal document that not only describes the condition of the vessel you have recently surveyed, but it will be an indication to the reader that you actually know what you are talking about. At best, it will make your client happy and, at worst, it could land you in court if you get it wrong.
Report only the FACTS of what you have inspected and discovered during your inspections and NEVER assume any aspect as to the causes of damage or degradation without having sound evidence to support your findings. A picture really is worth a thousand words but only if it is relevant to demonstrate a point and is supported by your detailed explanations of a problem and ‘likely’ causes. The IIMS runs excellent seminars on report writing and has published a handy guide on the subject.
DUTY OF CARE
Your first duty of care is to your client. He must be kept informed of every aspect of what you are doing and will expect you to advise him on remedies for whatever issues you discover. Therefore, whatever recommendations you make in your report for repairs or servicing in your report must only be made on the basis of factual and sound advice.
The Report • December 2018 • Issue 86 | 55
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