Surveyors
A full pre-purchase survey will cost you somewhere between £500 & £1000; if the survey is out of the water it will also cost between £200 & £400 docking charges depending how the boat is taken out of the water - dry dock and slipway are generally cheaper than a fixed crane. A mobile crane that has to be brought on site may be costly - be wary, sometimes the price quoted is one-way only so you would pay twice the figure quoted i.e. for taking out and for putting back in the water.
Onsite Facilities
Boat Lift
Jet Washing
Blacking
The level of survey is your choice. It can be a full pre-purchase survey of the whole craft, or an "in the water" report of the boat interior (internal services and quality of fit out etc.) or an out of the water hull survey alone, or simply an engine report. Remember that if seeking marine finance, the survey must include a valuation.
If you have specific questions or worries, put the questions in writing to your surveyor before the inspection, asking for specific answers.
Also ask if they carry Professional Indemnity insurance & if they are a member of a professional association. Membership to each association is shown beneath each surveyors name. The list given below explains this further.
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The Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association. Members have to pass an entry examination and submit reports for approval before accreditation by the Association.
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The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology. Members have to hold a suitable marine based qualification or many years of experience within the marine sector
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The International Institute of Marine Surveying. Members have to submit reports for approval before accreditation by the Institute
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Diploma in Marine Surveying offered by the IIMS
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Association of Boat Safety Scheme Examiners. Members have to be qualified Boat Safety Scheme examiners
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Incorporated Engineer - Engineering Council
It is important to ask the surveyor what he is going to inspect and what he isn't; what he will do and what he won't do - there is no set routine/format as to what constitutes a pre-purchase survey. Some surveyors will now include the issue of a new BSS Certificate if everything complies.

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Steve Roberts - IIMS, YDSA
Small craft, leisure & commercial surveys
07767 244 929 or 0151 707 8300
visit websiteWhilst we have provided the contact details for the various surveyors listed we can only recommend their services based on our previous experience and knowledge of their practices.
It does not serve as a guarantee for or against the individuals involved and any works they may have carried out on your behalf.
