Pre-Purchase Survey

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Definition: A pre-purchase survey is a comprehensive overall inspection of the vessel.

• A typical mid-sized vessel survey can take a full day.
• Writing the report and conducting some research can take another full day.
• You will not see the term “it appears” in our survey.  This term can be found in most survey reports that you read today.  Plain and as simple as it can be, “the item either works or it does not work” or the item “either needs addressing” or it “does not need addressing”.   No such thing as something “appearing” to be in good shape.  Your making an investment!  You want good sound advise not guess work!
• We strongly recommend that as much maintenance paperwork be collected for your future file and for the surveyor to review.  Based on these records, we will recommend what we believe your new purchase is going to require in order for it to be up to date with regards to maintenance. Every boat requires maintenance.  Every owner should have access to records that tell what they did to maintain their boat.  
• WE PROVIDE TO ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS A CONDITION REPORT ABOUT THE ENGINE(S).   OTHER SURVEYORS DO NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE ENGINES. OF COURSE THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN HIRING A FACTORY TRAINED REP TO SURVEY YOUR ENGINE(S).
• We will perform certain function tests,  just like most factory trained reps do, which allows us to comment on what we believe to be present. Since 1977, my associate’s and I have seen and heard a lot of stories about maintenance and care, talk about repairs and most of all, we have listened many engines run over the years, felt a lot of vibrations, and made a lot of recommendations.  

Sea Trail

Your vessel should undergo an inspection of items reliant of the sea in an underway condition. A sea trail demonstrates to the prospective owner how items such as the handling characteristics of the vessel are. Also obtained will be information about the support systems. The engines, transmission, cooling system(s), steering, gauges, vibration check, instrument panel operation, oil leaks and water leaks, etc., will all be put to a test. During a trial, the vsl will be operated at various speeds. All observations will be included in a report. We also take the time to show you a few nautical tricks of the trade. We also talk about safety. 

The typical vessel survey concentrates on the below items as a whole.

• Inspection of the topsides, and interior spaces  (all accessible parts of the boat).
• Haul out and inspection of the hull bottom, the prop, rudder, thru hull fittings….. etc.
• Examination of design features, review of modifications, and the structural integrity.
• Visual inspection of engine(s), aux equipment, galley equipment, generators, fluid levels, fuel, steering, electrical, sanitation, and other systems.
• Verification of service work performed to the engines and any part replacement.
• Inspection of safety equipment. USCG Vessel Safety Exam Decal may be issued.
• Check compliance for American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and USCG regulations.
• Examination of the vessels papers, registration, and hull numbers.
• Evaluation of the cosmetic appearance and the overall maintenance.
• Written report. In todays world, via electronic mail, a pdf file report sent to you. 
• Mass Maritime Marine uses specialized equipment for testing the engines, the power supply, electronics, and other equipment.

Arrangements in advance need to be made for the following:

• Upsetting or removing screwed or nailed down wood work, liners, or carpeting.
• Engine and related component break down, electronic disassembly.
• Destructive testing, such as drilling holes, removing paint or gel coat, etc.

Most sellers will not allow certain tests to be performed. We will recommend certain testing based on what we initially see.

Customers should know ahead of time if they will need any specialized services. During our preliminary discussion, we will discuss this subject in more detail. Any type of destructive testing will require the written permission of the owner/seller. Should the seller hire a qualified entity to assist with this testing, MMM will stand, observe, and review the results.  

For pre-purchase surveys on larger powerboats that have high performance engines, recommended is that an experienced mechanic who services these types of engines perform an engine inspection. We can arrange for this sort of an inspection.

Call for fees and consultation: 781 337 6903 or email us at massmaritimemarine@gmail.com