Marine Surveys by North Cove Associates, LLC, Joseph M. Stoltz, SAMSŪ SA, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USA North Cove Associates, LLC
Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Serving The US North East

Joseph M. Stoltz SAMSŪ SA
Principal Marine Surveyor

The Survey Report
What to expect to see in our survey reports.
The Report

We survey using the CFR, ABYC and NFPA standards/guidelines. These serve as the backbone of our report. We also incorporate the recommended survey report elements published by the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMSŪ).

We do not give you a checklist or just an inventory of equipment and call it a survey. Instead, we rely on a narrative style report with as many photos as are needed to document and present a clear picture of the vessel's condition at the time of the survey. Although a narrative style survey is much more labor intensive than checklists, we feel it is a better value and will be of more use to you. In all likely hood, it will be shared with an insurance underwriter or financial institution who has never seen the vessel in person. Technical writing is difficult no matter how long you have been doing it. However, you will in all probability be charged the same amount for a checklist type survey as one of ours. We leave it to you decide which is a better value for your money and specific needs.

Sea Trials

If requested, a sea trial can be arranged. The sea trail report can be included with the survey or provided as a separate report.

A word about scheduling

We make it a point NOT to over schedule surveys. We feel this is a disservice to our clients and can put the surveyor in a difficult situation. Simply put - No one does their best work when rushed. A rushed survey inevitably misses details - Potentially very important details! If this means we may have to turn away business because we can't work out schedule conflicts, then so be it. Reputation is everything in this business and we do not want to set ourselves up to produce an inferior product.

Survey Report Examples: - Our survey reports follow the general formats below:

TYPICAL SURVEY REPORT OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION (The Who, What, When, Where and How)

GENERAL

This survey report was prepared exclusively for Mr/Ms.. _________________. The vessel was surveyed using Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 33 Part 183 US Coast Guard (USCG) requirements for "Boats and Associated Equipment", American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) "Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft" & National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Part 302 "Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft" as standards and guidelines.

HULL EXTERIOR
  • Rudder, Prop, Shaft(s), Shaft Log(s), Strut(s), Cutlass Bearing & Anodes
  • Water Intake / Discharge Thru Hulls
  • Keel and Bottom
  • Topsides
  • Transom
  • Decks
  • Reboarding Means. Ladders, Handholds, Rails & Stanchions
  • Field of Vision from the Helm
  • Anchoring and Mooring Strong Points
  • Ground Tackle
  • Cabin Top
  • Exterior Windows, Windshields, Hatches, Doors, Port Lights
  • Cockpit Drainage
HULL INTERIOR
  • General Description, Upholstery / Joinery Work
  • Installation of Potable Water System
  • Installation of Gray Water System
  • Installation of Black Water System
  • Electric / Manual Bilge Pump System
  • Seacocks, Thru Hulls and Drain Plugs
  • Cabin Heating System ( e.g. Solid Fuel, Liquid Fuel, Forced Air, Radiation and Convection Self Contained)
  • Air Conditioning System
  • Ventilation / Lighting
  • Galley (Stoves, Sinks, Refrigeration)
  • Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems
PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Engine (Description, Visual Survey)
  • Transmission (Description, Visual Survey)
  • Engine Ventilation and Fuel System
  • Gasoline and Propane Leak Detection System
  • Exhaust System
  • Steering Linkages
ELECTRICAL
  • DC Electric System
    • General
    • Cathodic Protection
    • Lightning Protection
    • Inverters
    • Bonding System
    • Storage Batteries

  • AC Electric System
    • General
    • Galvanic Isolators
    • AC Generator
    • Transformer
    • Battery Charger
NAVIGATION LIGHTS & SOUND SIGNALS
  • Location, Operation, Compliance
FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
  • Location, Type
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
  • Location, Type
DISCHARGE PLACARDS / WASTE PLANS
  • Location, Type
MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT
  • Location, Type
DATABASE SEARCHES
  • Recalls Database and Consumer Complaint Database.
SAFETY / CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Items that should be addressed immediately for the compliance of the vessel and crew safety.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
  • Based on ABYC, NFPA standards and the observations of North Cove Associates, LLC. These are recommendations to enhance the safety and the resale value of the vessel.
SUMMARY

Condition and Valuation estimate and how obtained

DEFINITION OF TERMS:

Unless otherwise indicated:

Excellent Condition: New or like new.
Good Condition: Nearly new, with only minor cosmetic or structural discrepancies noted.
Fair Condition: Denotes a system / component / item is functional "as is" with minor repairs - Frequently monitor.
Poor Condition: Unstable "as is" requiring repair or replacement of system / component / item to be considered functional.

STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS

This report is issued based on a visual examination of the vessel and its equipment as it existed on the day of the survey. It does not include latent defects or defects hidden by machinery, tanks, cabinets, hull liners or other items prohibiting access. This survey does not address the vessel's stability characteristics and inherent defects or internal condition of machinery. The main engines and auxiliaries were not surveyed by the undersigned other than mentioned in the enclosed report. Acceptance of this report indicates agreement by all concerned.

APPENDIX - VESSEL PHOTOGRAPHS



TYPICAL SEA TRIAL REPORT OUTLINE:

A typical Sea Trial Report, e.g. for a vessel with inboard propulsion contains the following elements:

INTRODUCTION
  • Objectives of the Sea Trial
  • General Description of vessel waterline static in the water. Observations with regard to scupper height above water, vessel trim, etc

HULL:
  • Observations of the interior hull while the vessel is underway is documented. Typically, we like to take the vessel over choppy water so that hull and bulkhead flexing/panting can be observed.
  • Observations documented of all visible thru hulls and bilges.
  • Observations of Stuffing boxes / Packing Glands
ENGINE / DRIVE TRAIN:
  • Visual survey and documentation of the engine before the sea trial to note the presence or absence of any fluid leaks.
  • Observable metal patches to the engine, manifold, etc.
  • Visual observation of the exhaust color.
  • The engine(s) are brought up to speed typically at 500 rpm intervals.
  • Observations are documented, engine RPMs are recorded via digital tachometer (when practical) and the key components of the engine(s) are monitored with a laser sighted infrared pyrometer. These reading are compared to the vessel's stated readouts for RPMs and temperature.
  • Observations around hull vibrations are recorded at various engine RPMs
  • Observations of shaft rotation (if possible)
  • Perform back down test to check motor mounts
  • Perform Single Engine Load Test (if applicable)
  • Verification of engine hour meter(s) operation
  • Observe engine belt wear / alignment
COOLING SYSTEM:
  • Visually inspect heat exchanger tank and reservoir for signs of trouble
  • Collect sample for chemical analysis, e.g. Oil, Carbon, etc - If requested (additional lab charges apply)
  • Scan with digital pyrometer while under load
  • Check hoses for signs of distress, e.g. ballooning, crackling where visible
WATER PUMP:
  • Observe / document leaks / bubbles
EXHAUST SYSTEM:
  • Risers - Look for signs of trouble.
  • Record system temperatures where possible with pyrometer.
  • Visually monitor exhaust emissions and document observations.
ALTERNATOR
  • Verify charging with multi-meter.
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT:
  • Electronic equipment is "Powered up" to ensure it is working. Accuracy is typically not confirmed, e.g. with another GPS, etc
  • AC System - Verify it is working and record temperature of components when placed "under load".
  • Line voltage drop under load and digital pyrometer readings
  • Circuit breakers - Load and check temperature with digital pyrometer
ENGINE CONTROLS / STEERING:
  • Evaluate operation throughout trial.
SUMMARY
  • Narrative containing tables and or graphical presentation of the data collected during the sea trial.
APPENDIX - VESSEL / COMPONENT PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE SEA TRIAL



NOTE: At no time will we operate or navigate the vessel. Arrangements should be made with the owner / broker for vessel operation during the sea trial.

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Copyright © 2009/2012 North Cove Associates, LLC, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USA, northcoveassociates@yahoo.com
Installed June 15, 2005, Last Revised March 2, 2012 - Hosted and maintained by Don Robertson