GENERAL CONDITION SURVEY
A General Condition Survey by Jim Pritchard Associates will comprise a thorough inspection of all accessible elements of the vessel, include the following main items where they make up part of the vessel:
GRP HULL
Inspection of fibreglass laminate, internal structure, bulkheads and bonding. Investigation for osmosis including moisture measurements. Check for distortion around keel and bulkheads. Topside condition and impact damage appraisal. Assessment of existing repairs.
STEEL HULL
Ultrasound thickness measurement of plating. Inspection for corrosion, distortion of plating and frames, integrity of welding and existing repairs and of painted protection systems. Assessment of anode protection, internal structure and accessibility for maintenance.
ALUMINIUM HULL
Inspection for general or local corrosion and fatigue. Insulation from sources of electrolytic corrosion. Distortion of plating and integrity of welds.
TIMBER HULL
Inspection for rot and decay of planking and internal timbers, and for worm attack. State of fasteners caulking and metal framing. Integrity of glued systems. Assessment of previous repairs and maintenance and ventilation of hull spaces. Condition of paint system.
DECK AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
Structural assessment including Integrity of core construction, deck edge and gun'l protection, and attachment to the hull. Condition of surface coatings. Integrity of planked decks. Distortion around mast step and chainplates. Signs of deck leaks assessed.
MULTIHULLS
Structural connections of hulls, beams and bridgedeck structures inspected.
UNDERWATER FITTINGS
Inspection for electrolytic corrosion of underwater fittings and stern gear. Electrical continuity check between anode and stern gear. Checks for crevice corrosion of stainless steel fasteners and fittings. Condition of seacocks and hose attachments.
KEEL
Inspection for signs of movement, damage to hull and floors through heavy grounding, distortion in lead keels, corrosion of cast iron keels and integrity of encapsulated ballast. Assessment of keel bolts. Appraisal of surface finish. Inspection of lifting keel mechanisms.
STERN GEAR
Condition of propellers and stern bearings. Shaft condition, support and free rotation. Integrity of stern gland. Inspection of bow thrusters, trim tabs and stabilisers.
STEERING
Condition of rudders, stocks and bearings. Integrity of rudder tubes. Steering linkages and assessment for slack. Operation of steering system and automatic pilots.
SPARS AND RIGGING
By prior arrangement masts may be climbed for inspection of section, rigging attachment points and spreaders. Rigging and terminals inspected for damage and corrosion. State of halyards and sheaves.
SAILS
Sails inspected for wear and damage. Ultra violet attack assessed. Furling systems tested. Covers awnings and spray hoods inspected.
DECK FITTINGS
Security and attachment of loaded fittings. Integrity of chainplates and surrounding structure. Security of guard rails. Condition of winches and jammers. Integrity of windows and hatches.
ELECTRICAL
Assessment of DC installations and cabling. Battery arrangements, switching and protection of circuits. Testing of all installed equipment. Security and assessment of AC installations, supplies and generators.
INSTRUMENTS
Testing of navigation instruments. Radio check transmission. Position check on GPS.
ENGINES
Assessment of engine installations and state of maintenance. Engine testing for satisfactory running, back pressure, and gearbox operation, Integrity of lubricating and cooling systems and hoses. Inspection of engine controls, mounts and exhaust system. Saildrive and sterndrive inspections for corrosion, wear and satisfactory operation. Oil sample analysis on all power boat main engines, and on sailboat auxiliaries by prior arrangement.
TANKS AND PIPING
Inspection of tanks, pipes and hoses, for corrosion, support and leaks. Gas installation and integrity of hoses and pipes. Ventilation of gas locker. Testing of bilge alarms.
PUMPS
Inspection and testing of bilge pumps. Appraisal of fresh water, sanitation and firefighting pumps.
ACCOMMODATION
Inspection of cooking and sanitary equipment. Testing of heating and cooling systems and inspection of their installations. Assessment of furnishings, linings and joinery. State of bilges and concealed spaces.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Adequacy of range of equipment. Condition and suitability of ground tackle. Assessment of fire risks and firefighting installations.
The above items will be inspected where conditions and access allow.
THE REPORT
The survey will be followed up by a verbal report usually made in person or by phone on the same day.
The written report will feature all items inspected and their condition.
Written recommendations will be made for method of repair of defects found.
Material defects and insurance issues will be listed separately in the summery at the end of the report.
A valuation will be included with the report if required.
Guidance may also be given regarding the cost of repairs, and appropriate apportionment.
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