My Sailboat Surveyor Experience

I started marine surveying in 2001 and had considerable experience that served me very well analyzing yachts end to end top to bottom but little sailing experience. One way to augment my sailboat survey experience has been to take ASA sailing courses and bareboat charter occasionally. Nothing like hands on experience to improve one’s perspective.
A lot of experience is gained during the sailboat survey process as well. In most cases things go well but sometimes furlers jam, running rigging does not work properly or potential issues are found with the spars and standing rigging. I take the time to do research needed to understand the meaning and potential severity of these issues. In some cases the issue is one that requires on the spot attention before going ahead with operational testing of the rig!

My Sailboat Survey Process

I usually arrive at the boat with my climbing gear. I bring an ATN climber, static line and battery powered angle drill with a winch adapter in the event an electric winch is not available aboard. I require two halyards to go aloft. One will have my climber attached and is the safety. The second halyard will be used to hoist me. The process is efficient and once completed that gear can be put away for the rest of the survey.

Some flexibility can be accommodated during my sailboat survey process but generally on larger boats the first day is accomplished dockside to allow time to go through the boat without interruption of the shore power and the noise of machinery drowning out the equipment being operated. Appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and air-conditioners are better evaluated without stopping and starting them. AC generators will be operated, closely monitored and loaded to capacity if possible.

During the dockside inspection the locations of equipment that will be used underway such as engine controls, steering components, thrusters and rotating equipment can be noted. If removals are necessary to access them during the trial-run this will be determined and done before getting underway. Deck equipment such as the windlass and tender loading gear will be operated. The tender will be evaluated. batteries and chargers will be located and observed working, and lead acid batteries tested.

Navigation electronics are also evaluated during the dockside inspection. Far better to go through their various features, evaluate their function, and ask questions without interfering with the piloting of the vessel. Underway piloting is job number one! After the dockside inspection, the autopilot and rigging are generally the only elements of the vessel that will not have been fully evaluated.

The second day the vessel will be hauled to check its underbody and make sure it is adequately cleaned for the trial-run or sea-trial depending on the proximity of the survey to open water and conditions at the time of the survey. It will be run through its paces using its engine. In the best cases sails will be raised, trimmed and a few tacks/jibs will be performed. Worst case sails will be raised separately to inspect their condition. Trial-runs also provide an opportunity to evaluate inverter systems and the engine alternators that maintain the batteries while they are in use.

Upon returning to the dock from the haul-out/trial-run the boat will be tied up and shore power restored. Fluid samples will be taken from the machinery then a meeting usually takes place to review what has occurred during the survey. After all that it is time to leave.

My Sailboat Survey Reporting

My yacht survey reports, and fluid analysis when that is part of my survey will usually be ready within two to three days after I return to my office. Sometimes travel adds a day to the process. I send several emails. One email with the survey findings (“The list”). Then the full report pdf and dropbox link to the survey photos. After that I make myself available to review and answer questions as needed.

Mono-hull Sailboat Surveys Performed

Catamaran Sailboat Surveys Performed

Sample Surveys

Click for sample surveys:

Catalina Morgan 440 2006
Lagoon 42 2020
Pacific Seacraft 37 1988