Marine survey report criteria

       The marine surveyor must remember that his description of a vessel  will guide the buyer, lender, and insurer which path to take. If the  report is not clear, as to the description, or lacks detail the user of the survey will not be able to make an educated decision, thereby rendering the survey useless.     

      ACMS does not recommend a format for the survey report as the information contained within the report far outweighs the format.  By listening to buyers, lenders, and insurers, we have  determined that the information below provides a guideline for a professional report.

 All  surveys     

      Page one should include the clients name, the location and date  of the inspection, whether the vessel was hauled or afloat, and a list of the standards and regulations used for guidance in determining the condition of the vessel. Page one should also include the type of vessel, the manufacturer, and other specifications of the vessel. (length, breadth, draft, year of manufacture, vessel name, and identifying numbers).

Fiberglass Vessels, Power and Sail

 A description of the outside sections of the hull:     

a. (freeboard) appearance and condition of the gel coat or paint, results from percussion soundings, and result from the moisture meter. Security of all through hull devices as inspected from the outside, including exhaust ports, and all other ports.

b. (below the water line) appearance and condition of gel coat or paint. Results from percussion soundings, and result from the moisture meter. Condition of keel attachment, rudders, shafts, struts, propellers, and trim planes. Security of all through hull devices as inspected from the outside, including exhaust ports, ground plate, and all other ports. c. deck attachments, i.e. appearance and condition of all hardware  attached to the deck, including the hull/deck attachment. A description of the interior sections of the hull: a. appearance and condition of the surface of the interior of the hull, including stringers, frames, engine supports, bulkheads, all through hull devices, and any other devices that are attached to the interior of the hull.   b. appearance and condition of all engines, gears, (including complete exhaust system),  shafts, logs, and mechanical spaces.

c. appearance and condition of fuel supply system,  including tanks, fuel lines, filters, and all related supports and attachments. d. appearance and condition of all installed electrical and electronics  devices, wiring, circuit overload protection, proper harnessing, use of proper size and type wire, GFCI, isolation, ground system, bonding system, and any miscellaneous electrical device permanently installed. e. appearance and condition of all installed devices of the interior  of the vessel, including galley, head, operating station, and any  other fixtures that are permanently attached to the vessel. f. appearance and condition of all potable and waste water installed devices, lines, and connections, including fixtures, pumps, and pump out mechanisms.  Condition of standing and running rigging: g. including mast step, chain plates, compression post or  bulkhead, and sail inventory. h. appearance and condition of Safety Equipment, and ground tackle.

 Several insurers have expressed an interest in the following items being grouped on one page.

 Sample below

1. Coast Guard Safety and Signaling package..... Not aboard

2. Electrical 2. AC/DC Isolation....... No Isolation system installed, GFCI installed

3. AC/DC ground system...... DC ground in accordance with ABYC standards, Bronze Dynaplate mounted on transom AC ground, as originally equipped (Closed loop system).

4. DC control panel..... original, at control station, well maintained.  DC wiring is original stranded copper with original harnessing in place.

5. AC control panel..... In main salon in original condition. Fuel system

6. Fuel lines.... Flex line, in good condition, properly secured, US Coast Guard approved type rubber reinforced line. 6a. Fuel line shut-off valve...... bronze valve, at tank

7. Fuel tank..... Aluminum, well secured, sections that can be observed are in good, clean condition, no oxidation noted. Propulsion system

8. Carburetor back fire flame arrester..... installed on each carburetor, US Coast Guard approved type.

9. Exhaust system.....US Coast Guard Approved type rubber,  appropriate silencers, in serviceable condition, with original supports in place.

10. Engine mounts..... secure

11. Engine shaft logs..... secure, properly clamped Hull and Mechanical systems 11A. Engine compartment ventilation.....two Coast Guard Approved  type 12 volt blowers along with appropriate flexible ductwork to hull outlets.

12. Rudder shaft logs.... secure

13. Rudder tower.... steel, (original) needs service

14. Steering gear and controls.... Hydraulic to manual, lines and hardware are original and are in good condition

15. Overboard fittings..... all bronze fittings below the water  line, shut-off valves are working and are well maintained,  appear original. Related hoses US Coast Guard approved type  and are double clamped. Overboard fittings are plastic above  the waterline and in serviceable condition

16. Backup ground tackle....... not observed