We carry out a wide range of surveying and consultancy services - click on the links below to find out more. We can also scope a survey to meet your specific needs.

	Pre-purchase condition survey
	Sea trials
	Structural evaluation
	Insurance condition survey
	Valuations
	MCA code compliance
	Tonnage measurement
	IRC rating
	New build supervision
	Advice and consultation for repairs, refitting and restoration projects

Pre-purchase condition survey

This provides a thorough and independent expert opinion on the whole vessel - its structure, engine, rig and other systems. The survey can help to avoid buying a boat with hidden serious defects, and may help you to negotiate on price. The boat must either be out of the water, or be lifted during the survey, to allow a complete check of the hull and items such as rudders, propellers and anodes.

A full pre-purchase condition survey includes, as appropriate, the following items:

	Hull exterior (GRP) : deterioration/defect in the laminate, including hydrolysis, de-lamination, under-cure, osmosis, accident damage, etc
	Hull exterior (Wood): deterioration of the planking, including rot, electro-chemical decay, fasteners, caulking, accident damage, etc
	Internal structure, including the hull-to-deck joint, bulkheads, stringers, floors, framing, mast step and chain plates
	Keel(s), keel bolts, rudder & steering gear
	Stern gear (propeller, shaft, brackets, bearings, glands)
	Skin fittings and hull valves
	Cathodic protection
	The deck/cockpit moulding, guard rails, deck fittings, winches, drains and ground tackle
	Spars and rigging (so far as possible from the deck, if the mast is stepped)
	Sails (superficial inspection - a full inspection is best carried out by a sailmaker)
	Engine and fuel system (limited if ashore)
	Electrical, water, sewage and gas systems
	Other key safety systems such as navigation lights, bilge-pumping, fire-fighting and navigational aids
	Other items as appropriate, including canvas, fenders, mooring lines, etc

The survey can take anything from 2-3 hours to a whole day to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the vessel, and the scope of the survey. Classic wooden yachts can take even longer. A fully illustrated report with a clear list of faults and recommendations, suitable for a yard undertaking remedial works, is provided. We aim to despatch the completed report within two days of the inspection.

Sea trials

A sea trial allows a complete evaluation of engines, rig, steering, instruments and vessel performance, under working conditions. Seeing the boat on the water also allows checks on other critical items such as hull valves and stern glands.

A skipper is required - often the owner or the broker - so that the surveyor can concentrate on all the necessary checks.

The sea trial can be carried out in conjunction with a pre-purchase survey, and the results incorporated into the same report.

Structural evaluation

Gives an expert opinion on the structural integrity of the hull - the condition of the construction materials and main structural components. It can quickly uncover serious defects such as decomposing FRP laminate, rot or electro-chemical decay in timber, inadequate strength or stiffness, past accident damage or progressive failure.

Insurance condition survey

Insurance companies periodically ask for a survey - usually every five years - as a check on the vessel's condition and safety. The inspection is as detailed as a pre-purchase survey, but the emphasis is different. With the owner present it is usually somewhat quicker, and can be completed at a very reasonable cost.

As a customer you will receive a fully illustrated report, including all the information the insurer needs. You also get the peace of mind that follows from giving the boat a thorough and independent assessment.

Valuations

A valuation is often called for as part of a pre-purchase survey, especially when borrowing money to finance a purchase. A valuation is nearly always requested as part of an insurance survey.

We will give an opinion on value - normally in a separate letter - based upon available market data and the surveyor's view of the vessel's condition.

MCA code compliance

Small craft (less than 24m long) used for commercial purposes such as training, charter or corporate hospitality must comply with the relevant Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Code of Practice.

Getting a certificate of compliance is straightforward; you need to apply to one of several Certifying Authorities and they will issue a specification based on the code, and appoint a surveyor to inspect the vessel and go through the paperwork with you.

Aegis Yachts works mainly with the Mecal Certifying Authority. You can download the coding application form here, and see the Mecal web site for further information - or contact us and we will guide you through the process.

Tonnage measurement

Owners wishing to Register their vessel in the UK or Jersey will need to have the vessel measured to establish its tonnage. There are many advantages to registration; the main one is that it provides clear proof of ownership.

To apply for registration, you will need to fill in an application form and a declaration of eligibility, and send them off to the UK Ships Register. You can get the forms and more information from the UK Ship Register website.

To get a tonnage certificate, you have to apply to one of the Certifying Authorities. Aegis Yachts is authorised to carry out tonnage measurements and works mainly with Mecal Certifying Authority. You can download the tonnage measurement application form here, and see the Mecal web site for further information - or contact us and we will guide you through the process.

IRC rating

Ruth Kelly is an official measurer for the Royal Ocean Racing Club's IRC rating, covering vessels based at Christchurch, Poole, Wareham, Swanage, Portland and Weymouth.

If you want your boat measured for an endorsed certificate you will need to apply to the Rating Office or you can contact us.

New build supervision

If you have ordered a new boat you might like to consider appointing a surveyor to inspect the vessel during construction. A series of visits to check the hull, machinery, fittings and rig as they are built and installed provides a valuable opportunity to have any issues raised by an independent expert. Visits can be timed to coincide with stage payments if you wish. Finally you may wish to engage us to attend sea trials and final acceptance to ensure that the boat performs as indicated by the builder; this is particularly worthwhile for new models, when production practices are still being refined.

If the vessel is to be coded for commercial use the work can be carried out at the same time, which will save you money.

Reports are made in the form of letters, illustrated as required with photographs. A full set of photographs can be provided on completion to act as a permanent record of the construction, which may enhance resale value.

We always aim to provide feedback to the builder and owner in a way that is helpful to both.

Repairs, refit and restoration

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer accident damage, you may need a surveyor to provide an independent report to your insurer, advise on repairs and to help with obtaining quotes.

We are also pleased to offer a full consultancy service for osmosis treatment, refit and restoration work.

For free advice or to discuss your requirements please telephone 07979 684 362

or you can email

for more information.

Aegis Yachts Ltd is a company limited by shares
Registered at 42 Hinton Wood Avenue, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5AH
Company number 05191396.

Copyright 2004-2008 Aegis Yachts Ltd - all rights reserved
This page last updated 2 April 2008

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