How Does an Authorized Boat Inspection Work?

 

My inspection process follows the official B.B.R. standard protocol wherever possible to ensure a thorough and consistent evaluation.

Limitations for Boats in Winter Storage: If a boat is stored on land and covered by a tarp, opportunities to inspect the deck, freeboard, and other covered areas are limited. In some cases, it may be necessary to perform spot-scraping of the antifouling paint to inspect the hull beneath. If the boat is scheduled to be launched soon, having matching bottom paint available is recommended to touch up these spots.

The Inspection Process: Step-by-Step

1. On-Site Data Collection: The inspection begins by documenting the boat's data, history, ownership, and other essential details.

2. Hull and Deck Inspection: Moisture meter readings of the hull and deck are taken first, along with a complete bottom inspection. Please note: For an accurate moisture reading, the boat must have been out of the water for at least three days.

3. Sea Trial & Systems Check: After the initial hull inspection, the boat can be launched. The remainder of the inspection, including system checks, is performed in the water.

4. Engine Performance Test: A sea trial is crucial for assessing the engine's condition and performance under load. This part of the inspection cannot be performed if the boat is on land during the winter.

5. Documentation: Throughout the inspection, I take detailed notes, photographs, and gather all necessary information. If you are present, we can have a verbal consultation to review the findings, discuss necessary actions, and provide recommendations.

6. Final Report: You will typically receive the complete written inspection report within one week.

What Does the Inspection Report Include?

The final report provides a detailed assessment of the following areas, with each item rated on a clear 0-3 scale:

• Bottom & Exterior Hull: Condition, paint, and structural integrity.

• Deck & Exterior Equipment: Fittings, hardware, and overall condition.

• Interior & Furnishings: Cabins, upholstery, and internal structures.

• Electrical & Navigation Systems: A functional check of installations and instruments.

• Safety Equipment: Verification of required safety gear.

• Engine & Installation: A visual inspection of the engine and its components.

• Sea Trial & Performance Checks: Results from the on-water testing.

• Rigging (Sailboats): A visual assessment of the mast, sails, and rigging.

 

Why You Should Inspect a Boat Before Buying

 

(As recommended by the Swedish Transport Agency)

Before you purchase a boat, especially a larger or more expensive one, hiring an expert for a pre-purchase inspection is a wise investment.

A professional boat inspector (or marine surveyor) has extensive experience in boat manufacturing, repair, and operation. The surveyor’s job is to thoroughly document the boat's condition at the time of sale. Any defects or potential issues are noted in a formal inspection report. The inspector should also be knowledgeable about CE marking regulations and be able to identify if a boat's certification is clearly incorrect.

If the inspection report highlights any issues, it can be used to estimate repair costs to bring the boat to a seaworthy condition. This information protects both the buyer and the seller from unexpected and often expensive future problems. The cost of an inspection can pay for itself many times over.

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Welcome to Stephan Birke Marine Surveys for reliable and expert boat inspections!

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Mail: Birke@boatsurvey.eu

Site under construction, for more information please visit our Swedish page
Batbesiktning.eu

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