Endeavour Surveyors Ltd

Who we are

Our principal surveyor is Chrissie Davis, and we are based in Gosport. We are well placed for surveys throughout the Solent area, and we can also travel anywhere in the UK and Europe

Chrissie Davis is a graduate member of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors and also has a diploma in Yacht and Small Craft Surveying.

She has Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability.

You can email us, or we can be contacted by phone on 07545 597112

What we do

We take the worry out of buying a boat. A full structural pre-purchase survey will give the prospective buyer a list of faults and problems, but also highlight the better aspects of the boat. The buyer will know exactly what is ahead of them should they buy the boat, and give them confidence in their new boat.

We explain the significance of any problems we identify, and will advise on how the problems might be put right. We can usually give an indication of how something might be put right, and how much it is likely to cost. We will advise if we find a problem that could mean the price could be renegotiated.

A market valuation would be free with a full structural survey, or £75 if done as a standalone job.

More about us ...

We have a fully qualified and very experienced engineer on our team who can give a more in depth engineering report. This would be recommended if any concerns come to light during my inspection. Alternatively, a customer can request the extra engineering report if they want the reassurance. A fee of £60 is paid direct to the engineer for this. A service can be performed at the same time, and all parts and materials fitted would be charged for by the engineer.

A full up the mast rigging inspection can be requested, completed by a fully qualified and experienced rigger. This would cost an extra £100, paid directly to the rigger.

As part of the inspection to be carried out, all standing and running rigging will be inspected by myself on the areas accessible but without climbing the mast.

We have specialised in Wood and GRP sailing yachts. I can undertake steel and aluminium boat surveys, but these would be priced to cover the extra time required for full all-over thickness testing of the metal.

We also survey motor/power boats, but the services of the engineer are compulsory in these surveys, as are a sea trial and an out of the water inspection.

The fee for the pre-purchase and or full structural survey includes the sea trial and viewing the vessel out of the water. The customer will be responsible for arranging and paying for the lift out and pressure wash off. I am happy to survey in the slings.

The customer is responsible for seeking permission from the owner of the boat and the owner of the boatyard for me to enter the yard and boat.

I use non destructive methods of inspection, which means that I will not scrape off antifoul or paint as a matter of course. My instruments can measure through these, but if any readings suggest that there might be a problem, I will seek permission to scrape to look under the coatings.

I would advise that the customer/client ensures that there is power available to test the electrics, pumps and engine starting. The water and fuel systems cannot be tested for leaks if the tanks are empty.

Terms and Conditions

The survey will be presented in the format of a factual report of the inspection carried out on the day, the opinions expressed will be given in good faith as to the condition of the vessel as seen at the time. It implies no guarantee or safeguard against latent defect, subsequent defects or defects not discovered at the time of the survey in areas not accessible, ie under tanks and other fixtures and other unexposed areas where access is impossible.

The report will be produced exclusively for the instructing client and has no extended warranty or liability if disposed of to a third party for any purpose. Copyright is retained by the Surveyor.

Limitations

Mechanical condition of the engine does not form part of the survey unless you have requested the services of our engineer. Without the engineer, the installation and general condition of hoses, beds, feet, oil, water and belts are inspected and commented on. The engine will be started if possible; this will not infer that the power output you would require is available.

If there are concerns or indications that a more in depth examination is required, then I will make that recommendation, we employ a trusted mechanical engineer with over thirty years of experience, who is available at an extra £60 or you might wish to employ your own.

Safety equipment, navigational equipment, electrical installation and domestic appliances are assessed only visually, and unless stated, not electronically tested or guaranteed free from defect. (This means that I will not be able to tell you if the depth meter is set correctly, distances are measured accurately, GPS and radio signals are strongly received). A sea trial gives a better indication.

Pumps and systems may not be tested if there are limitations due to being ashore, or having empty tanks and/or discharge systems, but wherever possible will be run. It is the customers responsibility to ensure that there is power available and water in the tanks if he wishes them to be tested. Flushing of toilets is difficult ashore.

Light tap testing and moisture meter readings will be taken using the Tramex Skipper, to identify possible layup problems, moisture content, voids and de-lamination.

A wide range of supporting photographs will be taken, and a selection used in the written report, the complete file will be available on the CD.

There are areas of any boat which are inaccessible, areas of internal hull behind tanks or fitted furniture, and under floorboards, behind head linings and carpeting. I am only able to gain access where practical, but will remove panels which are screwed down, provided I can remove and replace them without damage to the boat, and I have the owner’s permission in writing to do so. I also use an endoscopic camera.

Sails and Rigging

Sails can be very difficult to examine in the small confines of a sail locker, If they can be laid out or hoisted for examination, I will examine them.

Rigging is best examined with the mast down, but this usually entails considerable expenditure. I will carry out an inspection on the areas of rigging which I can reach from deck height, along with a visual inspection with binoculars. Should I note any areas of concern, I will recommend a full inspection by a rigger.

Should a sea trial be required, this should be agreed with the owner in advance, a crew would be required as under the terms of my insurance I am not allowed to take an active part in the handling of the boat except in an emergency.

To examine the electrical system and equipment there needs to be an adequate power supply and this needs to be confirmed with the owner in advance.

The report will be available in paper format and CD which gives a better view of the photographs, and supplied within 7 days of the survey.

Terms

The fee for a pre-purchase survey will be £10 per linear foot to be paid prior to delivery of the completed report.

You are very welcome to join me for the inspection, and I am always available to answer questions or clarify points.

Our Prices

Our fees are very competitive and for standard surveys and inspections are based on the length of the vessel. We are not VAT registered.

If travel costs are to be charged, they are estimated using the RAC route planner, and flight and ferry published prices, then an itemised receipt given with the actual costs incurred. Mileage is charged at 20p per mile.

Travel is only charged for visits made outside Hampshire, and for the Isle of Wight, where ferry costs will need to be charged.

Insurance Survey/Pre Purchase Survey/Full Structural condition --- £10 per foot

These reports include a general check of the engine and rigging (see terms and conditions page).

An additional engine inspection from our engineer --- £60    (Paid direct to engineer).

Full rigging Inspection by a qualified rigger --- £100    (Paid direct to rigger).

Independent marine electrical engineers report --- POA

Surveys available

I am often asked if I do 'Insurance Surveys', because the customer has been told that they need a survey in order to get insurance cover. The boat owner may have heard that a survey is very expensive, but that they can get an 'Insurance Survey' which is a lot cheaper.

The Insurance Companies want to be reassured that the boat is worth the insurance cover placed on it. Just being structurally sound is not an indicator of worth, since there is a difference of many thousands of pounds between a structurally sound boat and a well kept and well maintained boat.

My Insurance Survey inspections cover everything that my Pre-Purchase or Full Structural Inspections cover, because as a surveyor I am ethically bound on to report all the problems seen.

When you submit your survey to the insurance company they will ask you to carry out any repairs, replacements or further investigations that I have recommended for the structural integrity or safety of the vessel. They will probably give you a time scale, and ask you to confirm in writing that you have completed the work. Very rarely they may ask you for a surveyors confirmation that the work is done to standard, and I am happy to revisit and give a written confirmation, subject to a small charge subject to our hourly rate.

In the event of a claim, if the insurance company suspects any level of poor maintenance to the boat they will reduce their payout, or refute it altogether, a full survey will show the condition of the boat, and all the ancillary items, and help you with your claim.

It is important to keep a maintenance record that shows the care you put into your boat. Record the dates of every engine service, but go further: record the dates you checked the water and oil levels, filters, impellers, belts, strainers fuel lines etc. When you do your checks of the rigging, of tight pins in shackles, chafe in lines, cracks or damage to any component, write down and date that you have done these checks. This will not only help demonstrate your care of the boat but will serve to remind you when the checks might be due again. Also include details of any maintenance you have done. You can record all the information in your log book, or in a separate Maintenance Logbook, the nautical publishers do some nice ones. An exercise book will do equally well.

 

I will only make recommendations for further investigations if I come across anything that I am unable to examine fully during the inspection and which is showing signs of a problem. Keel bolts are a prime example. If there is no history of recent inspection or replacement, and signs of weeping from the joint of water or rust, I might suggest that at least one bolt is drawn out to be inspected. I do appreciate that this can be expensive, but this can prevent a much greater expense than if a problem were to go undiscovered.

Delivery Inspection

Delivery Inspection of a new boat takes place prior to accepting the boat from the manufacturer or dealer. It is similar to a Pre-Purchase Survey but also checks whether the boat has been completed in accordance with the specifications agreed on at the time of ordering. It will include a list of items that require attention before the owner takes delivery and recommendations for equipping the boat safely for its intended use.

It is unfortunately a fact that many brand new boats can be delivered with substantial defects. I have seen boats delivered which have had damaged topsides or had needed repairs made to cracks in the deck.

Pre Purchase Survey

When you buy a boat, you need to know as much as possible about its condition before you complete the deal. Is the boat structurally sound and safe? Is the machinery and equipment on board in good working condition? Is the boat a good value for the money? Often the findings of a survey may lead to re-negotiations on price. Your surveyor will also advise on suitability for purpose and value for money.

A Pre-Purchase Survey will give you confidence in the boat you are buying. They are comprehensive inspections covering structural integrity, safety, condition of machinery and equipment, as well as overall maintenance and cosmetic appearance. They can also be used for your insurance application.

The survey of a typical boat might take a full day, depending on the size and defects discovered. You are welcome to attend the survey and discuss the findings.

The report will normally be completed within seven days of the inspection and be provided in both electronic and paper formats. The report will also include a summary of the findings and a list of recommendations. Moisture meter readings are part of the survey for GRP and wooden vessels.

 

Engine Section of Survey

This is not an engineer’s report with compression tests, etc, but a visual inspection of the engine, engine room and engine related equipment. No dismantling of machinery takes place. Oil water coolant and belts are checked.

Engineers Report

A full engine survey would require the services of a qualified marine engineer, which we can provide as an extra.