Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA
Serving Georgia, North Florida & Surrounding States

W. Frank Barron, SAMS® SA
Principal Marine Surveyor

• Pre-Purchase
  
• Insurance
  
• Condition & Valuation
  
• Damage
  
  

• The hull is inspected for distortions or unfairness, evidence of grounding, other damage or repair. The fiberglass laminate is percussion sounded and moisture meter tested if conditions are favorable.
• Interior structural elements of the hull are visually inspected (where possible without removal of fixed cabinetry) for soundness and security.
• The hull to deck joint is inspected (again, where visible) for soundness and security. The deck is inspected generally by using a percussion hammer to find possible deck core delamination. Moisture meter readings are also used where appropriate.
• Through hull fittings are examined for corrosion and operability. Depth and speed transducers, drain plugs, ground plates, trim tabs etc. are all inspected. Propellers, shafts, struts and cutlass bearings are all inspected visually for basic alignment condition.
• Rudders, rudder supports and bearings inspected for structural soundness.
• Deck hardware inspected for mounting security. This includes anchoring gear, mooring gear, and bow and grabs rails, deck fittings, windows and portholes, hatches etc.
• Canvas work and enclosures are inspected.
• All systems are turned on and operated where possible. Systems usually include: navigation lights, horns, navigation electronics, spotlights, windlass, fresh water system, wash down system, sanitation system, air conditioning system, galley appliances, fans, lights, vents, bilge pumps, entertainment systems etc. Helm equipment inspected.
• Electrical system is observed for proper installation and operation of all breakers and switches. Battery voltage at rest and with charge appliances on is usually checked. Generators are loaded to observe their performance and sizing to the vessel's loads.
• Engine (including generator) inspection includes: installation, mounts and beds, hoses, control connections, fuel system, cooling and exhaust system, bilge ventilation system, transmission and shaft connection. Oil analysis can be done, however, unless the number of hours on the oil in the engine is known, the analysis report is generally meaningless. Generally a series of reports over a time period are needed to evaluate a potential trend.
• A sea trial may be included as part of the survey. This usually involves the following: The engines are brought up to temperature and then run through their power range to full rpm. Rpm is noted against speed. Rpm is observed on the vessel's instruments only. Temperature and voltage on the vessel's instruments are compared against volt meter readings taken at the battery. The engine is observed while operating to assess any movement or problems with the mounts and beds and/or any potential leaks. Transmission is shifted into all positions and performance observed. Propeller shaft is checked under load to assess potential shaft vibration due to alignment or bearing problems and stuffing box performance.
• Sailing vessels inspection include: mast, rigging, winches and sail handling gear. If the mast is deck stepped, inspection is limited to observations from the deck. If the mast is stepped on the keel inspection may be limited. The mast step is inspected for soundness, security, corrosion and the support structure is inspected. If the mast is down, the mast head and spreader fittings are inspected. Bagged sails can be spread to inspect for wear, chafe or damage if a clean and dry area is available. Sails on roller furling units or on main booms cannot be safely unfurled at dock side or with the vessel hauled, but may be unfurled with the vessel on a mooring or underway on a sea trial if conditions permit.
  
  The ballast keel is inspected for fairness and tightness to the hull. The keel bolts are visually inspected only where the heads are visible in the bilge (not physically possible elsewhere without removal of the keel). Hull support structure for the keel is inspected for cracking, movement, or damage where access is possible.
  
  

Wooden vessels usually have more problems, therefore more involved than fiberglass; however, the general process is the same. Every accessible structural component of a wood hull is visually inspected and percussion sounded for wood quality. Fastenings may be pulled, but only with the owner's permission. Wooden boats require a more in depth survey due to a greater range of conditions and problems than fiberglass boats. Contact us directly for comments and advice if you are considering a wooden vessel.

Yacht Delivery - Power and Sail

Both Frank and Lynne have extensive experience up and down the U.S. coastal waterways, B.V.I and Bahamas areas. Frank is an experienced navigator. His wife, Lynne is quite a handy-man and can prepare a vessel for most voyages.

Frank is a U.S.C.G. 100 Gr. Ton Master with Sail and Tow endorsements. Lynne is a U.S.C.G. Captain O.U.P.V.

They are very conscientious and careful with owner's property, especially a valuable asset - their boat! They pride themselves in prompt, trustworthy care - a clean, safe and well informed delivery process.

Canvass Repair

While this is a new direction taken by Lynne & Frank, repairs and adaptations are a growing skill. Ask us about a new project.

Go To Main Page.