Full Condition Survey

Is designed to establish the condition of the vessel through thorough and comprehensive inspection of every aspects: design, functionality, construction, maintenance and safety. All features of the vessel are examined and condition reported upon. This is a detailed report.

The report is intended to help owners and potential purchasers to understand the craft fully and impart  knowledge of functionality.

It is presented in a language and style that can be easily understood.

Report length ~ 20 pages with photographs, description, drawings, observations and advisory recommendations.

Partial Survey

Is a thorough examination of specific areas outlined by clients. The surveyor may make observations of other aspects of the vessel which will directly or indirectly affect the area of interest and this will be shared in reporting. The report will be shorter and detail those specific areas of interest.

The same level of care and attention is given to this report as to the Full Condition Pre-purchase report with the aim to provide a concise summary of findings in a readable format.

Report length will vary ~ it will contain photographs drawings and detailed description with accompanying advisory recommendations.

Insurance Survey

The surveyor may be asked to devise a repair schedule and to oversee the repair. The report will be specific and detailed to those particular areas set out by the underwriters.

It is common for older vessels to require a regular insurance survey - for example every 3 to 5 years. This is specific to the underwriter to comply with the conditions of their insurance policy.

Report length will vary ~ it will follow the scope of the pre-purchase survey with exceptions outlined by the underwriter.

Other Surveys

Repair Specification and Inspection, Valuation, British Registration and Tonnage Measurement surveys are also undertaken.

Reports are tailored and compiled in accordance with the needs of clients.

Clients engage Open Waters Surveys Limited to liaise with boat yards, brokers, government departments and accrediting bodies to provide appropriate information. 

Reports and documents vary.

Finding a boat to fit a purchasers requirements can be difficult but with some help from Open Waters the process can be made much easier.

Contact Tony and he will listen to your requirements and advise accordingly. 

The purchaser interested in purchasing a vessel will make an offer on a vessel subject to survey and will pay a deposit to the broker. This is known as the 'Contract to Purchase'.

The purchaser selects and instructs Open Waters to carry out a survey on the vessel.

This is termed the 'Contract to Survey'.  Specific requirements with the  purchaser will be discussed.

A written quote will be given which will include any additional travel expenses.

If satisfied with the quote  a Survey Contract will be emailed. The purchaser will also receive a copy of our standard Terms and Conditions. 

We ask purchasers to pay for the survey in full prior to the survey.

Further, the purchaser will be responsible for paying the additional costs incurred by the boatyard for lifting the boat out of the water and/or pressure washing off the hull before my inspection. 

For a thoroughly inspection of the hull to be performed it is highly recommended that the hull be pressure washed off to remove any marine growth.

We will carry out a detailed examination of the vessel as it is presented.  

The inspection process is helped by the removal or unfixing of sole boards, the opening of locked areas and the removal of covers. The owner or Broker should help.