The Process of Your Survey

The process covered here is for a pre-purchase survey to give you a flavour of how we work. The details of other survey types may vary, but the principles and values expressed hold for all types of survey.

“With upfront clarity about the level of service and no hidden costs, Maple Marine carried out an excellent, well documented survey that left me in no doubt as to the quality of the vessel I was going to purchase. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them or use their services again in the future.”

Before the survey happens

The first stage of the survey process involves putting together an agreement for undertaking the survey. Our yacht surveyors use the Yacht Designers and Surveyor Standard Agreement and Terms of Business as the basis for our agreements with our clients. If you want us to send you a copy of the agreement we use, then please get in touch.

If the timescales are not too short, this agreement and your invoice will be sent to you in plenty of time before the survey so you have the time to familiarise yourself with the terms. These documents will normally be emailed to you so you have them quickly.

Before we go to survey the boat we will ask for some particular information in order to tailor the presentation of your survey to what you need. For example, we will ask where you intend to keep the boat, and how you intend to use it, so that we can tailor the recommendations for the location and they way you will be using the boat. Some items, like the material used for anodes will result from this information, as well as as helping assess the consequences of some defects.

On the day

You are welcome to attend as much or as little of the survey as you wish. In practice it is not very exiting to watch all the mechanics of a pre-purchase survey, but you are welcome to do so if you so desire. Be aware that I have a lot to get through, and do need to concentrate on what I am doing when I am at the boat.

Often the most interesting part is the out of water part, and is the bit of the boat that is rarely seen. Most of the clients who turn up to surveys come for the out of water part and a short period with the boat in the water to discuss the important issues so far.

I will let you know what time I intend to get to the boat, and what time I am expecting to be finished. That way you can plan if and when you want to get to the marina when I am there.

However, if your business or personal commitments prevent you form attending, don’t worry, it’s completely optional.

The reporting phase

When I know what my schedule is likely to be around your survey, I will let you know when I am expecting to be able to write your report. This is often done the day following the survey.

If for any reason I find I cannot deliver it when I thought I was going to then I will let you know as soon as I can.

The report usually takes as least as long to write as the survey takes to do.

Once written, and proof-read, I will call you to go through the findings, the recommendations and what they all mean in practice, so that you have an understanding of the issues and the reasoning behind the recommendations before you get the report. There are less shocks that way! Obviously if you are out of the country when the report is finished and you don’t want me to call, that is understood.

Once we have gone through the recommendations and you are satisfied that you understand them, the report is sent by email.