Now we get down to business:
You have a boat or want to buy one, but you're not sure whether it's technically sound? A survey helps!
Technical inspection of your boat: together, safely to a purchase or sale!
Have you set your sights on a boat and want to make sure it's in flawless technical condition? To protect your investment and avoid nasty surprises, it makes sense to bring in an experienced surveyor.
Emotions in focus: what you should watch out for!
When you picture your potential future boat, plenty of emotions come into play – from dreams and desires to doubts. In the excitement, defects are often "wished away" or costs misjudged. I help you assess things neutrally and make the right choice.
Moisture metering on the boat
I work non-destructively in my surveys: using the Skipper Moisture Meter I measure the moisture content in GRP laminates and timber structures without damaging the surface. This makes it possible to detect even hidden moisture zones in the laminate or beneath paint and antifouling layers.
Moisture metering is a decisive step in assessing the true condition of a boat. Elevated readings can indicate the onset of osmosis – i.e. water absorbed into the hull, which over the long term can lead to blistering and material damage.
Thermography – thermal imaging in action
Some damage on a boat is barely visible to the naked eye. For that I use thermography. With my thermal imaging camera I make temperature differences on surfaces visible – contact-free and without dismantling anything.
Thermal imaging helps me track down hidden defects and moisture accumulations in the laminate that may point to osmosis or structural weaknesses. Overheated electrical components or engine parts also stand out in the thermal image.
Oil analysis
Optionally, I take a sample from the engine or generator and have it analysed by a testing laboratory. The result allows conclusions about the condition of the machinery and can reveal problems that are just beginning to develop.
The private survey report
My private survey report is the clear, comprehensible result of the inspection. I assess the technical condition of your boat neutrally and in plain language – with concrete recommendations so you can make confident decisions.
What is it suitable for?
- Buying/selling: a sound basis for decisions instead of gut feeling
- Insurance/damage: documented defects and root-cause analysis
- Value & condition: current/market value taking the actual condition into account
How do I proceed?
- Visual inspection & function check of hull, deck, rig/railing, drive, electrics and safety-relevant systems
- Measurement methods: moisture metering with the Skipper 5 Moisture Meter and thermography of the electrical system as standard
- Document check (year of build, serial numbers, maintenance/repair records, equipment)
- Optional by arrangement: sea trial, underwater check on the crane/slip, oil or coolant analysis
What's in the report?
- Defect list with prioritisation: safety/seaworthiness ▸ value retention ▸ comfort
- Recommendations on measures (short/medium term) – on request with a rough cost estimate
- Valuation (current/market value) based on condition, age, market environment and equipment
- Photo documentation incl. marked detail photos, measured values and – where relevant – thermal images
Format & handover: You receive the survey report as a digitally signed PDF. The structure is clearly organised so you can quickly pass the content on to brokers, sellers, yards or insurers.
