List of Survey Categories and Items
This list could probably be expanded indefinitely, but is representative of the extent of what’s encountered in a typical survey.
It’s a good reminder that on any survey there is always more there than first meets the eye.
Hull, interior and exterior
- Bulkheads, stringers, frames
- Deck joint
- Decks, superstructure
- Windows, ports, doors, hatches
- Engine beds
- Bilge water communication
- Fittings, attachments & hardware
- Paint, gelcoat finish
Propulsion
Main engines
- Mounts
- Starters, solenoids, cables
- Ventilation/aspiration
- Controls
- Wiring
- Cooling systems
- Instrumentation warning systems
- Shafting
- Stuffing box
Specialty Diagnostics
- Oil analysis
- Compression Test
- Borescope
- Exhaust back pressure test
Exhaust system
- Turbochargers & cooling
- Risers & back surge protection
- Mufflers, piping, & connections
- Exhaust ports, location & height
- Carbon monoxide hazards
- Fire hazards
- High temperature alarms
Performance Evaluation
- Load/no load RPM’s
- Back down test
- Single engine load test
- Control cable function
- Vibration/noise levels
Performance/Handling
- Basic stability
- Stability at speed
- Handling characteristics, steering
Backing, docking, at speed - Trim tab operation
Engine Room
- Accessibility
- Lighting
- Ventilation
- Fire control
- Used oil systems & tanks
Fuel Systems
- Tankage
- Fuel fills & deck plates
- Supply & return systems
- Fuel transfer systems & pumps
- Fuel filtration
- Ventilation for gasoline systems
Generator/electric plant
Basic condition
- Exhaust system
- Cooling system
- Belts, hoses, wiring
- Primary circuit protection
Specific condition/diagnostics
- Vibration/ noise levels
- Warning systems
- Hi-lo, oil pressure shut downs
- Full load test
- Voltage output
Drive Train
- Shafts, couplings
- Propellers
- Struts, mount bolts, bearings
- Stuffing box
- Transmissions
Electrical Systems
- DC Systems
Batteries, condition & performance - Primary circuit protection
- Secondary circuit protection
- Wiring
- System layout & standards
- Engine alternators & battery chargers
AC Electrical systems
- Primary & branch circuits & panels
- Primary circuit protection
- Secondary circuit protection
- System layout and standards
- Wiring
- Polarity check
- Voltage load tests
- Check shore receptacles
- Power plant system operation
Plumbing Systems
Sea water systems
- Engine cooling systems
- Air conditioning cooling
- Sea cocks, hoses, clamps & bonding
- Thru-hull discharge fittings
- Heads, holding tanks & associated pumps
- Gray & brown water discharge systems
- Wash down systems
- Bait wells & systems
Fresh water systems
- Potable water systems
- Water tanks
- Pumps & plumbing
- Shower sumps, sink drains
- Water makers
- Dockside plumbing
Heating & cooling
- Air conditioning systems
- Heating
Bilge Pumping
- Pumps, number & capacity
- Pump operation test
- Bilge alarms
- Hoses & discharge fittings
- Wiring & switching
Appliances
- Refrigerators & freezers
- Icemakers
- Stoves, electric, gas & microwave
- Dishwashers, compactors, disposers
- Bar refrigerators & equipment
- Engine driven refrigeration equipment
- Clothes washers & dryers
- Central vacuum systems
Electronics
- Televisions, stereos, VCR’s, CD players, etc.
- Radios, communication equipment
VHF, HF, cell & sat phones - Radar
- Loran, GPS
- Computerized plotters, chart systems
- Sonar, speed & depth meters
- Wind instruments
- Stabilizers
- Fax machines & weather fax
- Shipboard computers
- Autopilots & navigation interfaces
- Synchronizers
Fishing Gear
- Outriggers
- Downriggers
- Fighting chairs
- Bait & tackle centers, freezers, bait wells & pumps
- Tuna & Marlin Towers
Safety
- Life rafts
- EPIRBS, signalling devices
- Fire control
Automatic systems
Portable fire extinguisher
- End of Chapter One -
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