Tips on preparing a boat for survey from the sellers perspective

[Bambooboat]

Oh wise forum, time on our sabbatical has flow by and where I was once reading up on how to best buy a boat, I now sit in the sellers seat. I'm going to give the "sell by owner" a go. It appears I have serious interest from a prospective buyer so I am expecting a deposit and then that a survey/sea trial will be arranged.
So, from the perspective of an honest and straightforward seller, I wish to prepare the boat as best I can both for viewing and for the survey itself. Of course I will clean and deep clean and clean some more. But beyond that, and specifically for the interest of the survey, where should I focus my efforts for best effect? I cannot change the boat, but there might be some items that are of more importance to fix, update, polish up?
Your thoughts and opinions are highly appreciated!

[slug]

Originally Posted by Bambooboat

Oh wise forum, time on our sabbatical has flow by and where I was once reading up on how to best buy a boat, I now sit in the sellers seat. I'm going to give the "sell by owner" a go. It appears I have serious interest from a prospective buyer so I am expecting a deposit and then that a survey/sea trial will be arranged.
So, from the perspective of an honest and straightforward seller, I wish to prepare the boat as best I can both for viewing and for the survey itself. Of course I will clean and deep clean and clean some more. But beyond that, and specifically for the interest of the survey, where should I focus my efforts for best effect? I cannot change the boat, but there might be some items that are of more importance to fix, update, polish up?
Your thoughts and opinions are highly appreciated!

Organize all ships documents.. electrical , plumbing ....and equipment manuals

You fail survey if they are not onboard


“ All RCD compliant craft must be supplied with an Owner’s Manual. The Owner’s Manual must provide all the information necessary for safe use of the product drawing particular attention to set up, maintenance, regular operation, prevention of risks and risk management.“

[GreenWave]

Make sure all electrical and plumbing connections are to code and spec. Check clamps, harnesses, wiring, etc. write down all procedures for engine start, generator start, shore power transitions etc. where they apply. Besides from this showing the prospective owner how they will manage these steps, it also makes sure the surveyor doesn’t screw something up. I speak from recent buying experience.

[smj]

Make the boat as empty, clean and presentable as possible.

[tomfl]

Need signs in the engine room saying don't dump oil over board; same thing in galley, signs saying don't throw trash overboard.

[SVHarmonie]

Both for the surveyor and the potential buyer, the basic rule is:

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

If you are working with a good broker (there are a few...) he/she will be a big help by looking at the boat from a fresh perspective. Those things that you don't notice anymore can be a big deal.

Neat. Clean. Organized. Ready to sail.

You really don't want to give the surveyor a reason to open EVERY locker looking for issues

I can't tell you the number of boats I have seen for sale that look like some 10 year old boy's bedroom.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by slug

Organize all ships documents.. electrical , plumbing ....and equipment manuals

You fail survey if they are not onboard


“ All RCD compliant craft must be supplied with an Owner’s Manual. The Owner’s Manual must provide all the information necessary for safe use of the product drawing particular attention to set up, maintenance, regular operation, prevention of risks and risk management.“

is the OP in the UK ?

[Steel sails]

Don’t think anyone in USVI gives a rats arse about RCD.
As suggested else where empty everything you can from the lockers and clean them. Rent a small trailer to put your stuff in if need be
Regards
Paul

[Stu Jackson]

Bamboo, ask yourself what YOU'D like to see when you visit a boat you've never seen before.


Good luck.

[mikedefieslife]

Originally Posted by slug

Organize all ships documents.. electrical , plumbing ....and equipment manuals



You fail survey if they are not onboard





“ All RCD compliant craft must be supplied with an Owner’s Manual. The Owner’s Manual must provide all the information necessary for safe use of the product drawing particular attention to set up, maintenance, regular operation, prevention of risks and risk management.“

Is there even such a thing as a “failed” survey. The findings of a survey might or might be acceptable to the potential owner but can’t imagine there is a pass fail.

Also, ships documents is a very loose term especially for older boats the old document might be the bill of sale and registration.

The biggest thing would be to make sure everything works. If it doesn’t then remove it.

Originally Posted by tomfl

Need signs in the engine room saying don't dump oil over board; same thing in galley, signs saying don't throw trash overboard.

Why? Are people too stupid to realise they shouldn't so that? I guess it's a bit like those signs they have in car mirrors in some countries.

[slug]

Originally Posted by mikedefieslife

Is there even such a thing as a “failed” survey. The findings of a survey might or might be acceptable to the potential owner but can’t imagine there is a pass fail.

Also, ships documents is a very loose term especially for older boats the old document might be the bill of sale and registration.

The biggest thing would be to make sure everything works. If it doesn’t then remove it.



Why? Are people too stupid to realise they shouldn't so that? I guess it's a bit like those signs they have in car mirrors in some countries.

A survey educates the buyer

Any defect gives the buyer bargaining power

A yacht without ships documents is compromised

The older the vessel, the more valuable ships documents become

[slug]

and Concerning MARPOL compliance , you are poorly educated

It’s the law ...you fail survey

http://www.safeguardmarine.com/image...ement_plan.pdf

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by slug

and Concerning MARPOL compliance , you are poorly educated

It’s the law ...you fail survey

http://www.safeguardmarine.com/image...ement_plan.pdf

Which country do you fail a survey?

[Kalinka1]

Think that might only apply in the US. Not applicable in Canada or anywhere else that I know of. Fail Survey just means it's an out for the buyer. Or for getting Insurance.

[Cheechako]

My tip is : Leave a couple easy things for the surveyor to find. They have to find something! If you are double clamped, take one off a couple of places.... leave out of date fire extinguishers, etc