What are the Key Elements Inspected During a Hull Survey?
A hull survey, conducted by a marine surveyor, is an important part of the process of keeping your boat in good working condition. A hull surveyor will inspect all aspects of your vessel’s structure and condition to make sure it meets safety standards for continued operation. Sun Coast Marine Surveyor provides reliable, professional marine surveying services in St. Augustine, Florida, and surrounding areas.
The main elements inspected during a hull survey by a marine surveyor St. Augustine include:
1. Hull Structure: The surveyor will check the hull material, construction methods, and soundness of the underwater portion of the boat. This inspection includes checking any fastenings, fittings, welding seams, plating thickness, and bilge systems below the waterline.
2. Electrical Systems: The electrical system includes wiring, instruments, navigation lights, switches, batteries, and other components on board the vessel. A marine surveyor St. Augustine will inspect to ensure all equipment functions appropriately and safely.
3. Deck Equipment and Fittings: On deck the surveyor will inspect stanchions and handrails, hatches and doors, cleats and fairleads, skylights, guard rails, and any other above-deck equipment or fixtures.
4. Steering and Propulsion Systems: All steering and propulsion systems should be checked thoroughly to ensure their functionality and that there are no safety risks associated with their use. The surveyor will also pay attention to engine issues such as fuel lines, exhaust systems, filters, hoses, belts and fasteners.
5. Safety Equipment: Lastly, the marine surveyor St. Augustine will check that safety equipment onboard is adequate and certified for coastal navigation. This includes personal flotation devices, navigational lighting systems, emergency distress signals, fire extinguishers, and storm precautions.
For vessels over 24 meters in length (79 feet) there should be additional inspections conducted regarding the vessel’s stability, hazardous materials, and life-saving appliances. In most cases this requires specialized knowledge on behalf of the surveyor. Sun Coast Marine Surveyor is experienced in conducting these types of surveys to help you assess your boat’s seaworthiness.
Hull surveys provide invaluable information for vessel owners when it comes to safe boating operations. By engaging the services of a professional marine surveyor St. Augustine like Sun Coast Marine Surveyor you can be confident that your vessel is up to code and safe to operate offshore and inshore alike.r
