Typical Areas Included in an Insurance Survey

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•   HIN / CIN, builder’s plate, RCD/RCR compliance, CE category (if applicable)
• Registration documents, tonnage (if applicable)
• Ownership proof, previous survey reports (if available)
• Insurance history & incident declarations
• Verification of modifications / refits vs. manufacturer’s spec

  Fibreglass (GRP) hulls

• Osmosis moisture screening (non-destructive)
• Gelcoat condition, blistering, delamination indicators
• Internal structure: floors, frames, bulkhead bonds
• Keel matrix, grounding evidence

Steel hulls

• Ultrasonic thickness measurements (UTM) – spot checks
• Corrosion: pitting, wastage, coating condition
• Structural continuity of frames, stringers, weld seams

Aluminium hulls

• Pitting corrosion, filiform corrosion
• Evidence of galvanic interaction, anode condition
• Weld line inspection for cracking

Timber hulls

• Fastenings inspection, moisture content
• Plank seams, frame heels, stem, sternpost condition

Appendages (all craft)

• Keel bolts (sail), keel bonding, grounding damage
• Rudder: stock, bearings, seals, delam/void checks
• Stern gear: shafts, struts, bearings, glands, props
• Trim tabs, stabilisers (motor yachts)

•   Deck core moisture/soft spots (GRP)
• Cracks, crazing, stress indications
• Chainplates, chainplate knees (sail)
• Windows, hatches, portlights, windscreens
• Pulpits, stanchions, guardrails, bases & mountings
• Cockpit  structure, lockers, gas locker integrity

 Main engines

• External condition, mounts, alignment
• Heat exchanger, raw water circuit, exhaust elbow survey
• Oil leaks, fuel leaks, bilge contamination
• Engine hours & service history review (documentation)
• Cold start observation (if allowed by insurer)

Drive systems

• Gearboxes, stern drives, saildrives
• Bellows, seals, corrosion, oil condition (dipstick checks)

Generators & auxiliary engines

• Condition check, installation, exhaust, ventilation

•   Tanks: material, installation, corrosion, venting, access
• Fuel lines: ABYC/ISO hose suitability, date codes
• Filters, water separators, shut-offs
• Evidence of microbial contamination (if observable)

•  Battery banks: age, securing, ventilation, cabling
• Charging systems, alternators, shore-power
• AC/DC panel integrity
• Bonding/earthing system (continuity visual checks)
• Overall compliance with ABYC/ISO wiring practice
• Inverters, DC-DC chargers, solar/wind inputs

•   Gas locker structure, drains, overboard path
• Regulator, pigtails, age/date, leak checks (non-intrusive)
• Isolation valves, hose condition, appliance flame condition

•   Fresh-water pumps, tanks, hoses
• Bilge pumps (manual & electric), float switches
• Grey/black water tanks
• Heads: seacocks, hoses, anti-siphon loops

•  Material verification (DZR brass, bronze, composite)
• Corrosion, seizure, hose clamps
• Backing pads and structural support

•  Mechanical: cables, pulleys, connections
• Hydraulic: ram, seals, fluid level
• Emergency steering arrangements

•   Standing rigging: age, type, terminals, cracks
• Mast step, partners, chainplates, deck compression signs
• Running rigging overview
• Sails: condition overview (not a loft inspection)

• Mast/boom      welds (aluminium spars)

•   Plotter, radar, AIS, VHF/DSC
• Autopilot, depth, wind instruments
• Navigation lights (COLREGS compliance)
• Compass condition & deviation card presence

•   Lifejackets, harness points
• Liferaft (service date), EPIRB/PLB (battery/service)
• Fire extinguishers (expiry/pressure)
• Fire blanket, smoke/CO detectors
• Flares  (expiry)
• Bilge pumping arrangements
• MOB recovery equipment

•  Anchor(s), chain & rode (wear, corrosion, sizing)
• Windlass installation & electrical condition
• Deck hardware: winches, cleats, fairleads
• Davits, cranes, passerelles (if installed)

•   General structural access inspection
• Signs of water ingress, leaks, mould
• Bulkhead tabbing, structural liners
• Gas & CO detector placement
• Cabin sole, joinery, fixed furniture integrity

 Engine starting, vibration, WOT RPM

• Steering response, autopilot
• Bilge activity
• Underway electronics behaviour
• Propulsion loads & temperatures

•  Market valuation summary for underwriting
• Replacement cost assessment
• Condition rating 
• Any “critical defects” affecting insurability