As the name suggests, this is the most detailed of surveys. Its report forms part of the negotiation process in any yacht sale.
It will also satisfy the requirements of most insurance and finance companies as well.
With the vessel out of the water and having had sufficient time for the hull to dry properly, the vessel is thoroughly inspected in all areas where access is possible. On sailing vessels with their masts still standing, this means the rig can only be properly inspected to height of around 2m from the deck. All fixings and equipment will be thoroughly tested.
The results of this inspection will be compiled into a report, written in plain English. In the conclusion section any faults found will be listed together with suggested remedies.
The report will cover the following areas:
Hull, Deck and Superstructure
Vessel details, keel, exterior below and above the waterline, deck moulding, coachroof, cockpit, hull/deck join, bulkheads and stiffening.
Steering system, Stern Gear and Skin Fittings
Rudders, wheel/tiller, rudder drive system, props, shafts, p brackets, trimtabs, cathodic protection, anodes, skin fittings and apertures.
Where appropriate, non destructive testing techniques are employed including capacitance moisture metering, thermal imaging, ultrasonic leak detection and endoscopy.
On Deck
Accesses to interior, ports, windows, pulpit, pushpit, guard wires, jackstays, ground tackle, mooring arrangements, davits, cranes and boarding arrangements.
Rig
Spars, standing rigging, running rigging, sails and covers.
Safety
Navigation light, bilgepumps and alarms, firefighting equipment, lifesaving and emergency equipment.
Engine and Fuel System
Engine installation, exhausts, fuel tanks, fuel lines, filters.
Accommodation
Accommodation in general, LPG installation, freshwater system, heads and waste, electrics, electronics, HVAC, tenders and toys.