Frequently asked questions
Why do a pre-purchase survey?
The pre-purchase appraisal is usually carried out after the purchase proposal and serves to redefine or confirm the agreed price; it also serves to provide the future owner with as many elements as possible to establish the priorities for action on the boat being acquired.
What is the difference between a pre-purchase appraisal and a commercial valuation?
The commercial appraisal serves to establish the market value of the boat for various purposes: insurance, corporate, inheritance, etc., considering only the state in which it is located and the accessories on board, but does not go into the technical details of the structures and installations.
How long does an appraisal take?
The time varies depending on the vessel and the type of expertise required. To keep the duration of the appraisal operations within a working day, if the vessel requires it due to its size or complexity, team work with several experts coordinated by the ship appraiser will be used.
A commercial appraisal takes on average 2 hours.
A full pre-purchase appraisal (hull, engines, systems, sailing and rigging equipment, etc.) takes an average of 6 hours.
Can you assess any type of boat?
Boats up to 24 metres sail and motor, built in GRP, steel, aluminium or wood. Yachts, powerboats, catamarans, commercial boats – over the years I have worked with boats of all types.
What kind of checks do you carry out?
All the checks carried out are non-destructive.
Examples of checks carried out are hull beating examination, hull thickness check with an ultrasound system, checking for osmosis, measuring hull humidity, checking electrical and engine systems with a thermal imaging camera, electronic battery check. Where necessary, engine diagnostics and lubricating oil analysis are also carried out.
What instruments do you use?
Ryobi digital hygrometer, Tritex multigauge 5650 ultrasonic thickness gauge, Ancel ba101 battery tester, Flir thermal imaging camera. Tapping hammer for Browntool composites.
Is it possible to have the report in English?
Certainly. If you would like to see examples of work I have done in the past, please contact me.
Do you work all over Italy?
Certainly. In recent years I have surveyed boats in almost all Italian regions: Liguria, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Tuscany, Veneto, etc. I’m used to travelling a lot for work.
I’m interested in a boat abroad. Can you help me?
Sure. In some cases I can travel in person. Where this is not possible, I can help through direct knowledge of other marine surveyors working in other countries or through the network of the International institute of marine surveying
How much does a survey cost?
the cost of the survey varies depending on the type of vessel and its location. Ask me for a free quote to get a cost: I respond to quotes immediately, even by phone.