C & V Survey
Geoff,
I don't doubt your abilities nor the knowledge of your boat as more than likey it is better than 94% of the typical surveyors out there.
However, for instance, last week I just did what was to be a "C&V survey" on a neighbor's boat (41' trawler) who I consider as conscientious as myself, always upgrading systems and tending to his boat appropriately. I explained I do complete surveys at a fair price and told him that he'd receive more than a two page inventory of the vessel's equipment and get a legitimate inspection. In that way he knows that his vessel is safe, has an idea of what to focus on in the near and long term, and if boarded by USCG or other marine enforcement agency, he'll be up to standards. What did I find?
1: A bronze thru-hull with crevice corrosion and a major pit which was creating a situation of being ready to crack off at the inner hull (was not readily visible due to all the paint on it and being on the bottom side of thru-hull). This was before the sea cock...so it would not of been of much use had the thru-hull cracked off and opened a 1.5” hole to the sea.....not good.
2. Too small of a ship's bell (8" or 200 mm are required on vessels over 39.4 feet to 65.6 feet - his was 6"). Result? Possible USCG fine if boarded and no 8" bell is onboard - could cover the cost of the survey alone right there.
3. Fuel vent lines were not USCG approved hose and looping downwards trapping fuel – possible fuel spill if the vent’s gurgled when topping off (which explains why he told me he'd always spill a little fuel when filling his tanks) Again, USCG/State fine could cover the cost of the survey and then some right there.
4. No flame screens on fuel tank vents on hull
5. An area of delam *just* beginning on the foredeck that was readily repairable now. It was due to a slightly loose stanchion bolt, but if left for another year or so, major surgery may have been required to repair core rot.
6. In a very inaccessible area where his steering cables were chafing on a copper water pipe (already nearly 1/16" groove in pipe).
7. Disconnected bond wire to rudder post explaining why his bronze rudder was eating up zincs (all bronze bits were bonded on his GRP vessel)
8. Wrong info on the USCG documentation papers!!!!!
Etc, Etc.
Don't get me wrong here, I'm not at all doubting your desire to appease the insurance company and knowledge of your boat, but I like to go all out. I really don't do what I consider a “C&V survey” as I charge a reasonable rate for a full survey. Why? Perfect example: if that thru-hull did crack off and the boat sank, whose name would be on the survey’s stamp of approval as a "reasonable risk" vessel? Mine! I see lawyers and lawsuits galore and his insurance company all over my back like an 800 lb gorilla. That's just my philosophy and how I conduct business. Surveyors ARE liable for omissions, failure to identify hazardous conditions/situations, and in general, poor/sloppy inspections.....I see it on occasion - surveyors being sued due to sub-standard surveys. Working with the USCG has provided me with invaluable information which a typical surveyor just doesn't posses, not to mention, I don't like litigation.
I want to walk away from a boat and feel that I did the best I could possibly do and the client got the best information they could obtain, considering the circumstances. The result? A safe boat, a happy boater and a repeat customer.
Again, my philosophy and my business model. 98% of most surveyors would probably disagree with me on this one, but I’ve seen some of them end up in court over sloppy inspections, failure to check basic safety gear that failed and injured/killed some one, and what not.
Reputation is my name of the game, not cranking out inventory lists and wondering when I'll get a call from a lawyer due to an injury/death and/or vessel fire/sinking.
In the end, he paid an extra 100 odd bucks for a thorough 45 page report on the state of his vessel....not a bad investment in my way of thinking.
Plus, he passed and received a USCG Vessel Safety Check sticker which he can report to his insurance company that *may* possibly reduce his rate a bit.......and that was a freebie!
Other's may disagree with my approach, and that's ok, but I've had no complaints as of yet.
John M.