Insurance Survey Questions

[DiverDan]

I have been rennovating and refitting my 1970 32 foot Hankins over the past winter. She is just about finished, and I need to get a Survey in order to get insurance coverage. I have talked with the Surveyer that I am going to use, and asked him what things should I make sure have been repaired.

He first asked about fastenings, and since they are copper rivets, and seem pretty tight, he did not seem too concerned. Next he mentioned the sea cocks, making sure they work and are doubled clamped, yup and yup. Then flares, extinguishers...

So my question is, should I be really concerned with anything else? The boat was floating when I aquired her last August, and we actually ran her off shore before laying her up on the hard for the rennovations. I have sistered in laminate ribs where there were some broken ones, rebuilt the cabin and extended it back about a foot and up about the same. We are rewiring the boat currently as to have battery isolation, and to neaten things up (tons of dead ended wire). We will be adding a coat of engine paint to the Lehman, and have gone through it changing the oil and coolant before layup.

The keel bolts seem solid, and I am thinking they were probably replaced at some time, because they look too good for a 32 year old boat.

So what am I missing? I just don't want the surveyer to walk up and say I miss all these things???

thanks,

Dan

[Mike Vogdes]

Things that are going to sink or burn your boat are favorite survey items. Secure thru hulls, working seacocks, proper hoses with double hose clamps. Many times people will use hoses not suited for the apllication or automobile hoses that are not CG approved. Also if your boat has a fire extingushing system, that needs to be up to date, along with your fire extingushers, no storing of flamable liquids in lockers ect. If your boat has shore power they want to see GFI outlets at the begining of each circut of outlets, all your wiring should be neat and secure. Its mostly common sense stuff, look your boat over real good you will find things that need to be addressed but don't fear, a good surveyor will find something you missed.

[RGM]

Sounds like you're on top of things and really won't have much to worry about. You're surveyor is going to be primarily interested in issues that make your boat an "insurance risk". I may have missed a item or two but here is kind of a hit list:
1. Condition of fasteners, planks and condition of calking. What's the chance that the boat will develope a sprung plank and sink for instance.
2. Condition of thru hull penetrations and their related connections, whether pipe or hose. Are these elements sound and intact?
3. Condition of the shaft log, stuffing box and packing/seal. Are these sound or deteriorated? If they are deteriorated can they contribute to the vessel sinking?
4. Condition and suitability of your bilge evacuation system (pumps, valves, hoses piping, etc). How many pumps do you have at your immediate disposal? Be able to prove that they function.
5. Condition of underwater hardware such as struts, stern tube, stern tube bearing, your rudder (and packing) and their related fasteners.
6. Condition of your steering system and propulsion controls from one end to the other.
7. Condition of your wiring and electrical system in general. What's the chance that the boat can burn up as a result of a problem with the electrical system.
8. Condition of fuel system. This includes tanks, fills and vents, valves, fittings and fuel lines. You've got a diesel so that's easier. Gas engines are more of a concern, especially when someone doesn't use a marinized engine/fuel delivery system.
9. All the safety stuff (fairly fresh or current)like PFD's, extinguishers, flares, horn, anchor and ground tackle, etc.
10. Navigation lights.
Basically the stuff that keeps the boat from burning up, blowing up, running into things, or getting run into, sinking, being a hazard to life and limb, navigation, marinas or fuel docks, or any combination of the above. Good luck.

[nedL]

He should be checking that all the hose clamps are marked "All Stainless". Also that all fuel lines (esp. flexable) are rated for the fuel going through them.
Dan, I don't think you have any propane tanks on her, but if you do they need to be stored in bottom vented areas that are above decks.

[DiverDan]

Thanks for all of the advise. All of the hose clamps are being replaced, so that is not an issue. Wiring is mostly new also. No propane on the boat, so no problem there. Fuel tanks look good to me, and there seems to be no rot problems around them.

Thanks everyone,

d

[Art Read]

...and don't look at it like some sort of "test". This a great opportunity to have an unbiased appraisal of your boat from somebody with the objectivity and experience to save you a lot of potential grief. I want anybody who surveys a boat I'm gonna be responsible for to be MERCILESS! The insurance company isn't gonna turn you down just 'cause he finds a few things that ought to be changed unless you refuse to change 'em. In fact, if I sold insurance, I'd be REAL suspicious of ANY survey that came back with no "issues"...

[DiverDan]

Art,

You just made me realize my real questions. How strict are Insurance Companies? I have gotten a very favorable quote from Heritage Marine hinging on the Survey.

And I agree, I really want the Surveyor to go over the boat and let me know what really needs to be done.

d

[Mike Vogdes]

You should also keep in mind that there are different types of surveys. A purchase survey is much more involved, and will give you a better idea of the condition of your boat, it is also more expensive. An insurance survey is not as involved as a purchase survey, mostly safety related, basicly informing the insurance company of the general condition of your boat and if it is a safe risk or not. There are usually
"findings" by the surveyor and recomendations to bring it up to snuff, he will also verify the value your trying to insure it for.