Industry

Boat condition, diagnostic & valuation inspections

Published on: 22nd Aug, 2022

Rod Twitchin Marine (RTM) and The Boat Works invite boat owners to take advantage of their haul out and time on the hardstand to rely on the experts at RTM to conduct a professional appraisal or diagnose any issues with their vessel.

Such inspections are extremely useful preparing ahead of the summer season, whether you’re heading offshore or cruising close to home, ahead of renewing insurance policies, before undertaking maintenance or repairs, or if you’re planning to sell your vessel.

“A lot of owners don’t realise the intricacies of their boat systems below the bilge plate, or don’t know this service is available at The Boat Works,” says Rod Twitchin, whose 35 years industry experience and qualifications as, Ships Master & Engineer, Marine Surveyor and Valuer equip him with unrivalled expertise in this area.

“Taking advantage of your boat’s time out of water make sense,” he continues. “Carrying out an inspection can identify any issues with your boat which may save you costly repairs. In the case of a pre-maintenance period, it can also ensure you aren’t under or over serviced.”

RTM have devised five levels of inspection, catering to every requirements:

OVERALL CONDITION INSPECTION

Conduct visual and percussion inspections of the hull below waterline
Conduct visual inspection of the hull, deck and superstructure
Offer appraisals of engines and running gear
Offer appraisals of ancillary systems aboard
Conduct function tests of electrical appliances aboard including pump
Offer appraisals of interior soft & hard fit outs including fixtures
Document systems, componentry & electronics aboard
Be present on board for sea trials if requested
Identify any items that require further investigation, repair or replacement
Formalise findings into a coloured report with reference photos

2. INSURANCE CONDITION INSPECTION

Conduct visual and percussion inspections of the hull below waterline
Conduct visual inspection of the hull, deck and superstructure
Offer appraisals of running gear
Conduct visual inspections of the machinery and ancillary systems aboard
Document systems, componentry & electronics aboard
Identify any items that require further investigation, repair or replacement
Formalise findings into a coloured report with reference photos including any recent maintenance or upgrades conducted

3. CONDITION & VALUATION INSPECTION

Conduct visual inspection of the hull, deck and superstructure where visible
Offer visual appraisals of engines and ancillary systems aboard
Offer appraisals of interior soft & hard fitouts including fixtures
Document systems, componentry & electronics aboard
Identify any items that require further investigation, repair or replacement
Conduct valuation process
Formalise findings into a coloured report with reference photos

4. EXTERIOR OUT OF WATER INSPECTION

Conduct visual and percussion inspections of the hull below waterline
Conduct visual inspection of the hull sides
Offer appraisal of external running gear
Identify any items that require further investigation, repair or replacement
Formalise findings into a coloured report with reference photos

5. DIAGNOSTICS & CONSULTING INSPECTION

Client meeting to discuss fault with vessel or systems
Perform diagnostics aboard vessel
Offer remedy of repair to client and suitable repairer
Assist client throughout repair stage
Final commissioning of repairs

“A Diagnostic Inspection is useful for an owner who suspects there’s an issue with their boat, but doesn’t know where to start. We can diagnose the problem and steer them to the right repairer for the job, and then if requested, we can oversee the work to ensure it’s done to the highest standard before they take to the water again.”

In terms of Insurance Assessments, RTM offers vessel owners thorough inspections, and are experienced in guiding you through the claims process and liaising with insurers and repairers.

“We would like to prompt people to carry out inspections while their boats are out of the water, to beat the summertime rush. And it’s certainly better to get it done before your policy renewal is due.”

With decades of hands-on experience on and off the water, Rod and his team of marine professionals at RTM have a proven reputation for delivering the highest quality marine surveys and services to clients with vessels of all makes and models, power and sail, privately-owned and commercial.

Based at the world-class facilities of The Boat Works, RTM assists boat owners, boat buyers, boat sellers, commercial operators and insurers with virtually everything required for easy, safe boating and smooth management.