Patrick Synge Marine Surveys

I have been conducting marine surveys for the last 20 years and over this period have have inspected many hundreds of vessels of widely differing types and condition.

More than 35 years experience in repair, maintenance, design, construction & inspection of both commercial and pleasure craft - in a variety of materials including timber, GRP, steel, ferro-cement and aluminium.

A lifetime of boating experience including extensive ocean and coastal sailing aboard a wide variety of vessels.

"Vessel Condition Reports" are usually requested by prospective purchasers who want a detailed, clear, comprehensive and objective picture of the vessel in question. Particular emphasis is placed on defects with indication of any intrinsic faults or weaknesses and the extent of any repairs or modifications that may be required. They are valuable when negotiating the final purchase price. Insurance and finance brokers also usually require such a report.

When and where appropriate, recommendations on repair or modification are suggested.

If relevant (and when practicable) I endeavour to establish the history of the vessel by contacting the builder, previous owners etc.

I do not give an assessment of the internal/mechanical condition of the motor etc or the 'electronic' condition of other equipment.

I do not climb masts etc to inspect rigging terminals and other fittings for hairline cracks etc but do closely examine enlarged digital photos taken with a 10x (optical) lens.

All boatyard and other costs in connection with the survey are entirely separate from the surveyor's fees and are normally the responsibility of the instructing client unless otherwise arranged.

Travel within Tasmania (to areas beyond Hobart, Canal D'Entrecasteaux & Huon River) is charged at $0.65/kilometer.

Accommodation and travel expenses for interstate or overseas inspections are charged at cost plus and are payable in advance. Rates negotiable.

Boats vary enormously - an expensive boat may be relatively easy to inspect while an inexpensive vessel may well have many hidden problems - a fairly new GRP boat is obviously quite different to inspect from an old timber vessel. A big boat may be simple and straightforward while a small boat may be full of complex systems and equipment.

Clients vary in their requirements and expectations. Some clients (perhaps interstate or overseas) want every last detail examined and itemised in the report. Others simply want an objective professional assessment to confirm what they already believe.

If I find that the job is easier than 'average' I adjust my fee accordingly and boats that are well maintained and in good condition usually attract a reduction.

The closest I have come to an average fee for pre-purchase condition reports is based on vessel value. I find this best reflects the amount of work and the liabilities involved.

Some boats are inexpensive, of course, because they are in poor condition and may need an extremely detailed inspection and complex report.

If I find that the inspection/report is going to require an exceptional amount of work/time I let the client know before proceeding.

If I have reason to believe that it is advisable I will recommend engaging a shipwright to remove/replace fastenings, fixed panelling etc - but, obviously, only after consultation with both client and owner.

When these are supplied in conjunction with a pre purchase report they normally add little to the cost unless considerable research is required due to extensive or unusual equipment aboard the vessel.

While the inspection is very similar to a pre-purchase survey the report does not have to be so detailed and so the cost is less – by about 20%.

A comprehensive "warts and all" photo survey can be useful - especially for clients unable to visit the vessel in person.

If requested in conjunction with a pre-purchase Vessel Condition Report, Valuation or Insurance Survey the cost of 30+ useful, high definition, relevant photos on CD is $100 extra. Stand alone it is more expensive. Please contact me for details.

I am happy to discuss the content of my reports for the purpose of clarification.

I am usually able to provide you with a verbal report upon conclusion of my inspection and, if required, a written summary report within 24 hours.

I aim to provide my full written report within 4 working days (unless time-consuming research is undertaken on your behalf).

My invoice is included with the hard copy and should be paid within 7 days of receipt by cheque, money order or direct transfer.

(Any payment not made after 30 days will attract interest of 15% pa and an account keeping fee )

'Vessel Condition Reports' are based on visual inspection of the vessel and equipment.

If Ultrasonic, Radio Frequency Emission, X-ray or other specialised testing is required this must be arranged for seperately.

Areas that are accessible only by invasive or destructive means are noted but not inspected.

Machinery, electrical, gas and other equipment is inspected as seen in position without dismantling.

All opinions expressed in the report are given in good faith but, notwithstanding this, the information contained may be inaccurate and/or misleading.

The inspector has no personal interest in the vessel inspected.

No responsibility is accepted by the inspector for any loss or expense whatsoever incurred through reliance on any information supplied.

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