Exclusions & Important Notes

Exclusions

Our surveys are a thorough, hands-on visual inspection, but some checks fall outside what a visual, non-destructive survey can responsibly cover. The following are not included unless we've specifically agreed and quoted for them in advance:

• Disassembly or removal of any component, lining, floor panel, furniture or fixed structure to inspect what's behind or beneath it.
• Internal inspection of manifolds and risers on inboard engines — these aren't accessible without dismantling the engine. If you're buying a vessel with an inboard, we strongly recommend having a qualified mechanic inspect these components, or budgeting to replace them if there's no service history to confirm their condition.
• Confirming the internal condition of the transom beyond what visual checks and percussion (tap) testing can show. Moisture readings on the transom and elsewhere are only reliable if the vessel has been out of the water and dry for at least four days beforehand.
• Compression testing on diesel engines.
• Plugging in OEM diagnostic tools or running an ECU scan.
• Engine oil analysis — available as a separate, quoted add-on (see our recreational survey pricing).
• A detailed assessment of 240V AC systems, shore power installations, inverters or hardwired AC circuits beyond confirming they're present and functioning at a basic level.
• Opening up voids, tanks or compartments that aren't accessible without cutting or removing fixed material.
• Hull thickness measurement or ultrasonic testing.
• Any guarantee that every latent defect has been found, or that a defect won't develop or worsen after the inspection date.
• Checking title, registration encumbrances, finance liens or legal ownership — this sits with your conveyancer or legal adviser, not the survey.
• Recall status or compliance checks against manufacturer or registration-body requirements.
• Condition reporting on a tender carried aboard the main vessel, unless that tender is specifically included in the agreed scope.
• Towing, launching or lifting the vessel — these can be arranged and quoted separately if needed.
• Removing trailer wheels or measuring brake pad thickness, unless specifically requested and the trailer allows safe access.
• Inspecting the internal cooling passages, gearcase or exhaust of an outboard without dismantling it.

Important Notes

• Moisture testing only gives a meaningful reading once the vessel has been out of the water and dry for a minimum of four consecutive days, consistent with the manufacturer guidelines for the Tramex Skipper 5 moisture meter we use.
• Electrical testing confirms that basic power is present and circuits are functioning — it doesn't extend to assessing individual wiring condition, resistance or load, and nothing is dismantled to get there.
• Manifolds and risers on inboard engines are a known weak point for internal corrosion that can cause serious engine damage, and that corrosion can't be assessed without mechanical disassembly. We strongly recommend a qualified mechanic inspects or replaces these as part of your due diligence if there's no documentation confirming their condition.
• Trailers with a ball weight over 350kg are beyond what our equipment can measure accurately; where this applies, it's noted in the report. Any ball-weight reading we do provide is approximate and isn't a compliance certification, and wheel removal or brake pad measurement isn't part of the standard inspection.
• Rescheduling — we may need to postpone an inspection at short notice if the weather or other safety conditions make it unsafe or impractical to carry out properly. We'll always work with you to find the next available time.
• Scope — every inspection is strictly visual and non-destructive unless we've agreed otherwise with you in writing beforehand.