SERVICES
Services
PRE-PURCHASE SURVEYS
A pre-purchase survey is usually performed when an individual is considering purchasing a yacht and/or an owner is looking to sell their yacht.
This is our most detailed and in-depth examination. Systems and equipment are operated and proven. A sea trial is performed and a haul out for bottom and running gear examination is performed. A written report is issued complete with a list of equipment seen onboard along with a detailed list of deficiencies and recommendations. Replacement and current market values are assessed using comparable yacht sales in the current market. The majority of lenders and insurance companies require a pre-purchase survey prior to binding a contract.
This survey can also assist a seller in evaluating what repairs and/or upgrades should be completed in order for the yacht to be placed on the market at a competitive price.
CONDITION & VALUATION SURVEY
Condition & Valuation Surveys consist of visual examination and operational testing of yacht and systems, afloat or in dry dock. There is no trial run or haul out required, unless it is specifically requested.
This type of survey can serve as an official document stating the condition of the yacht, its identification numbers, compliance with applicable standards, The general condition of equipment seen onboard, and the fair market value. This type of survey is usually requested by the insurance company or a financial lending institution, however it can be used for other reasons, such as estate settlements and legal proceedings.
DAMAGE SURVEYS
Damage Surveys are completed to determine and describe the nature, extent and likely cause of damage to a yacht or other vessel. Damage surveys are often requested by insurance companies, Owners and managers. Damage surveys assist in the settlement of insured damage claims and the preparation of detailed repair specifications.
Follow up examinations are typically performed to document the repairs and other events related to the damage incident. We work with specialist engineers and investigators as needed, to help resolve outstanding issues.
NEW BUILD /CONSTRUCTION
We assist Owners, managers, builders and financial institutions during new construction projects by offering insight into the vessel specific construction process. Our services range from initial specification reviews through documenting delivery of the vessel.
Surveyors periodically visit the project during the build to examine progress, review construction issues and inspect workmanship. Important observations and recommendations are reported, from a review of tank tests through completion of acceptance trials.
Written reports and photographs are used to document our findings and recommendations throughout the process.
CONSULTANCY, REPAIR & REFIT
We offer a variety of repair and refit related services. Our surveyors can expertly assist with preparation of repair specifications and bid packages, as well as following the repair project through completion.
Various service levels are available, from full time attendance through periodic visits to examine workmanship and document progress.
MARINE SUPERINTENDENCY
Patton Marine offers long and short term contract superintendency services to Owners and Managers. We provide skilled professionals to efficiently plan and manage shipyard based repair, refit and construction projects. Our marine superintendents have worldwide experience in the commercial and yachting sectors that can benefit your organization.
HVAC SURVEYS
We offer specialist examinations of heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment. This includes examination and testing of HVAC system equipment, installation work, and review of the overall system performance. This helps assure that the systems are running efficiently, providing comfort, safety and energy efficiency for an Owner and his guests.
ELECTRICAL SURVEYS - AC & DC
Our electrical surveyors are able to review AC & DC electrical system installations and designs. We check for safety related issues, as well as make reference to applicable marine electrical standards such as ABYC, NFPA, USGC, IEEE and classification society rules.
The onboard electrical power generation, distribution and grounding/ bonding systems are reviewed; systems are checked for proper installation, voltage, frequency, monitoring, control, and protection.
INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING
Examinations are performed us using the state of the art FLIR™ thermal imaging cameras to check the vessel’s electrical equipment for overheating. The detection of overheating components can aid in preventing premature equipment failure, increasing onboard safety.
The cameras are interfaced with software able to present thermal images in multiple formats.
ELECTRICAL POWER QUALITY & HARMONICS ANALYSIS
The survey is performed using the state of the art Fluke™ power quality analyzers to analyze single and three phase electrical systems. The systems are checked for kW, kVA, kVAR, unbalance, power factor, crest factor, voltage and frequency.
In addition electrical system harmonic distortion is determined and its relevance is reviewed. The analyzers give true RMS measurements with simultaneous harmonics and wave form displays. The analyzers are optically interfaced with software able to present waveform, harmonic distortion and power quality charts and graphs.
NDT SERVICES - UT THICKNESS GAUGING
The yacht is hauled out of the water where audio gauging can be performed with an ultrasonic through thickness gauge to determine how much wastage there is in the original steel or aluminum plating. This can help determine what repairs and/or replacement, if any, is required.
Special attention is paid to areas that are known to be susceptible to corrosion, such as tank tops and tank margin plates, bottoms of bilges, cofferdams, chain lockers, plating beneath engine room batteries, air conditioning compressors and toilets, etc.
Numerous readings are taken and the lowest readings in each are then recorded on a drawing or report sheets. Audio gauge readings are approximate. The gauging is carried out in areas of known potential problem areas. All areas of the vessel are not generally thickness gauged unless specifically requested.
INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING (HULL & MACHINERY)
We offer Infrared imaging of hull structure and components. This is useful for non-destructive examination of fiberglass yachts, carbon fiber masts and other systems aboard.
The slight differences in temperature that Infrared imagers provide can be used to diagnose water intrusion into composite structures, voids, delamination and other problems. It is useful for both new construction and in service vessels.
Infrared technology requires not only a comprehensive knowledge of thermography and how and why it works but also a thorough acquaintance and understanding of yacht construction in order to properly understand and decipher the resultant images.
GLOSS METERS
We use reflective gloss meters to determine the gloss or “shiny-ness” of yacht paint coatings. This helps assess and document the condition of the high value coatings systems that make a yacht attractive to the eye.
OIL ANALYSIS
We can take lubricating and hydraulic oil samples for laboratory analysis. Oil analysis is used to determine what wear metals and contamination is present in onboard machinery and systems. The test results can indicate normal or excessive wear, as well as water or other contamination. The metals found will indicate what components are wearing, and when compared to reference levels, will show if wear is steady, increasing or cause for action.
Oil samples are typically taken from the main engines, transmissions and generators.
NOISE LEVEL REPORTING
While on a trial run, surveyors use an audible noise level (dBA) meter to determine the various noise levels throughout the yacht, and moisture meter readings as may be required.
Readings are taken at various locations throughout the interior including engine room and exterior of the yacht to document what is heard and assess how it may affect onboard comfort.