What advice do you have regarding a survey on a new boat under
construction.
Does one do an engine survey on a new engine, for instance?
How often and at what stages should the surveyor poke his nose in, do
you think?
IMHO, it makes a difference whether you are building a production boat or a
"one off" that you have had designed. We had a surveyor look in on our
Nordic Tug every week at the factory and it was not too often. It was
amazing how different each boat was and what he was able to catch. You know
the saying "squeaky wheel gets the grease." Our surveyor, Matt Harris, was
ultimately responsible for design changes that the factory incorporated in
every hull thereafter. We felt pretty good about our contribution to the
line (at our expense) until they later called him "the master of the
obvious." Well, if it was so obvious...(enough said).
In a non- production boat you likely need even more attention. You need the
naval architect to make sure that the design is being followed and very
likely to "tweak" minor items as you go. I do not believe that anyone can
draw a perfect design on paper. Things change as they come to life. Naval
architects are like all professionals, they have their strengths and
weaknesses. They may need help in overseeing parts of the construction or
installation of certain systems.
As someone else said in reply, the engine and gear are pretty well looked
after by the manufacturer. The manufacturer has a strong interest in seeing
that the installation is correct (and prop is pitched right, for example)
because they are on the hook for the warranty. Sea trials are almost always
included as part of the purchase. These guys typically really know their
stuff and act as a resource for the naval architect and the builder
throughout the entire process.
When all is said and done you may need a survey for any new boat for
insurance purposes.
Eric Thoman
Abyssina www.seanet.com/~kimeric
>
> What advice do you have regarding a survey on a new boat under
> construction.
>
> Does one do an engine survey on a new engine, for instance?
>
> How often and at what stages should the surveyor poke his nose in, do
> you think?
>
IMHO, it makes a difference whether you are building a production boat or a
"one off" that you have had designed. We had a surveyor look in on our
Nordic Tug every week at the factory and it was not too often. It was
amazing how different each boat was and what he was able to catch. You know
the saying "squeaky wheel gets the grease." Our surveyor, Matt Harris, was
ultimately responsible for design changes that the factory incorporated in
every hull thereafter. We felt pretty good about our contribution to the
line (at our expense) until they later called him "the master of the
obvious." Well, if it was so obvious...(enough said).
In a non- production boat you likely need even more attention. You need the
naval architect to make sure that the design is being followed and very
likely to "tweak" minor items as you go. I do not believe that anyone can
draw a perfect design on paper. Things change as they come to life. Naval
architects are like all professionals, they have their strengths and
weaknesses. They may need help in overseeing parts of the construction or
installation of certain systems.
As someone else said in reply, the engine and gear are pretty well looked
after by the manufacturer. The manufacturer has a strong interest in seeing
that the installation is correct (and prop is pitched right, for example)
because they are on the hook for the warranty. Sea trials are almost always
included as part of the purchase. These guys typically really know their
stuff and act as a resource for the naval architect and the builder
throughout the entire process.
When all is said and done you may need a survey for any new boat for
insurance purposes.
Eric Thoman
Abyssina www.seanet.com/~kimeric
