Marine survey of your multihull: why is it essential before buying or selling?

A survey of your catamaran is an essential step in accurately assessing the condition of a multihull and securing a transaction. Whether it is a recent catamaran or a pre-owned model, using a marine surveyor specialised in multihullsallows you to go far beyond a simple visual inspection.

Today’s catamarans are particularly sophisticated, whether in terms of their structure, rigging, electrical and electronic systems or comfort equipment. All these elements need to be thoroughly inspected and checked.

CathYacht’s expertise is a valuable decision-making tool to assist you throughout the purchase or sale of your catamaran.

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Why have your catamaran professionally surveyed?

A survey provides an objective assessment of the multihull’s overall condition and helps identify any potential problems or malfunctions, whether visible or hidden.

For a buyer, it makes it possible to verify that the actual condition of the catamaran matches the information provided by the seller, while also anticipating any potential repairs, maintenance or refurbishment costs.

For an owner who is selling, a survey can also help enhance the value of the catamaran.

Choosing the right surveyor is therefore essential. Calling upon a professional who genuinely understands the specific characteristics of multihulls — their construction, behaviour under sail, structural loads and the particular features of individual models — is a major advantage.

Haul-out: an essential inspection

A catamaran survey should not be limited to an inspection while the vessel is afloat. A haul-out is essential in order to inspect the underwater sections of the hulls and all components that are normally submerged, including:

• any impacts, damage or cracks;

• signs or risks of osmosis;

• possible hull deformation;

• the condition and alignment of the rudders;

• propellers and shaft lines;

• signs of electrolysis;

• through-hull fittings and seacocks;

• any delamination or structural defects.

A percussion inspection, or tapping, can also help detect areas of delamination that may not necessarily be visible to the naked eye.

For an older catamaran, it may be advisable to allow the hulls sufficient time to dry before carrying out the survey, so as not to distort the results. Moisture readings can then be taken using equipment appropriate to the vessel’s construction.

Rigging, structure and equipment: everything must be checked

The survey also covers all visible and functional components of the catamaran.

The rigging is a major part of the inspection. The surveyor should climb to the masthead to examine the masthead fittings, shroud attachment points, welds, fittings and standing rigging.

The forward crossbeam, martingale, davits, aft platform and their respective attachment points should also be inspected for any signs of abnormal loads or structural stress.

On board, all major equipment should be tested: lighting, air conditioning, battery chargers, water production and distribution systems, refrigerators, audio systems, bilge pumps, toilets and various technical equipment, including the condition of the batteries.

The surveyor will also look for any deformation of bulkheads, cracks or signs of structural stress. On a multihull, a certain amount of deformation can be perfectly normal due to the natural flexibility of the structure and the loads generated while sailing. CathYacht’s experience is therefore essential in distinguishing normal signs of wear from defects requiring further attention.

Haul-out: an essential inspection

A catamaran survey should not be limited to an inspection while the vessel is afloat. A haul-out is essential in order to inspect the underwater sections of the hulls and all components that are normally submerged, including:

• any impacts, damage or cracks;

• signs or risks of osmosis;

• possible hull deformation;

• the condition and alignment of the rudders;

• propellers and shaft lines;

• signs of electrolysis;

• through-hull fittings and seacocks;

• any delamination or structural defects.

A percussion inspection, or tapping, can also help detect areas of delamination that may not necessarily be visible to the naked eye.

For an older catamaran, it may be advisable to allow the hulls sufficient time to dry before carrying out the survey, so as not to distort the results. Moisture readings can then be taken using equipment appropriate to the vessel’s construction.

The sea trial

The survey should also include a sea trial, whether the catamaran is powered by engines or sails.

This trial makes it possible to assess the vessel’s overall behaviour and its equipment under normal operating conditions. In particular, the surveyor will be able to check:

• the condition and operation of the sails;

• correct rig tension;

• furling systems and winches;

• manoeuvrability and steering operation;

• any vibrations around the rudders or propellers.

The engines should also be tested at different RPM levels, including at full power, in order to assess their performance and ensure that they are operating correctly. The crew may not always be particularly enthusiastic about this part of the trial, but it is worth remembering that engines should occasionally be run through their full operating range.

The surveyor will also recommend oil analysis for the engines and generators, providing valuable insight into their maintenance history and overall condition, which are key factors in ensuring their reliability and longevity.

Finally, anchoring will provide an opportunity to test the windlass, tender, platform, gangway and watermaker — the latter should certainly not be tested in the marina!

Why choose a surveyor specialised in multihulls?

Not all boats are subject to the same stresses and constraints, and surveying a multihull is not exactly the same as surveying a monohull.

The specific structure of a multihull, the loads exerted on the hulls, forward crossbeam, rigging and connections between the various structural components all require specialist knowledge.

At CathYacht, our more than 40 years of experience in the multihull market, together with our knowledge of the different models, enables us to assist both owners and buyers throughout this process and to direct them towards competent and independent professionals.

In conclusion : a professional survey of your catamaran is essential!

Buying or selling a catamaran represents a significant investment. A comprehensive marine survey, carried out by a professional with extensive multihull experience, helps reduce uncertainty and secure the transaction, while also helping to establish and support the value of your yacht with insurers.

Are you considering buying or selling a catamaran? Contact CathYacht for professional guidance throughout your project and benefit from our extensive expertise in the multihull market.