The C&V (Condition and Value) survey is a survey prepared for a prospective buyer of a vessel or an owner looking for insurance. It includes a detailed visual inspection of the vessels hull, deck, and both percussion testing and visual inspection of reinforcing components (where possible). The installed systems of the vessel are inspected for operation and safety. This includes but not limited to, propulsion systems(engines, cooling 
components, exhaust systems, fuel tanks and systems, engine mounts and stringers, proper ventilation, props and shafts, stuffing boxes, and transmissions). Electrical systems (Both AC and DC systems) are checked for proper polarity, ground fault protection, batteries are examined as well as charging systems, routing and connections of conductors are inspected. Thru-hulls are tested for operation and for proper grounding. Safety equipment such as, personal flotation devices, life rafts, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, first aid kits, and safety alarms are also inspected. For surveys of sailing vessels, the sails and rigging will be inspected from the deck only.
Sea Trial- Systems are checked for proper operation during the sea trial. Making sure that the engines start without excessive cranking, examining color of smoke from the exhaust and exhaust cooling water, excessive vibrations, steering systems, throttle and shifting, oil and coolant leaks, and navigation equipment are all checked during this portion of the survey. A back down test is performed to examine the condition of the engine mounts as well as checking that the vessel is able to reach its top speed and RPM. Scott Marine surveyors will not operate the vessel during the sea trial as they are busy conducting their inspection. The client is responsible for making sure that they have someone to drive the vessel.
It is highly recommended that a sea trial be conducted on any vessel for a pre-purchase survey, allowing the boats engines and other systems to be tested.
Surveys are conducted without the removal of any parts, including fittings, tacked carpet, screwed or nailed boards, anchors and chain, fixed partitions, instruments, clothing, spare parts and miscellaneous materials in the bilges and lockers, or fixed or semi-fixed items. Locked compartments or otherwise inaccessible areas would also preclude inspection. Owner is advised to open up all such areas for further inspection. No determination of stability characteristics or inherent structural integrity has been made and no opinion is expressed thereto. All surveys represent the condition and value on the date of the survey and is the unbiased opinion of the surveyor.
Surveys are conducted in accordance with, The mandatory standards promulgated by the United States Coast Guard, under the authority of title 46 United States Code, title 33 and title 46 Code of Federal Regulations, and the voluntary standards and recommended practices developed by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
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