Condition-based scope
Base the work package on the observed condition rather than blanket repainting assumptions.
Independent pre-refit assessmentCoating Condition Survey
Coating Condition Survey
& Refit Bidbook
Independent assessment of the existing coating condition, repair needs and project scope—translated into a clear technical bidbook for tendering, budgeting and contractor comparison.
15+ Years of ExperienceFROSIO Level 3NACE Level 2RMCI
Before requesting yard quotations
Define the real coating scope before the refit begins.
A useful bidbook starts with an accurate onboard assessment—not assumptions based on age, appearance or incomplete maintenance records.
Dekker Coating Consultancy carries out independent superyacht coating condition surveys to establish the present condition of exterior and selected technical coating areas. The survey can be performed deck-by-deck, area-by-area and component-by-component, depending on the intended refit scope.
The findings are translated into a structured refit bidbook that helps shipyards and contractors quote against a common technical basis. This improves scope clarity, budget predictability and comparison of quotations before the vessel enters the yard.
The survey may be commissioned as a standalone pre-refit service or used as the starting point for later specification, tender clarification, execution inspection and final acceptance support.
Why a condition survey matters
Better information before tendering leads to better project decisions.
The purpose is to distinguish what can remain, what requires maintenance, what should be locally repaired and what genuinely needs wider refurbishment.
Comparable quotations
Give invited yards and contractors the same area definitions, repair categories and expectations.
Improved budget control
Identify likely repair needs, exclusions and technical uncertainties before execution.
Clear acceptance basis
Establish expected technical and cosmetic outcomes before work starts.
Typical survey scope
A structured review of the vessel’s existing coating condition.
Exterior Coating Condition
Assessment of hull, superstructure, bulwarks, decks, stairways, mast areas and other visible coated surfaces.
Cosmetic Appearance
Review of gloss, texture, fairness, colour consistency, repair visibility and local finish defects.
Coating Breakdown & Corrosion
Identification of cracking, blistering, delamination, corrosion, edge failure and mechanical damage.
Previous Repairs
Assessment of visible repair areas, transition quality and recurring defects where identifiable.
Measurements & Testing
DFT, gloss, adhesion, solvent resistance or local trial areas where relevant.
Repair Classification
Division into cleaning, polishing, local repair, partial refurbishment or full restoration categories.
Existing coating system assessment
Understanding what is already on the yacht.
A reliable repair strategy depends on more than visual condition alone. Existing systems may include several generations of repairs, clear coat systems, protective treatments and undocumented modifications.
The assessment remains practical and proportionate. Its purpose is to identify the factors that materially influence cleaning, polishing, sanding, local repair, overcoating or complete refurbishment.
Original system and repair historyReview of available manufacturer information, specifications, repainting and warranty repairs.
Solid colour or basecoat-clearcoatAssessment of whether the finish is direct-gloss or protected by clear coat.
Clear coat conditionReview of ageing, gloss loss, polishing history and local repairs.
Ceramic, nano or polymer treatmentsConsideration of treatments that may influence cleaning, sanding, adhesion or overcoating.
Compatibility and repair suitabilityAssessment of whether the surface can remain, be repaired, overcoated or requires removal.
Refit bidbook development
Survey findings translated into a tender-ready scope.
The survey information can be developed into a structured coating bidbook describing the observed condition, proposed repair category and technical requirements for each relevant area.
The objective is to provide enough clarity for yards and contractors to price the work consistently while keeping the document practical to use.
Deck-by-deck condition schedule
Area-by-area repair classification
Photographic defect references
Proposed repair scope
Coating-system requirements
Access and protection considerations
Inspection and hold points
Cosmetic acceptance criteria
Clarifications and exclusions
Quotation comparison basis
Working method
From onboard survey to comparable quotations.
Review records
Collect specifications, repair history, maintenance information and refit objectives.
Survey the vessel
Inspect areas, document condition and carry out agreed measurements or testing.
Define the scope
Separate maintenance, local repair, partial refurbishment and full restoration.
Prepare the bidbook
Issue a structured scope for tendering, clarifications, comparison and planning.
Typical deliverablesSurvey Scope Strategy Tendering Clarification Planning
Clear documents for technical and commercial decisions.
Condition report
Current condition, visible defects, representative photographs and key observations.
Area and repair schedule
Deck-by-deck classification of proposed maintenance, repair or refurbishment.
Repair recommendations
Guidance on polishing, local repair, overcoating or wider system replacement.
Refit coating bidbook
A structured tender document with work scopes, inspection points and acceptance requirements.
Quotation review support
Technical review of assumptions, exclusions, variations and contractor proposals.
Uncertainty register
Areas requiring trial work, opening-up, supplier input or further verification.
Benefits during tenderingComparison Budget Planning Quality Appearance Control
A stronger basis for selecting the right yard and scope.
Like-for-like quotations
Reduce differences caused by contractors interpreting the scope differently.
Fewer hidden assumptions
Make exclusions, unknowns and optional work visible before award.
More realistic preparation
Support decisions on access, staging, protection and sequence.
Defined expectations
State required workmanship, inspection points and coating expectations.
Clear cosmetic criteria
Reduce disputes by defining finish standards and visible repair expectations.
Reduced scope creep
Provide a clearer basis for reviewing variations during the refit.
Frequently asked questions
Coating condition survey and bidbook questions.
When should a coating condition survey be carried out?
Ideally before the refit scope is tendered, so actual condition and uncertainties can be considered before budgets and quotations are finalised.
What areas can be included?
The scope can cover hull, superstructure, decks, bulwarks, mast areas, underwater systems, tanks or selected technical spaces.
Can the existing coating system always be identified exactly?
Not always. The objective is to establish the relevant characteristics and uncertainties as far as practically possible.
What is included in a refit bidbook?
Area schedules, condition descriptions, photographs, repair classifications, coating requirements, hold points, clarifications and acceptance criteria.
Can the bidbook be used to compare quotations?
Yes. It gives invited yards and contractors a common technical basis for comparison.
Can consultancy continue during the refit?
Yes. Follow-up can include inspections, measurement verification, corrective-work review and final acceptance.
Related services
Support before, during and after the refit.
Plan the coating scope before tendering
Start with the vessel’s actual condition.
Provide the vessel location, planned refit period, available coating records and intended tender timeline for an initial discussion.