So, you’ve found your dream boat, glistening in the sun and promising adventures on the open water. Before casting off, a crucial step lies ahead: the pre-purchase boat survey. This comprehensive inspection, conducted by a qualified surveyor, acts as your compass, navigating you towards informed decisions and ensuring your vessel is truly seaworthy.
But what exactly happens during a survey? To prepare for this vital process, here’s your essential checklist:
Before the Survey
- Choose the Right Surveyor: Seek a qualified and experienced surveyor specializing in boats similar to yours. Certifications from reputable organizations like the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) or the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) are valuable indicators of expertise.
- Gather Boat Documentation: Prepare documents like registration papers, service records, and any repair invoices to provide the surveyor with a comprehensive picture of the boat’s history.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to inquire about the surveyor’s experience, the scope of the survey, and the expected timeframe for the report.
During the Survey
- Be Present: While the surveyor conducts the inspection, your presence allows you to ask questions, clarify findings, and gain valuable insights firsthand.
- Observe the Process: Pay attention to the areas the surveyor examines and the tools they use. This active engagement deepens your understanding of the boat’s condition.
- Take Notes: Jot down key points, questions, and any specific areas you want the surveyor to focus on.
The Surveyor’s Inspection
- Visual Examination: The surveyor will meticulously examine the boat’s exterior, interior, and all accessible areas, checking for:
- Signs of wear and tear, corrosion, and damage
- Potential leaks in the hull, deck, and through-hull fittings
- Functionality of hatches, doors, and other components
- Going Deeper: Specialized tools may be used for further assessment:
- Moisture meters: Detect hidden moisture content, especially crucial for wooden boats.
- Thickness gauges: Measure the hull’s thickness to identify potential areas of concern.
- Borescopes: Examine hard-to-reach spaces like bilges and mast steps.
- Engine and Systems Check: The surveyor will scrutinize the boat’s mechanical and electrical systems, including:
- Engine, generator, and batteries
- Fuel system, pumps, and filters
- Electrical wiring and navigation equipment
After the Survey
- The Survey Report: Receive a detailed report outlining the surveyor’s findings, typically including:
- An overall assessment of the boat’s condition.
- Descriptions of identified issues, their severity, and potential repair costs.
- Photographs documenting the findings.
With the report in hand, you’re empowered to:
- Negotiate with confidence: Use the findings to justify a lower purchase price or request repairs from the seller.
- Plan for future maintenance: The report serves as a roadmap for prioritizing and budgeting for repairs.
- Make informed decisions: Gain peace of mind knowing the boat’s true condition, allowing you to set sail on your seafaring journey confidently.
By following this checklist and actively participating in the survey process, you’ll gain valuable insights into your potential vessel’s seaworthiness, ensuring a smooth and safe journey on the open waters.
This post was written by a professional at American Marine Surveyors of Florida. American Marine Surveyors of Florida performs above the expected standards in the Yachting and Boating industry. We conduct surveys and other services throughout the state of Florida and Beyond. Our company can also provide surveys and services throughout the United States, The Caribbean and Internationally. We offer a variety of services that include:
- Pre Purchase surveys for Power or Sailing vessels
- Damage surveys on Boats, Yachts and Cargo
- Appraisals, insurance, thermal imaging, ultrasonic, and consultation services
- In and Out of Water Surveys
- On/Off Hire Charter Surveys
Reports are typically delivered to your email within 1 to 3 business days after the survey (with some exceptions). Click here to learn more!
