Andrew Pace
A boat survey is a detailed inspection of a boat's exterior and interior mechanical components. It is carried out by a surveyor, who is chosen by the buyer. The survey can help uncover any underlying issues with the boat and determine what upgrades are needed to get the vessel into a safe operating condition. It can also establish the current value of the boat. The survey process typically involves a sea trial to check the engines, sails and other components, followed by a haulout to inspect the bottom of the boat out of the water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who chooses the surveyor? | The buyer |
| When does the survey take place? | After an agreed offer between buyer and seller |
| What does the surveyor do? | Inspects the boat's exterior and interior mechanical components, noting any potential issues |
| What does the surveyor provide? | Documentation listing the current condition and seaworthiness of the vessel, as well as a value estimate |
| How long does a survey take? | Varies, but could take a full day for an in-depth condition and value survey |
| Who is present during the survey? | The buyer does not need to be present |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a surveyor
The buyer chooses the surveyor as they work for you. It is often good to use a local surveyor, as they are usually more familiar with the process, boats, and have surveyed the same model numerous times before. Your sales agent can provide you with a current list of surveyors in the desired location.
Once a surveyor is chosen, they will give their availability and the boatyard’s availability for haul out to inspect out of the water. A date for the survey can then be scheduled.
The length of time it takes to complete a marine survey varies based on several factors. It could take a full day if you're planning on having an in-depth condition and value survey conducted for your vessel. If a survey is required by your insurer, speak with your surveyor beforehand to establish a realistic timeline.
You do not need to be present during the survey as the surveyor will report back to you with findings. However, if you have been present on the day, the surveyor will usually do a short overview of the main points from the day.
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The survey process
It is not necessary for the buyer to be present during the survey, as the surveyor will report their findings. However, if the buyer chooses to be present, the surveyor will usually provide a short overview of the main points at the end of the day.
It is important to note that a local surveyor may be preferable, as they are often more familiar with the process, boats, and may have surveyed the same model before. The buyer's sales agent can provide a list of surveyors in the desired location. Additionally, the buyer may want the surveyor to inspect any works in progress or before closing to ensure that all necessary upgrades and repairs have been completed satisfactorily.
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The sea trial
Once the surveyor has inspected the boat out of the water, the sea trial can begin. This is normally only about an hour, enough for the surveyor to test and check what is needed and do a short sail. The surveyor will check the engines, sails, and other components.
During the sea trial, the surveyor will also be able to assess the boat's performance and handling. They will be able to determine if the boat is operating as it should and if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
Once the sea trial is complete, the surveyor will return to the dock and continue the survey. They will usually do a short overview of the main points from the day, including any issues that were identified during the sea trial.
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Surveyor's report
The surveyor's report will detail the boat's current condition and seaworthiness, as well as its value. The surveyor will inspect the boat's exterior and interior mechanical components, noting any potential issues.
The survey will begin in the morning, with the boat moving to the boatyard for haulout by midday. This is a short haul to allow the surveyor to inspect the bottom of the boat out of the water. The surveyor will then test and check the engines, sails, etc. on a short sea trial.
If you are present on the day, the surveyor will usually provide a short overview of the main points at the end of the survey. You do not need to be present, however, as the surveyor will report back to you with their findings.
You may also want the surveyor to inspect any works in progress, such as while the boat is hauled in the boatyard for out-of-water work.
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Survey costs and time
The cost and time of a boat survey will depend on several factors, including the size of the boat, the type of survey, and the location.
The buyer chooses the surveyor, who will then give their availability and the boatyard's availability for haul-out to inspect the boat out of the water. A typical survey day will start in the morning, with the boat moving to the boatyard for haul-out by midday. This is a short haul to allow the surveyor to inspect the bottom of the boat out of the water. The survey will continue once the boat is back at the dock, and the surveyor will usually do a short overview of the main points at the end of the day.
The length of time it takes to complete a marine survey can vary. It could take a full day if an in-depth condition and value survey is required. If a survey is needed for insurance purposes, it is important to speak with the surveyor beforehand to establish a realistic timeline.
Using a local surveyor can be beneficial, as they are often more familiar with the process and may have surveyed the same model of boat numerous times before. The sales agent can provide a list of surveyors in the desired location.
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Frequently asked questions
A boat survey is a detailed inspection of a boat's exterior and interior mechanical components.
A boat survey takes place once there is an agreed offer in place between the buyer and seller. The buyer chooses the surveyor and the date of the survey.
A boat survey involves the surveyor noting any potential issues and presenting the buyer with documentation that lists the current condition and seaworthiness of the vessel, as well as a value estimate.
The length of time it takes to complete a boat survey varies. It could take a full day if an in-depth condition and value survey is being conducted.
