Used boat and yacht survey before you buy
Book a licensed marine surveyor to check a motor boat, sailboat or yacht before you buy. Hull, deck, seacocks, engines, rigging, safety gear and a sea trial.
Boats fail in expensive ways: osmosis blisters, wet decks, corroded seacocks, tired engines and old rigging. A licensed marine surveyor checks the boat out of the water and on a sea trial, and gives you the report most insurers and lenders ask for.
What can go wrong
- Osmosis blisters and moisture in the hull
- Soft spots and delamination in the deck
- Corroded seacocks and through-hulls
- Engine hours, cooling and exhaust problems
- Old standing rigging and sails
How it works
Book in two minutes
Tell us what to check, the address and the date. Confirm your email with a 6-digit code.
A verified expert visits
A mechanic, engineer, inspector or surveyor near you calls, then checks every item on the list with you.
You get the report
A clear verdict, every issue with photos and notes, and what to ask the seller to fix before you sign.
The full checklist: 43 checks
The expert marks each check as OK, Issue or N/A, with notes and photos. Checks marked with a label only apply to that type.
Papers and identity
- Hull number (HIN) matches the papers
- Registration or documentation and title
- Seller owns it, no lien or loan
- Service records, past surveys and damage history
- Insurer's survey requirements noted
Hull and deck
- Hull: cracks, gouges, repairsBest checked out of the water.
- Osmosis blisters below the waterline
- Moisture meter readings on hull and deck
- Deck: soft spots or delaminationTap and press around fittings.
- Gelcoat or paint: crazing, fading, chips
- Keel and keel boltsSailboats
- Rudder, bearings and steering
- Transom: solid, no rot or flex
- Propellers, shafts and anodes
Through-hulls and bilge
- Seacocks open and close, hoses double-clamped
- Bilge pumps, float switches and alarm work
- Bilge is dry, no oil or fuel smell
- Fuel tanks and lines: no leaks or rust
- Fresh water, holding tank and heads work
Engines
- Engine hours match records
- Engines start cold and idle smoothlyEngine
- No oil, fuel or coolant leaksEngine
- Raw water impeller and cooling flowEngine
- Exhaust elbows and risers: no corrosionEngine
- Oil sample sent for analysisEngine
- Outdrive or gearbox: no leaks, shifts cleanly
- Electric drive battery health and chargingElectric and hybrid
Electrical and electronics
- Batteries, switches and charger
- Shore power and inverter
- Wiring is tidy, no corrosion or burn marks
- Navigation lights
- Chartplotter, VHF radio, depth sounder, autopilot
Rigging and sails
- Mast and spreaders: no cracks or corrosionSailboats
- Standing rigging: wires, swages and chainplatesSailboats
- Sails: tears, UV damage, stitchingSailboats
- Winches, blocks and running riggingSailboats
Safety and sea trial
- Life jackets, throwable and life raft
- Fire extinguishers and engine room suppression
- Flares, horn and EPIRB in date
- CO and gas detectors work
- Anchor, chain and windlass
- Sea trial: top speed, no vibration, steers straight
- Trailer: tyres, lights, rollers and brakes, if included
Questions
Who does the survey?
Only licensed or accredited marine surveyors. We check every surveyor's licence before they get jobs.
Will my insurer accept the report?
Many insurers and lenders ask for a pre-purchase survey. Ask them what they need before you book, and tell us in the notes.
Is a sea trial included?
Yes, when the seller allows it. The checklist ends with a sea trial.
Check it before you sign for it
Available in India and the USA. We confirm the fee with you before the visit.
Book a boat or yacht check