Ensure a smooth inspection with this simple checklist.
A marine survey is a critical step in buying, selling, or insuring a vessel. As the boat owner or seller, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring the surveyor can do their job efficiently and accurately. A cluttered or dirty boat can hide issues—or worse, give the impression of poor maintenance.
The surveyor will need access to areas you might rarely see: under berths, inside lockers, and deep in the bilge. Remove personal gear, extra sails, and cleaning supplies from these storage areas. If the surveyor has to spend hours moving boxes, it slows down the process.
Don't let a dead battery ruin the day. Ensure:
The engine compartment should be clean. Wipe down the engines so any new leaks (oil or coolant) are obvious. Verify fluid levels (oil, coolant, transmission fluid) are topped up.
Have the vessel's registration, title, and any maintenance logs available. If there were major repairs done recently, having the receipts ready can answer many of the surveyor's questions upfront.
If a sea trial is part of the survey, ensure there is enough fuel in the tank and that all safety gear (life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers) is on board and up to date.
MASTER MARINE SURVEYS INC.