How to Prepare for a Pre-Purchase Boat Survey: Buyer and Broker Checklist

Who this checklist is for

This guide is designed for boat buyers and their brokers preparing for a pre-purchase boat survey on a yacht, powerboat, or sailboat. It assumes the vessel is in or near Seattle and will likely include a haul-out and sea trial.

Coordinate access and roles

• Assign point people: confirm who is primary contact for the buyer, broker, and seller. Share mobile numbers for day-of coordination.
• Keys and codes: verify vessel keys, ignition keys, cabin and locker keys, and any electronic fobs. Confirm dock gate codes and boat alarm codes.
• Marina permissions: notify the marina/harbor office of survey date and time; arrange guest dock access, parking instructions, and any security check-ins.
• Power and water: confirm shore power pedestal access and adapters are available; ensure water is on if needed for systems checks.
• Attendance: agree who will be present (buyer, broker, seller’s rep). Keep the group small so the surveyor can work efficiently.

Ready the vessel for inspection

• Batteries and charging: fully charge house and start banks; verify chargers and inverters operate; confirm shore power cords are serviceable.
• Fuel: ensure adequate clean fuel for cold starts, warm-up, and sea trial. Top off engine oil and coolant as appropriate.
• Safety gear: make life jackets, throwable devices, flares (if aboard), and fire extinguishers easily accessible for verification.
• Declutter: clear bilges, under-berth areas, lazarettes, and machinery spaces so access panels, seacocks, and structural members are visible.
• Dry bilges where practical: remove standing water and wipe accessible areas to help with leak tracing and moisture observations.
• Systems on: verify basic functionality and access for electrical panels, lighting, pumps, windlass, thrusters, helm electronics, steering, plumbing, and HVAC.
• Clean decks and bottom growth: light deck cleanup helps visual inspection; arrange bottom cleaning in advance if heavy fouling could mask conditions (avoid immediately before haul-out if bottom paint needs cure time).

Prepare documents and disclosures

• Maintenance records: organize service invoices, oil analysis history (if available), and logbook entries.
• Equipment list: provide a current list of included gear (tenders, anchors/rode, electronics, sails, spares) and what is excluded.
• Build and model data: supply HIN, year, builder, model, LOA/beam/draft, propulsion details, and serial numbers where known.
• Modifications and upgrades: summarize notable changes (repowers, electrical refits, tank replacements, rigging changes) with dates if possible.
• Known issues: disclose any leaks, prior damage, osmosis repairs, corrosion concerns, or intermittent faults so the surveyor can verify.

Plan the haul-out

• Yard booking: confirm haul-out date/time with the boatyard; share the appointment in writing with all parties.
• Vessel dimensions: provide LOA, beam, weight (if known), and sling points/diagrams if available. Remove loose gear that could interfere with slings.
• Travel-lift notes: advise yard of underwater appendages (shafts, struts, pods, thrusters, transducers, stabilizer fins) and any special strap requirements.
• Bottom-paint timing: if recently painted, confirm recommended cure time with the yard/paint brand to avoid imprinting or damage.
• Sea strainers and seacocks: ensure handles are free to operate; verify tools are aboard if strainers need to be opened for inspection.

Prepare for the sea trial

• Crew roles: identify helm operator (owner or qualified captain), line handlers, and who will monitor engine instruments. Keep non-essential people ashore.
• Route planning: choose a short Puget Sound loop from the marina that allows safe acceleration, turns, and backing. Avoid heavy traffic lanes if possible.
• Weather and tides: check marine forecast, wind, visibility, and tide/current tables for Seattle area. Build in extra time for bridge openings if applicable.
• Cold start: if possible, allow the surveyor to observe a true cold start before any warm-up runs.
• Safety protocols: verify required PFDs for all aboard; brief on man-overboard procedure, radio use, and fire extinguisher locations. Ensure navigation lights and horn work if visibility may change.
• Engine room access: secure loose items before running; ensure safe footing and lighting for observations underway.

Buyer’s kit and optional specialists

• Essentials: bring notepad, pen, fully charged phone/camera, flashlight/headlamp, tape measure, blue painter’s tape for temporary tags, and ziplock bags for small loose fasteners.
• PPE: closed-toe shoes with non-marking soles, gloves, safety glasses for engine spaces, and hearing protection if needed.
• Clothing: layered, weather-appropriate gear for dock work and open-water breeze, plus hat and sun protection.
• Optional specialists: if you plan to hire an engine technician, rigging pro, or electronics specialist, coordinate their attendance and scope with the seller and surveyor in advance to avoid conflicts.

Day-before and morning-of checklist

1. Reconfirm times: marina access, survey start, haul-out slot, and sea trial window.
2. Shore power and systems: plug in overnight; test key systems; chill refrigeration if applicable.
3. Fuel and fluids: verify levels; bring spare oil/coolant if appropriate for top-ups.
4. Documents: place records and equipment list in a clearly labeled folder aboard.
5. Clear access: unlock all cabins/lockers; remove heavy items from over inspection panels.
6. Test run at the dock: quick function check of thrusters, windlass, helm electronics (without masking cold-start opportunity if requested).

After the survey: review and next steps

• Report review: read the full narrative and recommendations. Note safety-critical, operational, and cosmetic items separately.
• Prioritize: categorize findings into must-address before operation, soon after purchase, and routine maintenance.
• Clarify: if a note is unclear, ask the surveyor for context or where to find the referenced component on board.
• Discuss options: review with your broker or advisor how findings may affect timing, budgets, or contingencies you’ve set.
• Plan follow-ups: if recommended, schedule targeted diagnostics (e.g., compression test, oil analysis, rig inspection) with appropriate specialists.