What a Pre-Purchase Boat Survey Includes: Systems, Hull, and Sea Trial

Structural inspection: hull, deck, and primary structure

The structural review focuses on the vessel’s condition and evidence of prior damage or repairs. Where access allows, we visually inspect and percussively sound the following:

• Hull and deck laminates: topsides, bottom, and deck surfaces for impact damage, voids, delamination, print-through, and stress cracking.
• Transom: signs of moisture intrusion, core degradation, hardware sealing, and engine mounting integrity.
• Bulkheads and stringers: bonding to hull/deck, tabbing condition, cracks at stress points, and improper modifications.
• Moisture readings: non-destructive meter readings taken where appropriate and accessible to help identify elevated moisture or suspect areas for further evaluation.

Findings are described with location references and supported by photos to distinguish cosmetic issues from structural concerns.

Propulsion and drivetrain review

We assess the condition and installation of propulsion components and observe real-world performance during the sea trial:

• Main engines: general condition, mounts, belts, hoses, exhaust components, and visible leaks; warm-up behavior and throttle response.
• Transmissions: shift engagement, fluid condition (visual), mounts, and control function.
• Running gear: shafts, struts, propellers, rudders, cutless bearings, and visible alignment clues.
• Sea trial performance: acceleration, WOT attainment (as applicable), vibrations, and tracking. Engine temperatures and oil pressure are observed via installed instrumentation.

Where specialized engine diagnostics or fluid analysis are desired, clients may arrange qualified technicians; our report will note observed symptoms and recommended follow-up.

Electrical and fuel systems checks (ABYC-aligned)

We review electrical and fuel systems with reference to ABYC standards where applicable. This is a condition-and-safety review, not a full compliance certification:

• AC and DC systems: panel labeling, wire routing/securement, conductor condition, overcurrent protection, bonding/grounding, and GFCI/AFCI presence where expected.
• Batteries and charging: securement, ventilation, cabling, terminals, and visible corrosion; operation of chargers and alternators as observed.
• Fuel system: tanks (where visible), hoses, clamps, filters/separators, shutoffs, anti-siphon measures, and evidence of leaks or corrosion.

Noted variances from commonly accepted practice and ABYC-referenced guidance are documented with risk context and recommendations.

Safety equipment verification

We verify the presence and observable condition of key safety equipment typically requested by insurers and prudent operators:

• Fire extinguishers and fixed systems (if installed): type, service tags where applicable, and mounting.
• Bilge pumps and alarms: operation via switches/float tests when practical.
• Navigation and anchor lights: function checks when powered.
• Sound signaling and basic lifesaving gear: presence and apparent condition where accessible.

Expiration dates, missing items, and inoperative devices are flagged with corrective suggestions.

Onboard systems functionality

We conduct practical function checks of accessible onboard systems to confirm basic operation and note condition:

• Plumbing: freshwater pumps, faucets, heads, macerators, and visible sanitation hoses/seacocks.
• HVAC: air conditioning/heating at control panels and observed operation where dock power or generators allow.
• Steering and controls: wheel/tiller play, hydraulic fluid levels (where visible), and control smoothness.
• Thrusters: bow/stern operation if installed and conditions permit safe testing.
• Electronics: basic power-up and function checks of MFDs, VHF, radar, autopilot, depth/speed sensors, and GPS as installed.

Complex or intermittent issues may require specialist diagnostics; our report clarifies what was tested and the limits of access/conditions.

Sea trial observations and methods

A sea trial provides dynamic data that cannot be captured dockside. During the run we observe:

• Starting and warm-up: cold and hot starts, smoke, and idle quality.
• Temperatures and pressures: readings from onboard gauges/instrumentation and trend behavior under load.
• Vibration and noise: resonance at specific RPMs indicative of prop, shaft, or mount issues.
• Maneuvering: low-speed handling, shifting, docking response, and reverse thrust.
• Instrumentation: accuracy and stability of tachometers, voltmeters, fuel gauges, and engine displays as installed.

We note sea state, load, and route context so buyers and lenders understand test conditions.

Haul-out inspection highlights

When the vessel is hauled, we examine submerged structures that are otherwise inaccessible:

• Bottom condition: paint, blisters, previous repairs, and fairing quality.
• Through-hulls and seacocks: material type, operation, bonding, and corrosion signs.
• Anodes and corrosion: size, depletion rate, bonding connections, and evidence of stray current activity.
• Osmosis/blistering: patterns, severity, and moisture context to inform potential remediation.

Any recommendations for further testing (e.g., moisture mapping, core sampling by a yard) are clearly identified.

Documentation and reporting deliverables

Your written report is structured for decision-making, underwriting, and financing. It typically includes:

• Narrative findings: system-by-system observations with location references and condition assessments.
• Photographs: clear images of key findings, identification plates, and representative areas.
• Recommendations: prioritized corrective actions and maintenance notes.
• Deficiency categorization: safety-related, structural/critical, systems/operational, and cosmetic/maintenance as applicable.

The report also notes the scope, access limitations, weather/sea conditions, and test methods used. This transparency helps buyers, insurers, and lenders understand exactly what was inspected and any constraints on the conclusions.

Scope limits and access considerations

Pre-purchase surveys are non-destructive and observational. Components may be opened where reasonable and safe, but we do not dismantle systems or perform invasive testing. Locked or obstructed areas, low batteries, or lack of shore power can limit testing; these constraints are recorded in the report so you can decide on follow-up actions.