How to Prepare for a Yacht Condition and Value Survey: Buyer and Seller Checklist

Document Readiness: What to Provide Up Front

Having clear documentation lets the surveyor verify details and evaluate condition and value accurately.

• Registration and title (or documented vessel paperwork) and any tender titles.
• Maintenance records: engine services, oil analyses, rig inspections, battery replacements, and any warranty work.
• Upgrades and modifications: dates, installer information, manuals, and part/model numbers (electronics, chargers, inverters, heaters, windlasses, thrusters, rigging, sails).
• Recent yard invoices: bottom paint, blister repair, shaft/prop work, through-hull replacements, zincs, anodes, cutless bearings, keel or rudder work.
• Equipment list: include safety gear (PFDs, flares with expiry dates, extinguishers with service tags), electronics, ground tackle, canvas, spares, and loose gear that conveys.
• Logbook notes on incidents (groundings, lightning, collisions) and remedial repairs.

Vessel Access and Utilities: No Surprises on Arrival

Ensure the yacht is accessible and energized so systems can be tested efficiently.

• Keys and codes: dock gate, dock box, cabin, engine room, and any lockouts for batteries or fuel.
• Batteries: fully charged; leave chargers/inverters on and accessible. Label battery switches.
• Fuel levels: maintain a safe, operational level for starting and sea trialing; avoid running near empty.
• Shore power: confirm cord compatibility and pedestal availability; test GFCI/ELCI breakers beforehand.
• Water systems: if winterized, notify the surveyor in advance. Be prepared to de-winterize potable water and raw-water systems (or note what cannot be commissioned).
• LPG/CNG and diesel heaters: provide access to tanks/lockers and ensure ventilation.

Systems Readiness and Safety Compliance

Functional checks depend on access and baseline serviceability. Align safety gear with ABYC and USCG norms.

• Engines and generator: cold-start ready with accessible dipsticks, strainers, seacocks, and exhaust risers. Have keys, start sequences, and any special procedures available.
• Electronics: power up MFDs, radar, AIS, VHF (verify MMSI), depth/speed, autopilot. Provide passwords if applicable.
• Electrical: label main breakers; expose service panels if safe. Note any known inoperable circuits.
• Fuel and lube: make engine room clean, with absorbent pads in place; remove excess rags or hazards.
• Safety gear: verify extinguisher service dates, visual distress signals’ expiry, sound signaling device, navigation lights, horn, placards, and appropriate PFD count and types.
• Rigging/sails (sailboats): have winch handles aboard, halyards led, sails accessible for inspection if agreed.

Decluttering and Safe Access Throughout

Clear access speeds the inspection and reduces missed items.

• Bilges and sumps: remove stored items; ensure limber holes and pumps are visible and testable.
• Lockers and lazarettes: move personal items so tanks, bonding wires, steering gear, and through-hulls are accessible.
• Engine space: remove non-essential stowage; allow 360° access where possible.
• Cabin spaces: stow loose gear; secure breakables ahead of sea trial.

Sea Trial Preparation for Puget Sound Conditions

Coordinate a safe, efficient underway session that reflects normal operations while respecting local traffic and weather.

• Crew availability: ensure a qualified operator is present to run the vessel; align on roles for docking, fendering, and lookout.
• Fuel planning: carry sufficient fuel for warm-up, varied RPM runs, and return with reserve; confirm tank selection procedures.
• Lines and fenders: have extras ready for transits and busy marina approaches.
• Weather and tides: check local forecasts, currents, and ferry routes; adjust timing for safe testing and visibility.
• Test plan: discuss ahead—steering, throttle response, RPM sweep, autopilot, trim tabs, windlass, and emergency stops where safe.

Haul-Out Prep at Seattle-Area Yards

Coordinate with a local yard in advance; many require reservations and proof of authorization.

• Booking: confirm date/time, LOA/beam/draft, and special handling notes with the yard.
• Sling marks: identify or estimate lift points; clear bottom growth near marks if possible.
• Lockable storage: secure valuables; some yards have open staging areas.
• Environmental rules: expect restrictions on scraping, sanding, and washdowns; follow yard policies for bilge water and paint dust containment.
• Running gear access: remove shaft locks or line cutters’ covers if present and safe; bring any proprietary prop puller info if relevant.

Moisture and Corrosion Considerations in Puget Sound

Local waters and climate can mask or exaggerate readings; simple steps can improve clarity.

• Drying time: if possible, ventilate cabins and lockers 24–48 hours before the survey to reduce interior humidity that can affect moisture meter readings.
• Dehumidifiers and heat: running a small dehumidifier or cabin heat (safely) can stabilize conditions and improve inspection visibility.
• Zincs and bonding: visually check anodes for depletion; confirm bonding wire terminations are clean and accessible for inspection.
• Shore power corrosion paths: ensure galvanic isolator or isolation transformer information is available; note any stray-current issues you’ve observed.

Buyer and Seller Roles, Presence, and Next Steps

Clear expectations help the day go smoothly and keep findings in context.

• Presence: it’s helpful for buyers and sellers (or representatives) to be available in person or by phone for access questions and operational nuances.
• Boundaries: avoid crowding the surveyor during tests; save non-urgent questions for natural breaks.
• Decisions on the day: plan who authorizes sea trial departure, yard charges, or minor commissioning steps (e.g., opening a winterized system) if needed.
• After the survey: expect a written report with observations and recommendations; coordinate with your broker on follow-ups, specialist evaluations, or re-inspection if requested.