WHY YOU MAY NEED A BOAT SURVEY CHECKLIST
If you’re someone that is buying a boat, looking for an appraisal, or opting for boat insurance, then you need to get your boat assessed completely. Marine surveyors can save you money, do that job for you and check the boat you want to buy to make sure you’re making the right choice.
However, since theirs is no license needed to become a marine surveyor, you never know how professional is the person that you’ve hired. There are times when they can miss out on some elements, which is why you need to have a checklist like this one.
WHAT IS A BOAT SURVEY TEMPLATE?
There are several factors you need to consider before buying a boat. However, with so many factors, you’re bound to miss out on something. But what if you get a checklist that has all the necessary factors regarding a boat survey?
We provide a highly organized template that you can pick to choose the best marine yacht.
This checklist was created based on our experience and this list should not limit your boat evaluation. It’s a general list and not for a particular model or type of the boat. The list elements can be altered depending upon the type of boat and model you want to buy.
As a regular pre-purchase survey, our template contains 3 sections for:
- In water
- Out of water
- Sea trial
The factors included in the list can be applied to see if the boat you want has been completely assessed and nothing is missed.
Note that some surveys are limited to 1 or 2 parts and there is no particular list that any surveyor needs to follow.
In addition to this list, you can do research for elements and weak spots that should be assessed for your boat maker and model.
We also recommend using the videos from YouTube to see how marine surveyors work and assess the condition of the boat
WHY USE A BOAT SURVEY CHECKLIST?
The boat survey list will give you an idea of what elements should be evaluated. You can use this list to see whether or not the marine surveyor you’ve hired is giving an optimal valuation or not. If something is missed, you can ask the to check it. But if it’s out of the survey range, you can check it on your own or hire a professional for that particular check. For example, a regular pre-purchase survey includes just a limited engine check. You may need to hire a mechanic for a complete engine inspection.
We provide an insight into the condition of your boat. The list shows the points where the boat needs fixation. More importantly, it gives insight into the factors that are important to be repaired.
We recommend focusing on the fixes that can cause you a lot (for example, $500 or even more on fixes).
HOW TO COORDINATE WITH A SURVEYOR?
Even if you have the list, you need to coordinate with a marine surveyor completely. With experience, the surveyor will offer competitive insights on the boat’s condition. However, you can coordinate the process using this template to see if all the elements have been appraised. In this way, you can evaluate the boat’s condition with several factors.
OUT OF WATER (HAUL-OUT)
Hull below waterline
Blisters
Moisture readings and osmosis check
Soundings on steel vessel
Propeller
Propeller shaft
Keel/Centerboard
Rudder
Knot meter and other sensors
Cathodic protection
IN-WATER BOAT CHECK
Vessel documents
Registration
Service records
Insurance
Hull, Deck & Structure
Topsides above waterline including rubbing strake etc.
Deck molding
Coachroof
Cockpit
Hull-to-Deck Joint
Bulkheads and structural stiffening (including internal moldings)
On Deck
Hatch(es)
Pulpit, pushpit, lifelines, stanchions and jackstays
Rigging attachment points
Helm Station & gauges
Hardware (winches, blocks, cleats, etc.)
Ground tackle and mooring arrangements
Other deck gear and fittings
Davits & boarding ladders
Windshield
Railing
Locker Space
Steering System
Shifting System
Rig
Spars
Standing rigging
Running rigging
Sails & covers etc.
Lines
Mast(s)
Safety
Navigation lights
Bilge & bilge pumps
Keel bolts
Fire fighting and Safety Equipment
Lifesaving and emergency equipment
Water Tightness
LPG and CNG systems
Engine
Engine & installation
Fuel system, exhaust system
Accommodation and Onboard Systems
Galley equipment
Accommodation general
Gas installation
Fresh water tanks, pumps, hoses, heaters
Head/Holding Tank
Bilge & bilge pumps
Keel bolts
Electrical installation
Electronic and navigation equipment
Heating and refrigeration
Seacock(s)
Battery
Wiring Connection
Electrical equipment
Navigation equipment/ electronics
Air Conditioner
SEA TRIAL
Engine run
At max rpm for 15-20 min. Check temp and exhaust
Maneuvering & reverse
Sails and rigging
Raise all sails and inspect each for condition
Make a couple of tacks
Check sailboat rigging under load
