What Marine Surveyors Look For

Marine surveys provide critical information for boat buyers, insurance companies, and current owners seeking objective assessments of vessel condition. Understanding what surveyors examine and how they evaluate boats helps you prepare for surveys and interpret their findings intelligently.

Quick Answer: Marine surveyors inspect hull structure, deck and superstructure, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and safety equipment. Pre-purchase surveys typically cost $15-25 per foot of boat length. A thorough survey takes 4-8 hours for typical recreational boats.

Types of Marine Surveys

Pre-Purchase Survey

The most comprehensive survey type, pre-purchase inspections examine all accessible areas and systems to assess overall condition and identify problems. Buyers use these reports to negotiate prices, budget for repairs, and make informed purchase decisions.

These surveys include fair market value estimates, though values can vary based on local market conditions and surveyor experience with specific boat types.

Insurance Survey

Insurance companies require surveys to establish condition and value before issuing or renewing coverage. These inspections focus on seaworthiness and safety compliance, often with less mechanical detail than pre-purchase surveys.

Insurance surveys typically satisfy underwriting requirements for 3-5 years, though older boats may require more frequent inspections.

Condition and Value Survey

Similar to insurance surveys but ordered by owners for various purposes including estate settlements, financing, divorce proceedings, or simply understanding current boat condition. These provide objective third-party assessments of worth and needed maintenance.

Damage Survey

Following accidents or storm damage, damage surveys document losses for insurance claims and repair planning. These specialized inspections focus specifically on damage extent and repair cost estimation.

Hull Inspection

Fiberglass Construction

Surveyors tap hulls with specialized hammers, listening for the solid sound of properly laminated fiberglass versus the dull thud indicating delamination, water intrusion, or core saturation. This acoustic inspection reveals problems invisible to the eye.

Moisture meters measure water content in hull laminates and cored panels. High readings indicate moisture intrusion requiring further investigation. Some moisture is normal in older boats; surveyors interpret readings based on age, construction, and location.

Blister Assessment

Osmotic blistering affects many fiberglass hulls, especially older boats stored in water year-round. Surveyors assess blister severity, recommend treatment options, and estimate repair costs when significant blistering exists.

Structural Elements

Stringers, floors, bulkheads, and transom cores receive careful attention. These structural elements are critical to hull integrity but are prone to water damage, rot, and delamination. Soft spots, cracking, and separation indicate problems requiring repair.

Keel and Rudder

Sailboat keels are checked for movement, corrosion at attachment points, and fairing condition. Rudders are examined for play in bearings, blade condition, and proper operation. These components significantly affect both safety and performance.

Deck and Superstructure

Deck Core Condition

Cored decks can absorb water through failed bedding around hardware, creating rot in wood cores or delamination in foam cores. Surveyors probe around fittings and test deck stiffness throughout accessible areas.

Hardware and Fittings

Cleats, rails, windlass, and other deck hardware are examined for security and corrosion. Proper bedding prevents water intrusion; deteriorated sealant around fittings often indicates larger deck problems below the surface.

Windows and Hatches

Glazing condition, seal integrity, and frame security all receive attention. Leaking hatches and windows are common problems causing interior damage and indicating maintenance neglect.

Mechanical Systems

Engine Inspection

Surveyors examine engines for oil and coolant leaks, belt condition, hose deterioration, and electrical connections. They pull oil samples for analysis, revealing internal wear conditions invisible to visual inspection.

Sea trials test engine operation under load, checking performance, unusual sounds, exhaust color, and temperature readings. Surveyors note maximum RPM achieved and compare to manufacturer specifications.

Drive Systems

Stern drives, outdrives, and shaft systems are examined for play, corrosion, and proper operation. Gear oil samples reveal water intrusion indicating seal failures requiring immediate attention.

Steering and Controls

Steering systems are tested for play, binding, and proper response. Control cables are examined for fraying and stiffness. Hydraulic systems are checked for leaks and proper fluid levels.

Electrical Systems

Wiring Assessment

Surveyors examine accessible wiring for proper gauge, connection quality, and code compliance. Marine electrical systems face unique corrosion challenges; poor installations create safety hazards and reliability problems.

Battery Systems

Battery condition, installation security, and charging system function are evaluated. Load testing confirms batteries can deliver adequate starting and house power under demand.

Shore Power

Shore power connections, isolation transformers, and AC distribution panels receive attention for safety compliance. Improper AC systems create electrocution hazards and potential fire risks.

Safety Equipment

Required Equipment

Life jackets, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, and sound-producing devices are checked against Coast Guard requirements. Surveyors note expired or inadequate equipment requiring replacement.

Navigation Lights

All navigation lights are tested for proper operation and visibility angles. Improper lighting creates collision risk and legal liability.

Bilge Systems

Bilge pumps, high-water alarms, and through-hulls are examined for proper operation. Adequate bilge pumping capacity is critical for vessel safety.

Sea Trial

Underway Testing

Competent surveys include sea trials testing all systems under actual operating conditions. Engines are run at various speeds, steering is tested under load, and instruments are verified against actual conditions.

Performance Verification

Surveyors compare observed performance against manufacturer specifications and similar vessels. Significant shortfalls indicate problems requiring investigation.

The Survey Report

Report Contents

Comprehensive reports describe all examined systems, identified deficiencies, and recommendations for repair or further investigation. Reports typically categorize findings by severity and safety impact.

Using Survey Results

Pre-purchase survey findings form the basis for price negotiations. Significant issues may justify price reductions, repair credits, or walking away from problematic boats. Minor maintenance items are expected on used boats.

Review reports carefully and ask surveyors to explain unfamiliar findings. Quality surveyors welcome questions and provide clear explanations of their observations.