Survey & Mechanical Inspections
Prepare for Success
Well-prepared boats sell faster, negotiate better, and feel lower-risk to buyers. This guide helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Most serious buyers will commission a marine survey once they have made a conditional offer. This is normal and expected.
A survey typically includes:
- Full inspection of hull and structure
- Review of major systems
- Safety and compliance checks
- Moisture testing
- Haul-out for bottom inspection
- Sea trial at full throttle
- Written report (25-40 pages)
The buyer pays for this. The surveyor works for the buyer—not for you.
Understanding the Survey Report
Their job is to identify every defect, deferred maintenance item, and safety issue they observe. That does not mean your boat is "bad." The report will sound more negative than casual dock talk— every boat, especially used boats, has findings. Most survey items are normal for age and use.
The real outcome of a survey is one of three things:
Buyer proceeds as planned
Buyer requests price adjustment
Buyer walks away
Your job as a seller is not to "pass" the survey.
Your job is to reduce surprises.
Make the Boat Presentable
A surveyor who can see systems clearly writes a better report.
Clean Areas
- • Bilges and engine room
- • Lazarette
- • Remove personal clutter
Ensure Access To
- • Hatches
- • Panels
- • All systems
Address Simple Fixes in Advance
Low-cost, high-impact items that influence buyer confidence:
Gather Documentation
Buyers and surveyors look for these documents. A simple folder builds trust.
Know What Is "Normal"
Expected findings:
- • Minor moisture readings
- • Cosmetic cracking or wear
- • Outdated components
- • Deferred maintenance
What hurts deals:
- • Unexpected system failures
- • Overheating engines
- • Safety issues that feel neglected
- • Evidence of hidden problems
Transparency beats perfection.
A prepared engine room builds confidence and protects value.
Make the Engine Space Presentable
A mechanic who can see systems clearly writes a better report.
Clean Areas
- • Bilges and engine beds
- • Wipe down engines
- • Remove loose gear and storage
Ensure Clear Access To
- • Filters and belts
- • Pumps and dipsticks
- • Seacocks
Consider a full throttle engine test in advance
- • Does the engine overheat?
- • Does the engine fail to reach within 200 RPM of its rating?
- • Is there excessive vibration or smoke?
If yes to any, get the engine serviced before listing.
Address Simple, Low-Cost Items
These are inexpensive and dramatically change how "cared for" a boat feels:
Gather Service Records
A simple binder or digital folder signals responsible ownership:
Know What Is Normal
Expected for used engines:
- • Minor oil weepage
- • Cosmetic corrosion
- • Older hoses and wiring
- • Wear-consistent readings
What damages deals:
- • Unknown service history
- • Active leaks
- • Overdue critical maintenance
- • Engine failure to perform
Transparency builds trust faster than perfection.
When a buyer shares a survey or inspection report, approach it strategically.
Don't react emotionally
Don't assume the deal is dead
Don't get mad with the buyer
Separate findings into categories:
Many items are "future owner work," not deal-breakers.
Prepared sellers can:
A well-prepared seller often says:
"We expected some of this. Here's what we're willing to address."
That keeps deals together.
Why This Matters on YachtSee
YachtSee helps you present your boat professionally. Survey and mechanical readiness does the same.
Prepared boats feel honest. Honest boats sell.