Overview of a Marine Survey Inspection: What the Surveyor Checks
Overview of a Marine Survey Inspection: What the Surveyor Checks
A marine survey is a thorough look at every accessible area of the boat, bow to stern. It isn’t a walk down the dock. Each system gets inspected, tested if possible, recorded and written up.
This guide walks through each part of the inspection in the order we work, then covers the sea trial, the haul-out, the limits of a survey and what goes in the written report.
Ready to book? Request a quote or call 269-998-6767.
What Does a Marine Survey Inspection Cover?
A marine survey covers the boat’s paperwork and ID, hull and deck, structure and moisture, through-hulls, engines, fuel system, AC and DC electrical, plumbing, steering and controls, and safety gear. Each is checked against USCG, ABYC and NFPA standards. Every survey also includes an appraisal of the boat’s value. A sea trial shows how the boat runs, and a haul-out shows what’s below the waterline.
- Identity and paperwork
- Hull and deck
- Structure and moisture
- Through-hulls and seacocks
- Propulsion and engines
- Fuel system
- Electrical, DC and AC
- Plumbing
- Steering and controls
- Safety gear
- Standards
Which pieces apply depends on the survey. See types of marine surveys for how a pre-purchase, insurance and damage survey differ.
Paperwork, Hull and Deck
The surveyor starts by matching the hull ID number to the documentation or registration and checking the required placards. Then the hull sides, transom and bottom are inspected for gelcoat and paint condition, blisters and impact damage. The hull-to-deck joint, decks, hatches, rails and hardware get the same look.
Identity and paperwork
We find the HIN (hull identification number) and note where it’s displayed. Then we check it against the USCG documentation or state registration, and confirm the required placards are posted.
Hull and deck
We record the hull’s shape and how it’s built. The hull sides, transom and bottom are described as they are, good and bad: gelcoat, paint, blisters and impact damage. Blisters get their own write-up; see our guide to fiberglass blisters.
How the Surveyor Checks Structure and Moisture
Stringers, bulkheads and the inner grid get a close look. The surveyor taps the hull and deck with a phenolic hammer every few inches to find hollow or separated spots. Moisture-meter readings find wet core and soft decks.
Structure and moisture
The hammer tells us where the laminate sounds solid and where it doesn’t. The hammer helps identify areas of delamination. The moisture meter backs that up with readings, so a soft spot on deck gets a number behind it.
Through-hulls and seacocks
We note each through-hull’s material and location, and open and close every valve. Hoses and clamps are checked at each fitting.
Engines, Fuel and Electrical Systems
Engines are recorded by make, model, serial number and hours, with photos of the data plates. Mounts, exhaust, cooling, transmissions, shafts, struts and props are checked for leaks, corrosion or smoke. The fuel system and AC and DC electrical are checked too, including battery voltage tests, shore power, GFCI outlets and the generator, against ABYC E-11.
Propulsion and engines
Each engine’s identity and hours go in the report with data-plate photos. We note any leaks, corrosion or smoke at the mounts, exhaust, cooling system, transmissions, shafts, struts and props. Corrosion has its own causes; see our page on galvanic corrosion.
Fuel system
We check tank labels, fill and vent lines, and hoses, and how the fuel lines are routed and grounded. Gas boats are checked for engine-room blowers and fume detection.
Electrical, DC and AC
Batteries get voltage tests. Battery switches, breakers, fuses and wiring quality are checked. On the AC side, that includes shore power, the panel, GFCI outlets and the generator. Everything is checked against ABYC E-11.
Plumbing
Fresh water, the water heater, the head and holding tank, sinks and washdowns are all checked.
Steering and controls
The helm, cables or hydraulics, rudders, trim tabs and engine controls are all worked through their full range.
Questions about your boat’s systems? Call 269-998-6767.
What Safety Gear Does the Surveyor Check?
The surveyor checks life jackets, the throwable device, portable and fixed fire extinguishers, flares and other distress signals, the horn, navigation lights, bilge pumps and high-water alarms. Each item is recorded for what it is, where it is, its condition, whether it works and how it was tested. Most of these items are required by U. S. federal law to be onboard.
For what belongs on board, see our page on essential safety equipment for boats.
Which Standards Is the Boat Checked Against?
Findings are measured against USCG rules (33 and 46 CFR), ABYC practices and NFPA 302. Each finding is cited to the rule that applies, so you know why something was flagged and not just that it was.
For the detail, see our guide to inspection standards (ABYC, NFPA and CFR) and our page on marine survey regulations.
What Happens During the Sea Trial?
The sea trial shows how the boat runs under load. The surveyor records RPM, temperatures and oil pressure at idle, cruise and wide-open throttle. Steering, single-engine handling, vibration and smoke are checked, and the surveyor looks for leaks while the boat is running.
Sea trial time is included in our quote; some surveyors charge extra for it. Buyers usually want a sea trial as part of a pre-purchase survey.
Why Haul the Boat Out?
The buyer arranges and pays for the haul-out. A haul-out lets the surveyor see the whole bottom, running gear, struts, rudders, through-hulls and zincs, and sound the bottom with the hammer. If the boat isn’t hauled, the report says what couldn’t be seen. For how a haul-out affects the quote, see our Marine Survey Costs guide.
What a Survey Doesn’t Cover
The surveyor inspects only areas that can be reached. There’s no destructive testing or taking things apart. Tank interiors and engine internals aren’t opened, and “powers up” doesn’t mean every function was tested. The report states each limit plainly.
If a system can’t be judged fairly without disassembly, we may recommend further inspection by a qualified marine technician.
What’s in the Written Survey Report?
The report lists your boat’s details, describes each system’s condition section by section, and ranks findings A (safety), B (needs attention soon) and C (notes). It includes an overall condition rating, photos and the surveyor’s signed certification. Every report also includes an appraisal of the boat’s value, with comparable sold boats.
If you need a stand-alone value for financing, estate, legal or donation purposes, see our yacht appraisal page. If your insurer asked for a survey, see our insurance survey page.
Book Your Survey
Veteran Yacht Services is a veteran-owned marine surveying company based in Stuart, Florida. We’re members of SAMS, ABYC and NFPA, and the work is led by John P. DeGoede IV, a SAMS Accredited Marine Surveyor, USCG 100-ton Master and instructor for the Chapman School of Seamanship surveying course.
Travel charges apply when the boat is more than a one-hour drive from Stuart. We cover Vero Beach, Ft. Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach.
Request a quote, call 269-998-6767 or email john@veteranyachtservices.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the survey include the engines?
Yes. Each engine is recorded by make, model, serial number and hours, and the mounts, exhaust, cooling, transmissions, shafts, struts and props are checked for leaks, corrosion or smoke. Engine internals aren’t opened and a computer is not hooked up to check for fault codes. If something needs a closer look, we may recommend a qualified marine technician.
What do the A, B and C findings mean?
A findings are safety items. B findings need attention soon. C findings are notes. The ranking tells you what to deal with first.
How long does a marine survey take?
It depends on the size of the boat. A 25-foot center console takes about 3 hours. A 105-foot yacht takes 2 to 3 days.
Should I be there for the survey?
Yes. We always recommend that the buyer be present for the survey.
