Boat Survey checklist

Preparing to sell your boat can be a daunting task, especially when it comes time for a surveyor to inspect your vessel. At VIYB, we understand that your boat is more than just a vehicle; it’s your pride and joy. Having attended hundreds of boat surveys, we’ve identified common pitfalls that sellers frequently encounter. To help you showcase your boat in the best possible light and ensure a smooth survey process, we’ve crafted a comprehensive Boat Survey Checklist. This guide is designed to help first-time sellers and seasoned mariners alike prepare their boats effectively for sale.

**VIYB Boat Survey Checklist**

– [ ] Diver cleans bottom and checks zincs.
– [ ] Ensure there is fuel and water in tanks for survey.
– [ ] Verify that all sea cocks are operational and move easily.
– [ ] Top up all fluids (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant).
– [ ] Confirm that safety gear is onboard, fire extinguishers are serviced and in date, flares are not expired, and there are enough life jackets for everyone onboard.
– [ ] Access to shore power to check 220V/110V systems dockside.
– [ ] Bilges are clean and dry.
– [ ] Main sail is operational and head sail unfurls properly; clean out any water or mildew.
– [ ] Dinghy is inflated and the outboard starts and runs.
– [ ] All hydraulic systems operate properly.
– [ ] Run generator and engines with load up to temperature.
– [ ] Check all shore power systems dockside.
– [ ] Ensure batteries are fully charged for house, engine, and generator (top up with water if they are lead acid).
– [ ] Anchor windlass operates up and down smoothly.
– [ ] Verify that all winches work properly.
– [ ] Check all air conditioning units are operational and not leaking.
– [ ] Turn on and check all systems/electronics operate properly (autopilot, radar, GPS).
– [ ] Perform radio check on VHF.
– [ ] Ensure propane is full and stove/oven works.
– [ ] Engine room should be clean of dust, dirt, and oil (clean/paint any rusted areas).
– [ ] Remove rust from rigging.
– [ ] Engine and generator fuel filters are clean.

This checklist is designed to ensure that all critical aspects of the boat are inspected and functional, making the survey process as thorough and efficient as possible.

If you are looking for a quality marine surveyor in the Caribbean SAMS accredited marine surveyors has a good resource.