Costs & process
What does a marine survey cover, and do I need one?
A full condition survey covers hull, structure, deck gear, systems and safety equipment, usually with the boat ashore, and is what insurers and lenders ask for. A pre-purchase survey adds a buyer's view of value and defects. Engine condition is normally a separate engineer's report.
Insurers commonly ask for a survey on older boats at renewal, and most buyers should have one before money changes hands on anything but the smallest craft. The important detail is that surveyors are not engineers: a surveyor will comment on the engine installation, but a proper engine assessment means a compression and oil-sample check by an engineer.
Book the lift-out and the surveyor together. A survey needs the hull clean, dry and accessible, and yards charge for the crane time whether the surveyor is ready or not.
Useful next
Get it looked at
Post the job once and up to three checked professionals who cover your area send private quotes. Not sure how to describe it? Talk it through with the assistant first.
More from the advice library
Guidance only — not a survey or a quote. In an emergency at sea call 999 and ask for the coastguard. 16 questions in the library.