Surveys

Ensure your next vessel purchase is a confident one with our comprehensive inspections, covering every system, structure, and safety feature on board. Detailed, photo-supported reports—including recommendations, fair-market valuation, and replacement cost—are delivered promptly, usually within 48 hours.

How the Survey Process Works

1.

Get in touch to share your vessel information and choose a survey date that fits your schedule.

2.

The survey includes a comprehensive on-board assessment and a haul-out to evaluate hull integrity, appendages, and structural condition.

3.

A complete survey report is prepared with documentation, photos, and recommendations to guide your next steps.
Request a Survey

Sample Surveys

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Power

Sample Recommendations

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Condition & Valuation Survey for Pre-Purchase, Insurance & Financing

This is a comprehensive inspection, and is strongly advised when purchasing a new or used vessel. We make every effort to provide the finished survey report within 48 hours.

This inspection covers structural integrity, as well as all on-board systems: propulsion, mechanical, electrical, tankage and plumbing, electronics, galley, rigging, safety, miscellaneous deck equipment, and overall level of maintenance.

The out-of-water inspection includes assessment of the wetted surfaces, appendages (keel, rudder, skeg, struts, etc.), and drive train.

We make every effort to have the survey report available in 48 hours. Our surveys include an easily referenced list of all issues found, our recommendations, and the fair-market valuation and replacement cost of the vessel. Photos taken during the survey are included throughout the report.

An appraisal of the vessel’s fair market value and replacement cost is included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of preparation needs to happen on the boat for a successful survey?

The boat should be clean and with all personal gear removed. Lockers should be emptied to provide easy access to all areas of the boat. It is preferable to have bagged sails out of lockers and in a location – such as the v-berth – where they can be easily moved.

Should the boat be plugged into shore power?

For a complete assessment of systems, batteries must be charged and shore power be available.

Do you disassemble or remove any boat components during the survey?

We will not use tools to disassemble parts of the boat to gain access. If panels or floorboards need to be unscrewed to gain access this should be done ahead of time. If fasteners are to be pulled on a wooden boat, a yard worker will need to be available to do this once we have selected those to be removed.

Do you go aloft or climb the rig during a rigging inspection?

We cannot climb rigs for a rigging inspection. We are not riggers and climbing unknown rigs can be dangerous without proper equipment. It is also very difficult to inspect a rig properly while it is in place and under tension. A far more thorough inspection can be performed with the rig at ground level; wear surfaces can be checked which would be inaccessible with the rig up. If you wish to have the rig inspected above deck level, please arrange to have the mast pulled and placed in an accessible location.

Do you take sails out of their bags and inspect them during the survey?

We do not remove sails from bags for inspection; we recommend having sails inspected by a sail loft as they can provide a more detailed description of condition. Additionally, proper sail inspection requires a large clean area, which is often not available during a survey.

Do you operate or move the vessel during the survey?

We cannot drive boats unless prior arrangements have been made. If the vessel needs to be moved, the owner or someone with permission to drive the boat will be needed.

What safety gear is required on board for a sea trial or when the vessel is moved?

Make sure Coast Guard required safety gear (flares, PFDs for each person, etc.) are on board if the vessel is being moved or sea trialed.

What vessel documents should be available during the survey?

Ship’s registration and papers should be aboard the vessel and in an obvious location. Any available maintenance logs or manuals are helpful as well.

Can I be on board and ask questions during the survey?

We are happy to have the buyer on board during the survey as well as to answer questions while the survey is in progress. However, please try to limit the number of people on board and understand if we ask to be left alone for a time.

Request a Survey

Thank you for your interest! Fill out as much of the information below as you can, and someone will be in touch with you soon.

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Fees (Updated February 2025)

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Under 60′: $30/foot, $500 minimum
60′ and over: Please contact us for quote

Insurance Survey

Under 60′: $30/foot, $500 minimum
60′ and over: Please contact us for quote

No mileage charges for San Francisco Bay Area.
Trips to the Delta and Peninsula are billed at $0.80/mile.