A Pre-Purchase, or Condition and Value Survey, is a complete inspection of the vessel in the water, out of the water, and during a sea trial. It is used to inform the buyer of possible repairs or missing equipment on a vessel prior to its purchase. It also offers a fair market value on the vessel and is usually required to obtain insurance or financing.

An insurance renewal survey provides an inspection and report to satisfy the requirements of the insurance company in order to renew an insurance policy. It is important to find out from your insurance company if an in-water inspection will be satisfactory or if an out-of-water inspection or sea trial will be required.

A Corrosion Survey is a dockside survey to determine how well the submerged metals on a vessel are protected against corrosion. This survey will show the level of protection provided by the zinc anodes, check for any stray current corrosion, and check dock grounding. The bonding system can be somewhat inspected, but to fully determine the resistance in a bonding system it is necessary to have the vessel out of the water.

A Damage Survey and Insurance Claim Survey is generally requested by an insurance company to determine the extent of damage to a vessel in an insurance claim, however, sometimes a vessel owner may find this survey useful to protect their own interest in dealing with a damage claim.

• A “quick-look” at a vessel including digital pictures is to assist out-of-town buyers who want to look at a boat without the expense of traveling. This is a very preliminary inspection and is not a survey.

SAMS • NFPA •  ABYC • USCG • IAMI