Marine survey & sea trial checklist.

1. Find out what each inspection covers.

Ask for the scope in writing before you book. You need to know what the surveyor will inspect, which systems they’ll operate and what they won’t be able to check. The report reflects the boat’s condition and the access available on the day.

• The marine survey covers the vessel and accessible systems within the agreed scope. Confirm whether it includes an out-of-water inspection.
• The sea trial is an underway evaluation of operation and handling in the conditions encountered. Ask who will attend and what they plan to observe.
• Engines, generators, rigging or other systems may need a separate specialist if the general survey doesn’t cover them in enough detail.

Don’t assume a general survey includes dismantling or diagnosing every system. Ask about machinery tests, inaccessible areas and equipment that can’t be operated. I’d keep those exclusions on your question list until you understand what they mean for the purchase.

References: BoatUS: The Boat Survey

2. Choose your own surveyor.

Check the surveyor’s experience with the type of boat, its construction and its systems. Ask to see a sample report, and check your lender’s or insurer’s requirements before hiring. I can help coordinate the purchase; the surveyor makes their own independent assessment.

• What does the report cover, and which tests or areas are excluded?
• Will you attend the haulout and the underway evaluation?
• Does this boat need any additional specialists?
• When will the report be ready, and can we discuss the findings?

Send the listing, equipment details and your concerns ahead of time. Compare the appointment and report dates with the deadlines in your purchase agreement. If you need more time, address that through the agreement. Booking an inspection doesn’t move a deadline.

References: Markel: Choosing the Right Marine Surveyor

3. What will the marine survey and sea trial cost?

The total depends on the boat and the work you book. Ask for a written quote that covers the inspection and report, then check whether haulout, machinery specialists, travel and an operator are separate. I’d confirm the following before choosing an appointment.

• The surveyor’s fee, written report and any agreed follow-up.
• Yard services needed for the inspection, including haulout, lifting or blocking.
• Engine, rigging or other specialists you engage separately.
• Travel, access or an operator if the arrangements require them.
• Cancellation, rescheduling and return-visit charges if weather, access or an equipment problem prevents completion.

You won’t necessarily incur every charge on that list. Confirm who books each service and who pays under the agreement. Ask about retests too. When comparing quotes, read the exclusions and scheduling terms alongside the price.

4. Have the boat ready for the appointment.

Ask the surveyor for a preparation and access list for the boat. Confirm each item with the owner, broker and other providers. A missing key or an inaccessible compartment can leave a check unfinished even when everyone arrives on time.

• Confirm permission to inspect, marina entry, keys and access to compartments and equipment.
• Have service records, manuals, equipment details and the sale inventory available.
• Check that power, fuel and the boat’s readiness are suitable for the agreed tests.
• Tell the surveyor about known problems and systems that can’t be operated.
• Confirm the yard appointment and who is authorized to operate the boat.
• Ask the engine specialist about preparation, including whether the engines should stay cold before they arrive.

Put the contacts, location, meeting time and sequence of work in one appointment note. Ask each provider to confirm their arrangements. Keep access codes and private records out of public listing notes.

References: TAKO Marine: Preparing for a Survey

5. Use the sea trial to ask specific questions.

The surveyor and machinery specialist should explain which observations make sense for the boat. Depending on the scope and conditions, they may check machinery response, operating readings, steering, shifting, vibration and behavior under load. Confirm the operator separately; the inspector may not be acting as captain.

Weather, traffic and the boat’s condition can limit what can be done safely. Record the conditions and any unfinished checks. Don’t push for an unsafe maneuver or heavy-weather test to complete a checklist.

I’d also use the time aboard to think about your own plans. Can you see comfortably from the helm? How do the noise and movement feel to you? Keep those impressions separate from technical findings. If something concerns you, ask who can investigate it and what you need to know before deciding.

References: Ocean Marine Surveyors: Sea Trials

6. Review the report before deciding.

Read the findings and ask the surveyor to explain anything unclear. If the report recommends further evaluation, find out what that involves and who should do it. You’ll need that answer before you can get a useful repair estimate.

• Note the report reference and describe the issue in plain language.
• Record the observation, test result or access limitation behind the finding.
• Identify who can clarify the condition and provide a relevant quote.
• Decide how the answer affects your intended use, budget or the terms you would accept.
• Write down who will respond, when, and the deadline that applies under the purchase agreement.

For example, an untested generator still needs an answer. You don’t yet know whether it works or needs repair. Agree on how it will be checked. I can help you discuss the findings and your options under the purchase agreement; the surveyor explains the technical condition. Even a thorough survey can’t guarantee future reliability.

7. Confirm the San Diego logistics.

Start with the boat’s berth and a yard that can handle its dimensions and the work required. Call the yard and marina to confirm arrangements directly. A directory entry won’t tell you whether a yard can lift this boat, whether there’s an appointment available or what access permission you need.

• Confirm the berth, access arrangements and route to the yard.
• Check the schedule with the surveyor, specialists, yard and operator before settling on a date.
• Leave time for reports, follow-up questions and estimates within the purchase timeline.
• Agree on what happens if conditions or the boat’s readiness prevent safe completion.

The Port of San Diego’s marina directory is a useful place to find contacts. Send me the listing and your timing if you’d like to discuss the brokerage side of the purchase. Your surveyor and specialists will define their inspection work.

References: Port of San Diego: Marina Directory