Preparing the Boat for Survey

In the course of a survey, every portion of the vessel has to be accessed. That means that every cushion has to be moved, every locker has to be emptied, and every piece of gear is moved — typically multiple times.

Time and additional expense can be saved by preparing the vessel for inspection and making her more accessible. And, the better prepared the vessel, the more time the surveyor has to spend on inspection.

Arrange to present a clean, shipshape boat, and have all papers and miscellaneous gear ready. If applicable, you will need to make arrangements with the marina to haul the vessel for bottom inspection, and retain a captain for sea trials. Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear.
The surveyor should never be asked to prepare a boat for inspection. The surveyor may request minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to the suspected areas or important systems. Random removal and examination of below-the-waterline fasteners on wood boats may be required. Any dismantling and re-installation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey but must be approved by the vessel owner.

Written authorization from the owner may be needed to board and/or to remove part of the vessel.