Boat Inspections Prior Purchase

Boat inspections prior to purchasing of a boat is crucial. Out of all the steps when looking to buy a boat this stage is of the utmost importance. When considering buying a boat and filling out a contract of offer you should always put down three main conditions at a minimum. These Three Suggestions are below.

1.) Mechanical inspection satisfactory to purchaser. 2.)Hull inspection Satisfactory to Purchaser 3.) Sea Trial Satisfactory to Purchaser

These three Broad conditions above basically make up a marine survey report or otherwise known as a boat inspection. Sea Renity Marine has a comprehensive list of items that require to be checked which basically provides you with a clear understanding of the current vessel condition.

Take your time and consider all your options available when looking at purchasing a boat after all half the fun of purchasing a boat is finding the right one. No two boats are the same as every boat is optioned differently and performs differently.

So Finally you have found that perfect boat for you and the family (OR HAVE YOU) you placed and offer and its accepted subject to mechanical inspections, Hull inspections and Sea Trials.

What’s next? The boat inspection and to find a Reputable Marine repairer or surveyor who knows what they're actually doing. You need to find the right surveyor to be able to provide you with a clear and truthful understanding of the actual current condition of the complete boat. Don’t forget your purchasing a boat and it's not just all about the engine.

I Highly recommend to shop around and do your homework on surveyors/marine mechanics the cheapest is not necessarily the best option. Normally the cheaper a boat inspection is the less services or inspections are carried out.

Depending on the type of vessel you are purchasing you want the boat inspection to be very thorough. Most marine Repairers hourly rates vary from $132 – $250 per hour so what are you actually getting for someone advertising $350.00 for a pre-purchase inspection is the vessel going to be completely inspected or just the engine.

Yes the engine is very important but what about the rest of the vessel. Do you know what condition the rest of the vessel is in is it seaworthy and safe?

What about the Safety equipment is it in date and serviceable, What about the trailer it may be sitting on is it roadworthy? Is the trailer the correct tare weight for the vessel that its Traveling on.

Sea Renity Marine regularly carries out a Pre-purchase inspections and can regularly uncover thousands of dollars repairs that may need doing urgently or some that may need doing shortly down the track. But wouldn’t you like to know prior to purchasing the boat what you may be up for so you have the opportunity to negotiate with current owners prior.

When getting a boat inspection carried out properly you should end up with a full written report with photos of any areas that may require urgent attention and any minor repairs noted. These reports if done correctly, by a reputable company, can be used for insurance purposes also, like a of out of water surveys. Should something go wrong down the track or a accident happen it can also be used for proof of prior condition to your insurance company

A boat inspection done prior to purchasing if done properly should save you money or at least pay for itself, or in some cases stop you from buying a really bad investment. If carried out correctly you will end up with a survey report with a true and clear understanding of the boats conditon. Its very rare that we don’t find some issues wrong with a second hand boat and in most cases the original offer will be re- negotiated depending on the cost of repairs.

We have seen it time and time again we people haven’t had pre purchase inspections carried out or have but have only had motors inspected and have cost themselves 10k -20k dollars nearly instantly after the first trip out on the water. Don’t get caught out after all its a a large investment.

Sea Renity marine take pride in all we do and we provide photos and full reports of areas that may be of concern, Visual inspections in a lot of cases is ok, However what about what is lurking under items you cannot see such as manifolds and risers on a inboard petrol’s its impossible to determine the condition of these with out removing the risers, internal shutter valves, Gearbox universal joints bellows boots.

Underfloor fuel tanks, water tanks, Fuel lines much much more.

We have an extensive list of items we inspect on vessels please contact us to discuss and even ask for a copy of one of our old reports.

Please see some images of vaults found on vessels previous inspected below.