Eberle Marine Surveys – Preparing For A Marine Survey
- A properly prepared vessel will allow a surveyor more time for attention to detail in a pre-purchase inspection. If you make the effort to work through the broker or current owner to be sure the boat is ready to go, you will receive a better inspection. Miscellaneous gear and personal items not being sold with the boat should be removed. Cabins and lockers should be cleared of excess gear to promote ease of inspection. Please refer to the following checklist for additional details.
- Arrangements for the boat to be hauled and pressure washed are typically looked after by the broker. This is usually done as a short “survey haul” at a local yard that is acceptable to the current owner. For trial runs, an owner approved captain will be required, however this job is often performed by the yacht broker or someone at the owner’s direction.
- For pre-purchase inspections on larger vessels, in-depth testing of machinery (engines and auxiliary generators) is recommended by a separate technician who has expertise and test equipment for the specific engine types involved. This must also be arranged and the technician will likely want to attend the trial run.
- These additional services: the haulout and machinery analysis are not covered in your surveyor’s fee. Typically machinery technicians and surveyors will work concurrently to complete your inspection, thereby limiting the time you need to be present.
SURVEY PREPARATION CHECK LIST
Permission from boat owner
Yard hauling reservation made
Owner approved captain or broker for trial run
Trial run departure time determined
Batteries up on charge
Fuel and water supply good
Engines confirmed ready to go: belts, fluids, filters, etc.
120-volt shore power and water available
Maintenance logs and repair receipts onboard
Vessel registration papers onboard
All gear to convey with the transaction onboard
Electronics installed
Lifejackets and other safety equipment onboard
Anchor, chain and line ready to deploy
Fire extinguishers reading in the charge area
Personal items removed
Click to view surveyor listing on The Marine Surveyor Marketplace

Rob Eberle, SAMS® AMS®
Accredited Marine Surveyor
Yacht Survey Specialist Since 1988
Better Business Bureau Rating A+
Eberle Marine Surveys
1310 National Ave.,
New Bern, North Carolina 28560
(252) 670-1976(O)
(252) 635-1958(F)
Email: eberlemarine@gmail.com
Serving all of Coastal North Carolina