Pilothouse Marine Services
Pre-Purchase Surveys
Understand the yacht. Make an informed decision.
Discuss your vesselWhen purchasing a vessel
Understand the vessel before you commit
A pre-purchase marine survey provides an independent assessment of a vessel’s condition before you complete the purchase. Working for the buyer, Pilothouse Marine Services examines accessible structure, machinery, and onboard systems to identify conditions that may affect safety, operation, value, and future maintenance.
The examination considers both visible condition and how equipment functions within the agreed scope. Inspection afloat, examination out of the water, and an underway trial provide different information about the vessel. Findings may also identify a need for specialist testing or further access.
A documented basis for your decision
The report explains what was examined, what was found, and what action is recommended. It distinguishes safety concerns and other deficiencies from routine maintenance and suggested improvements, and identifies limitations where access or testing was restricted.
That information helps you evaluate the purchase, discuss repairs with the seller, and plan for ownership. An opinion of fair market value and estimated replacement cost is included.
What the survey covers
The examination addresses accessible hull and structural components, machinery installations, electrical systems, steering, fuel systems, plumbing, and safety equipment. Installed equipment is examined and operated within the agreed scope, with access restrictions and testing limitations documented in the report.
Machinery & installation
Accessible propulsion machinery is examined for installation, mounting, cooling and exhaust arrangements, and visible conditions such as leakage, corrosion, and deterioration. The extent of mechanical testing depends on the agreed scope and whether a separate engine specialist is engaged.
Helm, controls & electronics
Steering, engine controls, instrumentation, and navigation equipment are examined for condition and installation, with functional checks where practicable. Observations address the equipment available to the operator and its response during testing.
Underwater hull & running gear
The haul-out provides access to the underwater hull, propellers, shafts, struts, rudders, and other fitted components. Examination addresses visible damage, corrosion, wear, and the condition of accessible fittings and attachments.
Electrical systems
Accessible AC and DC installations are examined, including shore-power connections, distribution panels, batteries, charging equipment, and associated conductors and protection devices. The examination considers installation, physical condition, and operation within the scope of testing.
Afloat, Ashore, and Underway
A complete survey is conducted in three stages. Each provides access and operating conditions the others cannot. Haul-out, sea trial, and any separately engaged specialists are arranged and confirmed before the survey date.
Inspection Afloat
At the dock, the survey covers accessible interior spaces, machinery installations, and onboard systems. Equipment is operated where practicable and assessed for condition, installation, and function. Shore-power checks address accessible connections, installed protection devices, and operation of the vessel’s AC systems while connected.
The extent of the examination depends on access. Spaces concealed by joinery, stores, or fixed panels that prevent inspection are identified in the report.
Haul-Out Examination
Out of the water, the underwater hull and appendages are examined directly, including running gear, rudders, thru-hulls, and other underwater components appropriate to the vessel. Marine growth, fairing, or inaccessible construction can conceal underlying conditions. Where these limit the examination, the report identifies the limitation and recommends cleaning or further investigation as appropriate.
Sea Trial
During the sea trial, steering, controls, propulsion, and related systems are observed under normal operating loads. Checks address system response, leakage, abnormal noise or vibration, and other conditions that may not be apparent at the dock.
Engine performance evaluation is limited to the agreed mechanical scope. When a separate engine specialist is engaged, that specialist performs the detailed machinery testing and interprets engine operating parameters.
Engines and mechanical scope
Machinery inspection forms part of the pre-purchase survey. The extent of detailed engine testing is agreed before the survey so the buyer understands who will perform the work and what it includes.
Included in the vessel survey
Accessible engines and associated machinery are examined for installation, mounting, and visible condition. Engine identification, cooling and exhaust arrangements, and significant observations such as leakage, corrosion, or deterioration are documented.
For outboard-powered vessels, the examination includes accessible powerheads, lower units, propellers, mounting arrangements, and trim components. Compression testing and diagnostic computer downloads are performed by a separately engaged engine specialist.
When Pilothouse Marine Services performs the mechanical survey
An additional mechanical survey is available for gasoline and diesel inboard engines and transmissions. It includes a visual inspection and functional evaluation of cooling and exhaust systems, fuel delivery components, engine controls, mounts, and accessible associated machinery.
Engines are operated to normal temperature, with operating parameters, fluid condition, leaks, abnormal noise or vibration, and overall performance evaluated. Where a sea trial is conducted, engine RPM, temperatures, pressures, loading, and propulsion performance are assessed under operating conditions. Oil sampling can be arranged separately.
When you engage an engine specialist
Pilothouse Marine Services still documents machinery identification, installation arrangements, and visible conditions as part of the vessel survey. Detailed machinery testing, recording and interpretation of engine operating parameters, and performance conclusions are left to the engine specialist.
The specialist contracts directly with the buyer and coordinates any oil sampling within that engagement. The additional Pilothouse Marine Services mechanical-survey fee does not apply.
Questions before your survey
When should I arrange a pre-purchase survey?
Arrange the survey after your offer has been accepted and the purchase agreement has been signed. Contact Pilothouse Marine Services with your vessel details and desired survey date to confirm availability.
Should I attend the survey?
You are encouraged to attend the entire survey. Seeing the vessel and its systems firsthand helps you understand the observations, ask questions, and become more familiar with the boat you are considering.
Who arranges the haul-out and operates the vessel during the survey?
The buyer is responsible for ensuring the haul-out is scheduled and may have their broker coordinate it.
The seller is responsible for operating the vessel or providing a licensed captain during the survey, including the sea trial. The buyer does not need to arrange the vessel’s operator.
How should the vessel be prepared for the survey?
The vessel should be ready for inspection and equipment testing, with shore power available, sufficient fuel for the sea trial, and sufficient domestic water to test the freshwater system.
All compartments should be readily accessible. Excess personal belongings and equipment should be removed before the survey.
What happens if equipment cannot be operated or a compartment cannot be accessed?
The restriction is documented as a limitation in the survey report. The seller or broker is responsible for arranging access or making equipment available for any further inspection or testing.
Return visits are not included in the survey fee and are considered only in exceptional circumstances, by separate arrangement and at an additional charge.
What happens if the survey identifies a significant problem?
Significant concerns are discussed with you as they are identified, as appropriate, and documented in the report with recommendations.
Pilothouse Marine Services can explain the findings and advise you on repair considerations to support your negotiations. We do not conduct negotiations or participate in them between you and the broker or seller.
When will I receive the written survey report?
Reports are typically delivered within one to two business days after the survey, with next-business-day delivery as the goal. Extensive travel may occasionally extend that timeframe.
Can the pre-purchase survey report also be used for insurance or financing?
Yes. One pre-purchase survey report serves the buyer, insurance underwriter, and lender. It documents the vessel’s condition and findings and includes an opinion of fair market value and estimated replacement cost.
What is the turnaround time for oil sample results?
Oil sample results are typically available within two to three business days of collection on the survey date.
How do I read an oil analysis report?
An oil analysis report presents laboratory results that need to be considered in the context of the machinery and its service history. If the results identify adverse findings, Pilothouse Marine Services reviews the analysis and provides a written cover report explaining the findings, their significance, and recommended follow-up.
Pilothouse Marine Services
Request a survey
Provide your vessel details and desired survey date to discuss a pre-purchase survey.
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The report
Explore the illustrative report pages to see how findings and recommendations are presented.
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