While both examine the vessel, their purpose differs. A Pre-purchase Survey is a deep dive into the boat's structure, systems, and value to protect your investment and aid in price negotiations. An Insurance Survey focuses specifically on the structural safety and suitability of the craft to determine the risk it presents to an insurer, usually required for older vessels or policy renewals.

Most insurers require a renewal survey every five to seven years, though some brokers may request one for vessels as little as five years old. It is always best to check with your specific insurance provider for their requirements

Wooden vessels require a specific type of expertise. Deterioration can often lead to repair costs that exceed the market value of the boat. We recommend an initial structural check—using visual inspections and hammer soundings—to detect decay or planking movement before you commit to a full purchase or project.

A sea trial is about testing the vessel in its natural element. We push the engines to operating temperatures under full load and test all through-hull fittings, steering gear, rigging, and instrumentation. It’s the best way to ensure all systems function correctly under pressure, providing "peace of mind" for new owners or those with recently refurbished boats.

If your vessel has suffered a loss, this survey is usually commissioned by your insurer. Beyond assessing the damage, we provide an investigative element to determine the cause and offer advice on repair estimates.

A full survey covers the function and systems of the vessel. However, to see how these systems perform under load, we highly recommend a Sea Trial. This establishes the actual working condition of the engines, through-hull fittings, and electronic instruments.