PRE PURCHASE BOAT SURVEY FORT LAUDERDALE
Pre-Purchase Marine Surveys in Fort Lauderdale
The most important inspection in the boat-buying process.
A pre-purchase survey is the single most important inspection in the boat-buying process. It’s what separates a confident purchase from a six-figure mistake.
Clayton Marine Surveys delivers pre-purchase inspections that go deeper than the typical walk-around: every major system is tested, every locker emptied, every suspicious area documented with high-resolution photographs. The result is a report thorough enough to defend at closing, specific enough for your lender and insurer to act on, and honest enough to kill a bad deal before you sign.
Why the adjuster credential matters — even pre-purchase
Jack is a licensed Florida all-lines insurance adjuster. That means when his report says a finding is a safety issue, insurers recognize the language and the structure. A tight pre-purchase report lowers the odds of insurability surprises after closing and gives you documented bargaining ammunition before it.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Survey Scope
Hull, deck, and structural integrity
moisture metering, tap-testing, visual inspection for stress cracks, blisters, osmotic damage, and repair history
Engines & machinery
operational testing, fluid analysis review, visual inspection of belts, mounts, cooling, and exhaust (engine surveys for major powerplants are recommended as a separate specialist service)
Electrical systems
AC and DC, battery banks, shore power, bonding, grounding, bonding, grounding, and galvanic protection (ABYC-EL level inspection)
Plumbing, bilges, and tankage
**Plumbing, bilges, and tankage**
Steering, rudder, shaft, and running gear
**Steering, rudder, shaft, and running gear**
Navigation and communication electronics
**Navigation and communication electronics**
Safety equipment
life rafts, EPIRBs, fire suppression, ventilation, CO monitors
Rigging and sails
(sailboats — limited visual; full rig surveys available by specialist)
Limited sea trial
when arranged — engine performance, handling, systems under load
Haul-out inspection
running gear, hull below the waterline, strut alignment, prop and shaft condition
Executive summary with major...
Executive summary with major findings
Room-by-room and system-by-system observations
Room-by-room and system-by-system observations
High-resolution photographs of every...
High-resolution photographs of every significant finding
Clear categorization of issues:...
Clear categorization of issues: safety, recommended, advisory
Fair market value assessment
Fair market value assessment
Documentation formatted to lender...
Documentation formatted to lender and insurer expectations
FOR BUYERS
For Boat Buyers
A pre-purchase survey is your independent check before signing a contract or wiring a deposit. The report documents hull condition, mechanical systems, electrical compliance, safety equipment, and any deferred maintenance. Use the findings as leverage during negotiation, as the basis for your insurance binder, and as a maintenance to-do list once the vessel is yours.