If you’re purchasing a yacht in South Florida, a marine survey is one of the most important steps in the buying process. Think of it as a home inspection for your vessel — a thorough, independent evaluation that protects you from costly surprises after closing. Understanding what happens during a marine survey will help you prepare, ask the right questions, and make an informed purchasing decision.
What Is a Marine Survey?
A marine survey is a professional inspection conducted by a certified marine surveyor who examines the vessel’s structural integrity, mechanical systems, safety equipment, and overall condition. The surveyor produces a detailed written report that documents their findings, identifies deficiencies, and provides a fair market valuation. This report is typically required by your lender and insurance company before they’ll approve financing or issue a policy.
Types of Marine Surveys
The most common survey for yacht buyers is a pre-purchase condition and valuation survey. This comprehensive inspection covers every accessible area of the vessel, from the hull and deck to the engines, electrical systems, plumbing, and safety gear. The surveyor will assess the yacht both out of the water (hauled out) and during a sea trial.
Other survey types include insurance surveys (required by insurers to confirm the vessel meets their underwriting standards), damage surveys (assessing specific damage after an incident), and appraisal surveys (determining fair market value only, without a full condition inspection).
The Haul-Out Inspection
The survey typically begins with a haul-out at a local boatyard. In Fort Lauderdale, popular haul-out facilities include Lauderdale Marine Center, Bradford Marine, and Cable Marine. During the haul-out, the surveyor inspects the hull below the waterline — checking for blistering, osmosis, stress cracks, damage to running gear (propellers, shafts, rudders), and the condition of through-hull fittings and bottom paint.
The haul-out also allows inspection of the keel (on sailboats), trim tabs, transducers, and underwater exhaust ports. This is arguably the most revealing part of the survey, as it exposes areas that are normally hidden beneath the waterline.
The Dockside Inspection
Once back in the water, the surveyor conducts a thorough dockside examination. This includes testing all electrical systems, inspecting the engine room, checking plumbing and fuel systems, examining the deck hardware and rigging, testing navigation electronics, and verifying that required safety equipment is present and current. The surveyor uses moisture meters, thickness gauges, and other specialized tools to assess conditions that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
The Sea Trial
A sea trial takes the yacht out on the water to test performance under real operating conditions. The surveyor monitors engine temperatures, oil pressure, RPM at various throttle settings, top speed, handling characteristics, and steering response. They’ll also check for vibrations, unusual noises, smoke from the exhaust, and how the vessel tracks at cruising speed. For yachts based in Fort Lauderdale, sea trials typically run from the marina out through Port Everglades inlet to open water.
What Happens After the Survey
The surveyor delivers a written report — usually within a few days — that details every finding, categorized by severity. Critical safety issues are flagged prominently, while cosmetic or minor items are noted separately. The report includes a fair market valuation based on the vessel’s condition, comparable sales, and current market trends.
As a buyer, you’ll review the report with your yacht broker to determine which items are deal-breakers, which should be negotiated as seller repairs or price reductions, and which are simply part of normal yacht ownership. An experienced broker is invaluable at this stage — they know which findings are typical for a vessel of that age and type, and which warrant serious concern.
How Much Does a Marine Survey Cost?
Marine survey fees in South Florida typically range from $20 to $35 per foot of vessel length, plus the cost of the haul-out (which varies by boatyard and vessel size). For a 60-foot yacht, expect to pay roughly $1,200 to $2,100 for the survey itself, plus $800 to $1,500 for the haul-out. While this may seem like a significant expense, it’s a small price compared to discovering major structural or mechanical issues after you’ve already closed on the purchase.
Choosing the Right Surveyor
Select a surveyor who is accredited by the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) or the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS). Look for someone with specific experience with your yacht’s type and size. Your yacht broker can recommend trusted surveyors in the Fort Lauderdale area who have established track records.
The team at Aspire Yacht Sales guides buyers through every step of the survey process — from recommending qualified surveyors to helping you interpret the findings and negotiate effectively. Contact us to learn more about buying a yacht in Fort Lauderdale with confidence.