Marine Survey Checklist

1) Survey Basics and Documentation

HIN verified against paperwork and visible hull location

Engine model and serial recorded

Outdrive serial recorded (Bravo III)

Hours recorded and reconciled with service history (if available)

Key maintenance dates captured (oil, impeller, bellows, gimbal bearing, manifolds/risers, batteries)

Notes

2) Hull, Bottom, and Structural (On Blocks)

2.1 Hull Exterior and Bottom

Hull inspected for cracks, repairs, distortion, gelcoat crazing

Bottom inspected for blisters, peeling paint, patches, fairing work

Transom and drive cutout area inspected for stress cracks or repairs

Strakes and chines inspected for impact damage

2.2 Moisture and Percussion Testing

Moisture meter readings taken on hull bottom and hull sides

Moisture meter readings taken on transom (high priority)

Percussion test performed on hull and transom where appropriate

Deck moisture and tap testing around fittings and penetrations

Swim platform mounts and backing areas checked for moisture risk

2.3 Deck, Cockpit, and Superstructure

Deck and cockpit sole walked for soft spots and flex

Rails, cleats, windshield base, platform hardware checked for looseness

Hatches and portlights inspected for cracks, gasket condition, latching

Severity (if issues found)

OK Monitor Repair Replace

Notes

3) Through-Hulls, Seacocks, and Bonding

All through-hulls identified and inspected for condition and corrosion

Seacocks present, accessible, and operate smoothly (open/close)

Hoses correct type, not cracked, and properly clamped (double where required)

Bonding wires and connections inspected for corrosion and integrity

Notes

4) Sterndrive and Running Gear (Bravo III Focus)

Outdrive inspected for corrosion, pitting, paint loss, electrolysis signs

Anodes correct type, secure, and have reasonable remaining life

Dual props inspected for dings/bends/cracks and impact signs

Skeg and cavitation plate inspected for damage or repairs

Bellows condition assessed and replacement history documented

Gimbal/steering play checked for abnormal looseness

Trim rams inspected for corrosion, pitting, or leakage

Trim tabs and actuators inspected for condition and leaks

Strategy note: If bellows and gimbal bearing service history is unknown or old, consider budgeting for proactive service as a “known risk” item.

Notes

5) Engine and Mechanical (MerCruiser 5.0 MPI Focus)

5.1 Visual and Static Checks

Engine bay inspected for corrosion, staining, fuel odor, and leak evidence

Fluid levels and condition checked (oil, PS, gear lube reservoir, coolant if applicable)

Belts and hoses inspected for cracks, softness, chafe, clamp integrity

Engine mounts and fasteners checked for movement or corrosion

Exhaust hoses and connections inspected (routing, clamps, age/condition)

5.2 Manifolds and Risers

Manifolds/risers replacement history recorded (date, brand, invoices if available)

External condition inspected for rust scale, seepage, gasket stains

Risk call documented if age is unknown or high (plan preventative replacement)

5.3 Optional Add-Ons (High Value for Strategy)

ECM scan performed (fault codes, overheat history if available, hours profile if available)

Compression test performed (if arranged)

Oil analysis sample taken (if arranged)

Notes

6) Fuel System

Fuel tank visible areas inspected (supports, straps, staining, corrosion signs)

Fill and vent hoses inspected (routing, clamps, condition, cap seal)

Fuel lines inspected for age markings, chafe protection, secure routing

Fuel filter/water separator inspected and service date noted

Bilge blower tested and ventilation ducting inspected

Notes

7) Electrical (DC and AC)

7.1 Batteries and DC

Batteries inspected (age, type, secure mounting, terminal protection)

Battery switch and major DC wiring inspected for quality and corrosion

Fusing near batteries and major loads checked (no long unfused runs)

7.2 Shore Power and AC

Shore power inlet inspected (no heat discoloration, secure, clean contacts)

Shore power cord inspected (ends, jacket, strain relief)

AC panel inspected (labels, wiring, overheating signs)

7.3 Safety Devices

CO detectors present, within date, and test OK

Smoke alarm present and test OK

Notes

8) Plumbing, Water, and Head

Freshwater pump, hoses, clamps inspected (winterized limitations noted)

Water heater inspected (fittings, bypass, leak evidence)

Head/holding tank hoses inspected for condition and odor permeation signs

Pump-out deck fitting cap and seal inspected

Winterized note: If systems are winterized, testing may be limited to inspection unless you plan a controlled de-winterize step during survey.

Notes

9) Bilge, Pumps, and Drainage

Bilge inspected for cleanliness, oil sheen, debris, staining

Primary bilge pump mounted securely and wiring inspected

Float switch tested (or limitations noted)

Bilge pump discharge hose inspected and properly clamped at fittings

Cockpit scuppers and drains clear and routed properly

Notes

10) Steering, Controls, and Helm

Steering system inspected for leaks, wear, and abnormal play

Throttle and shift controls operate smoothly with no binding

Helm gauges and switches inspected and basic power-up tested where possible

Electronics powered up tested where possible (chartplotter, VHF, depth, accessories)

Notes

11) Cabin, Interior, and Comfort

Signs of leaks or water intrusion noted (windows, portlights, hatch frames)

Shore power appliances inspected (charger, outlets, fridge, microwave as applicable)

HVAC (if equipped) inspected and basic function tested if safe

Canvas and eisenglass condition noted (zippers, clouding, tears)

Notes

12) Ground Tackle and Safety Gear

Anchor and rode inspected for condition and secure attachment

Windlass inspected and tested (if equipped)

Fire extinguishers present, charged, and in date

Life jackets and throwable present and serviceable

Flares and signals checked for expiry (if carried)

Notes

13) Findings Summary (Action Plan)

Capture every issue as an actionable item. You want a prioritized list you can execute this season.

Must Do (Safety / Critical)

Smart Preventative

Nice to Have

General Notes

14) After Launch: Quick Sea Trial Follow-Up

Cold start behavior documented (idle stability, smoke, noise)

Shift quality documented (forward/reverse engagement)

Steering and tracking under power assessed

Cooling temps stable across RPM range

Vibration check at cruise RPM and higher

Trim tab response verified underway

WOT RPM and max speed noted (if safe and appropriate)

Charging voltage verified underway

Notes

Marine Survey Checklist