Marine Survey Checklist

Marine Survey Checklist (On Blocks, Indoor Storage)

This checklist is designed for a strategic condition reassessment of Lucky Enough (2008 Regal 2565) while the boat is still in indoor storage up on blocks in mid April. It focuses on structural integrity, known risk areas, and practical system checks that can be done without a sea trial.

Limitations while on blocks: You can inspect and test many items with shore power and batteries, but you cannot confirm performance under load such as cooling under power, WOT RPM, vibration underway, handling, trim response underway, and real-world shifting performance. If possible, follow this survey with a short post-launch sea trial check.

Print mode starts each major section on a new page.

Survey Date: ____________________________________

Location: ____________________________________

Surveyor: ____________________________________

Boat: Lucky Enough (2008 Regal 2565)

Engine / Drive: MerCruiser 5.0 MPI + Bravo III

Hours: ____________________________________

1) Survey Basics and Documentation

HIN verified against registration, insurance, and visible hull location

Engine model and serial number recorded

Outdrive serial number recorded

Hour meter reading recorded and compared against service records if available

Maintenance history reviewed for oil changes, impeller, bellows, gimbal bearing, batteries, manifolds, risers, lower unit, and winterization

Key photos taken of hull bottom, transom, engine bay, outdrive, bilge, electrical panels, HVAC area, and notable deficiencies

Notes

2) Hull, Bottom, and Structural

2.1 Hull Exterior and Bottom

Hull exterior inspected for cracks, repaired areas, distortion, and gelcoat crazing

Bottom inspected for blistering, peeling paint, patches, fairing work, and prior repair evidence

Transom and outdrive cutout area inspected for stress cracks, sealant failure, or signs of structural movement

Strakes and chines checked for impact damage, abrasion, or repair work

2.2 Moisture and Percussion Testing

Moisture meter readings taken on hull bottom and hull sides where practical

Moisture meter readings taken on transom, especially around drive cutout and hardware penetrations

Percussion test performed on hull, transom, and other accessible structural areas

Deck moisture and tap testing done around rails, cleats, windshield base, hatch frames, and other penetrations

Swim platform mounts and nearby structure checked for moisture intrusion risk

2.3 Deck, Cockpit, and Superstructure

Deck and cockpit sole walked and checked for soft spots, flex, and unusual movement

Rails, cleats, windshield base, and swim platform hardware checked for looseness or failed bedding

Hatches and portlights checked for cracks, crazing, latch condition, and gasket integrity

Notes

3) Through-Hulls, Seacocks, and Bonding

All through-hulls identified and inspected for material condition, corrosion, and proper installation

Seacocks present where required, accessible, and checked for operation

Hoses inspected for age, cracking, softness, chafe, and clamp security

Bonding wires and connections inspected for corrosion, looseness, or missing connections

Notes

4) Sterndrive and Running Gear (Bravo III Focus)

Outdrive exterior inspected for corrosion, pitting, paint loss, and evidence of electrolysis

Anodes checked for correct type, secure mounting, and remaining life

Bravo III dual props inspected for dings, bends, cracks, and impact signs

Skeg and cavitation plate inspected for damage or repair evidence

Bellows visually assessed and replacement history documented

Gimbal and steering play checked for abnormal looseness or wear indications

Trim rams inspected for corrosion, pitting, and leakage

Trim tabs and actuators inspected for damage, leaks, and secure mounting

Strategic note: If bellows and gimbal bearing service history is old or unclear, this should be treated as a known preventive maintenance risk item.

Notes

5) Engine and Mechanical (MerCruiser 5.0 MPI Focus)

5.1 Visual and Static Checks

Engine bay inspected for cleanliness, corrosion, staining, fuel odor, and evidence of leaks

Fluid levels and condition checked including oil, power steering, and gear lube reservoir

Belts and hoses inspected for cracking, softness, routing issues, chafe, and clamp condition

Engine mounts and fasteners checked for corrosion, looseness, or movement

Exhaust hoses and related connections inspected for age, condition, and clamp integrity

5.2 Manifolds and Risers

Replacement history for manifolds and risers recorded if known

External condition inspected for rust scale, seepage, staining, and corrosion at joints

Risk decision documented if age is unknown or approaching likely replacement interval

5.3 Optional Mechanical Add-Ons

ECM scan performed for fault codes, operating history, and overheat history if available

Compression test performed if arranged

Oil analysis sample taken if arranged

Notes

6) Fuel System

Fuel tank visible areas inspected including supports, straps, corrosion, and staining

Fuel fill and vent hoses inspected for routing, age, clamp condition, and cap seal condition

Fuel lines checked for age markings, secure routing, and chafe protection

Fuel filter / water separator inspected and service date noted if known

Bilge blower tested and ventilation ducting inspected

Notes

7) Electrical (DC and AC)

7.1 Batteries and DC

Batteries inspected for age, type, secure mounting, terminal protection, swelling, or leakage

Battery switch and major DC wiring inspected for condition, corrosion, and secure connections

Fusing checked near batteries and major loads, with no long unsafe unfused runs noted

7.2 Shore Power and AC

Shore power inlet inspected for clean condition, secure mount, and no heat discoloration

Shore power cord inspected for end condition, jacket condition, and strain relief

AC panel inspected for labeling, wiring condition, and overheating signs

7.3 Safety Devices

CO detectors present, in date if applicable, and tested

Smoke alarm present and tested

Notes

8) Plumbing, Water, and Head

Freshwater pump, hoses, and clamps inspected, with winterized limitations noted if applicable

Water heater inspected for fittings, bypass setup, and evidence of leakage

Head and holding tank hoses inspected for condition, odor permeation signs, and clamp security

Pump-out deck fitting and cap seal inspected

Winterized note: If the plumbing system is winterized, testing may be limited to visual inspection unless you intentionally de-winterize for survey purposes.

Notes

9) Bilge, Pumps, and Drainage

Bilge inspected for cleanliness, oil sheen, debris, and staining

Primary bilge pump mounting and wiring inspected

Float switch tested where practical, or limitation noted

Bilge discharge hose and clamps inspected

Cockpit scuppers and drains checked for clear routing and proper drainage

Notes

10) Steering, Controls, and Helm

Steering system inspected for leaks, wear, abnormal play, and general condition

Throttle and shift controls checked for smooth movement and no binding

Helm gauges, switches, and indicators given basic power-on check where possible

Electronics powered on where practical including chartplotter, VHF, depth, and accessories

Notes

11) Cabin, Interior, HVAC, and Shower Sump

11.1 Cabin and Interior

Signs of leaks or water intrusion noted at windows, portlights, hatch frames, liners, and cabin surfaces

Shore power appliances inspected including charger, outlets, refrigerator, and microwave as applicable

Canvas and eisenglass condition noted including zippers, tears, clouding, and wear

11.2 Air Conditioning / Heater Unit

Air conditioning / heater unit location identified and access confirmed

Unit casing, mounting, and surrounding area inspected for corrosion, staining, leakage, and vibration concerns

Raw water intake, strainer, hoses, clamps, and discharge routing inspected if applicable

Condensate drain inspected for blockage risk, overflow signs, and proper routing

HVAC electrical wiring, controls, and connections inspected for secure installation and condition

Basic HVAC function test completed on shore power if safe and practical

11.3 Shower Sump / Shower Bilge Pump Box

Shower sump box location identified and access confirmed

Sump box opened and interior inspected for debris, sludge, odor, and standing water

Sump pump and float switch inspected and tested where practical

Discharge hose, clamps, and routing inspected including any check valve arrangement

Sump box, lid, fittings, and surrounding area checked for cracks, leakage, and poor drainage

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 device present and serviceable

Flares and signaling gear checked for presence and expiry as applicable

Notes

13) Findings Summary and Action Plan

Use this section to turn the survey into an action plan for the season.

Must Do Now

Smart Preventive Items

Nice to Have / Monitor

General Notes

14) Post-Launch Sea Trial Follow-Up

Cold start behavior documented including idle stability, smoke, and unusual noise

Shift quality documented in forward and reverse

Steering and tracking under power assessed

Cooling temperatures stable across RPM range

Vibration check completed at cruise RPM and higher if safe

Trim tab response verified underway

WOT RPM and max speed noted if appropriate and safe

Charging voltage verified underway

Notes

Designed as a strategic condition review checklist for Lucky Enough while on blocks, with a follow-up section for post-launch validation.