Motor Boat Surveys

Motor boat surveys by UK BOAT Surveys

Buying, selling, or insuring a motor boat is a significant investment — and a professional survey is essential to protect that investment. At UK Boat Surveys, we provide comprehensive motor boat surveys for vessels of all sizes, from small day boats to luxury cruisers. Whether you are purchasing your first motor cruiser, arranging insurance for a long coastal trip, or assessing the condition of a high-performance speedboat, our independent reports deliver the clarity and confidence you need.

Our team is experienced, fully insured, and trusted by boat owners, insurers, and brokers across the UK. Every survey is conducted with precision and attention to detail, ensuring you know the true condition of your motor boat before making any decisions.

Types of Motor Boat Surveys We Offer

Every yacht and every owner has different needs. That’s why we offer tailored surveys, including:

  • Pre-Purchase Surveys – a full structural and systems inspection, including oil and fuel sampling carried out before you commit to a yacht. Essential for identifying defects, safety concerns, and potential repair costs.
  • Insurance Surveys – condition and valuation surveys accepted by all major insurers to support new policies or renewals.
  • Valuation Reports – independent market value assessments for finance, sale, or probate.
  • Damage & Repair Inspections – impartial investigation of accident or storm damage, with written recommendations for repairs and costings.
  • Motoring Sea Trials – A hands-on test under power to evaluate engine performance, fuel efficiency, steering response, and onboard systems in real conditions. Our surveys include engine loading tests, noise and vibration analysis, and thermal imaging inspections to detect hidden issues that may not be visible during a static survey. A motoring sea trial is one of the most effective tools for buyers and owners seeking full confidence in their motor boat’s performance and reliability before committing to a purchase or insurance policy.

Types of Motor Boats We Survey

Our expertise covers the full spectrum of motor boats and  yachts, from traditional wooden classics to luxury Motor Yachts. Whatever you motor boat you have or looking to purchase, we can survey it:

What Our Motor Boat Surveys Cover

Our motor boat surveys are detailed, practical, and written in clear, plain English. Each inspection follows a structured process to assess the true condition and seaworthiness of your vessel.

Hull & Structure

We carefully examine GRP, aluminium, steel, or wooden hulls for signs of osmosis, impact damage, corrosion, and delamination. Structural integrity, stringers, bulkheads, and transom areas are assessed, along with underwater fittings, stern gear, and through-hull components. Moisture readings and percussive soundings are taken where appropriate.

Deck & Superstructure

Inspection of deck surfaces, hatches, windscreens, rails, and fittings for signs of leaks, flexing, or fatigue. We also assess the condition of flybridges, hardtops, canopies, and other structural elements that are specific to motor boats.

Engines & Machinery

This is the heart of any motor boat survey. We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the main engines, outdrives, and auxiliary machinery, including:

  • Visual inspection of engines, mounts, and alignment

  • Oil sampling and analysis for contamination or wear metals

  • Thermal imaging of engines and exhaust systems under load

  • Noise and vibration testing during operation

  • Inspection of fuel, cooling, and exhaust systems

  • Review of service records and engine hours

Our approach identifies not only visible defects but also early warning signs of mechanical issues that could affect performance or reliability.

Electrical & Onboard Systems

We test and inspect AC/DC systems, battery banks, charging circuits, instrumentation, navigation electronics, and lighting. This includes verifying proper cable runs, fusing, bonding, and earthing.

Plumbing, Fuel & Gas Systems

Inspection of fuel tanks, hoses, filters, and connections for leaks, corrosion, or deterioration. We also assess freshwater and waste systems, bilge pumps, and any gas installations, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Interior & Accommodation

Assessment of bulkheads, structural joinery, fittings, and internal finishes. We look for leaks, condensation, or hidden structural issues behind linings and in bilges. The general condition of the accommodation and equipment is also reported.

Motoring Sea Trials

A sea trial is one of the most revealing parts of the survey. Underway, we test engine performance, steering, trim tabs, cooling systems, and onboard electrics under real load conditions. Using thermal imaging and vibration analysis, we identify anomalies that static inspections can miss. This ensures you have a true understanding of how the boat performs on the water before committing to purchase or insurance.

Why Choose UK Boat Surveys?

Specialist sailing yacht knowledge – from family cruisers to offshore racing yachts.

Professional indemnity insured – recognised by leading insurers, finance houses, and brokers.

Clear, independent reporting – comprehensive photographs, findings, and practical recommendations.

Southern UK coverage – Hamble, Lymington, Poole, Portsmouth, Chichester, Weymouth, and beyond.


We are independent and impartial — we work for you, not the seller or broker.

FAQs - Your Motor Boat Survey Questions Answered

We know booking a Boat Survey can feel daunting – but it does not have to be. Here are answers to the most common questions we get from boat owners across the UK.

Do I need a Motor Boat Survey before buying?

Yes – a professional survey give you peace of mind, ensures the vessel is seaworthy, and can reveal hidden problems that may impact value or safety.

How much does a Motor Boat Survey cost?

Survey costs vary depending on the vessel size and type. Use our Instant Quote tool for a fast cost based on your boat’s details.

What types of motor boat surveys do you offer?

We provide pre-purchase surveys, insurance surveys, and condition surveys for motor boats, cruisers, RIBs, and yachts, covering hull, engines, onboard systems, and structural integrity.

How long does a motor boat survey take?

The duration depends on the size and complexity of the vessel, typically ranging from 8 to 10 hours for standard inspections.

Do you conduct engine load tests and diagnostics?

Yes, our motor boat surveys include engine load testing, vibration analysis, oil analysis, and thermal imaging to ensure comprehensive diagnostics.

Can your survey reports be used for insurance purposes?

Absolutely. Our professional survey reports are accepted by insurers and include condition assessments, valuations, and recommendations for repairs if necessary.

How quickly will I receive my motor boat survey report?

We aim to deliver full written reports, including photographs and findings, typically within 24-48 hours after the inspection.

Do you provide motor boat surveys across the UK?

Yes, we offer motor boat surveys across the UK, with a focus on the South Coast including Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington, Poole, and surrounding areas.

What is included in a pre-purchase motor boat survey?

A pre-purchase survey includes a full inspection of the hull, engines, systems, structural integrity, and onboard equipment to help you make an informed purchase decision.

Do you offer surveys for yachts and larger vessels?

Yes, we provide surveys for motor yachts and larger vessels, including detailed condition assessments, sea trials, and diagnostics tailored to the vessel type.

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Ready to Book one of our Motor Boat Surveys?

Fast, professional, and fully independent boat surveys across the UK coastline – from Lowestoft to Milford Haven.

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