How to behave during a boat survey: a guide for buyers and sellers

The survey is one of the most delicate moments in the sale of a used boat. It is the technical inspection that truly reveals the condition of the vessel, but it is also a stage where the behaviour of both the buyer and the seller can influence the outcome of the negotiation. In the video "How to BEHAVE during the SURVEY of a BOAT?" Abayachting explains how to make the most of this moment.

A nautical survey is a thorough examination of the vessel carried out by a qualified surveyor. It serves to verify the condition of the hull, engine, onboard systems, and all components of the boat. In nautical sales, the survey protects the buyer from hidden issues and provides the seller with the opportunity to demonstrate the good maintenance of the vessel.

Anyone looking to buy a boat should approach the survey with a collaborative yet attentive attitude. It is the right time to ask questions to the surveyor, closely observe the vessel, and understand any necessary interventions. Avoiding overly aggressive or suspicious behaviour helps maintain a calm and constructive atmosphere during the negotiation.

The seller of the vessel should present the boat clean, with systems accessible and documentation available. Transparency during the survey is the seller's best ally: hiding defects or obstructing checks generates distrust and risks jeopardising the sale of the used boat.

The surveyor is a third-party impartial figure whose task is to accurately assess the condition of the vessel. Relying on a qualified surveyor, as advised by Abayachting, provides both parties in the sale with an objective basis on which to build the negotiation and determine the final price of the boat.

At the end of the vessel's survey, the buyer has a clear picture of the boat's condition and can decide whether to confirm the offer, renegotiate the price in light of any defects that have emerged, or withdraw. A well-conducted survey is therefore the turning point in many nautical sales.

Knowing how to behave during a boat survey is useful for both buyers and sellers of a vessel. Watch the complete video from Abayachting to discover all the tips on how to best approach this crucial step in the sale.