Surviving the buyer's survey

Before the day

1. Know the likely findings. Seacocks, moisture, rig, electrics, engine. A pre-listing survey shows them. See Pre-listing survey and mechanical audit.
2. Clear access. Empty lockers, open hatches, move the bedding, and open every lock. A surveyor who cannot reach an area writes that down.
3. Prepare the engine and systems. Charge the batteries, fill the fuel and water, and check the bilge pumps.
4. Book the haul-out with the buyer and check who pays. See Survey and sea trial: how it works, who pays, what happens next.
5. Have the papers ready. See The seller's document pack: VAT, registration, CE, service history.

On the day

• Be there, or have someone who knows the boat attend.
• Let the surveyor work. Interrupting does not help.
• Answer questions honestly and briefly. Do not argue a finding on the spot.
• Note what is raised, with times.

After the survey

You will get a request: a price reduction, a repair, or a withdrawal. See Post-survey renegotiation: reduce, repair or walk away. Take these steps:

1. Read the report, and check each finding with your own yard.
2. Get quotes for the real items. A written quote carries weight.
3. Separate safety items from wear. See How to read a survey report and cost the findings.
4. Decide what you will fix, what you will discount, and what you will refuse.
5. Answer in writing before the deadline in the agreement.

Keep the sale alive

A buyer who finds problems after paying a deposit is worried and looking for reassurance. A fair, quick, documented response keeps most sales together. A defensive response sends the buyer home.

When the buyer walks

If the buyer withdraws within the agreement, the deposit goes back. Use the report as a free survey, fix the findings, and relist the boat with a better paper trail.

Related guides

• Post-survey renegotiation: reduce, repair or walk away
• How to read a survey report and cost the findings
• Pre-listing survey and mechanical audit