Know the boat's true condition before you buy.
An independent pre-purchase boat inspection and condition survey, carried out before you commit — hull, machinery, electrical and safety equipment checked and reported in plain terms, with the electronic report back in your inbox within 24 hours.
A full picture of the vessel, not just a glance over the gunwale
Every recreational survey is a hands-on inspection of the vessel's construction, systems and safety equipment — out of the water where the sale allows it, or afloat where it doesn't. The report walks through each of the following areas and flags anything that affects condition, safety or value.
- Hull & structure — topsides, underwater sections, keel, rudder and structural members, examined for impact damage, osmosis, delamination, corrosion and the defects typical of fibreglass, aluminium, steel and timber construction.
- Underwater gear — propeller(s), shaft, cutless bearing, through-hull fittings, seacocks and anodes, checked for wear, corrosion and electrolytic damage wherever the vessel is out of the water.
- Engines & drivetrain — visual and operational condition of the engine(s), sterndrive, outboard or shaft and gearbox, steering and controls, including a start-up and run check where it's safe and practical to do so.
- Electrical systems — DC wiring, batteries, charging and isolation, assessed for condition and basic function (our exclusions page sets out exactly how far electrical testing goes).
- Rigging & deck gear — on sailing vessels, the standing and running rigging, mast and chainplates; on every vessel, deck hardware, hatches, winches and general topside fit-out.
- Navigation & safety equipment — lifejackets, flares, fire extinguishers, bilge pumps and navigation lights, checked against what's required for the way the vessel is used.
- Watertight integrity & onboard safety — hull penetrations, hatches and bilges checked for leaks and corrosion, alongside gas installations and fire precautions where fitted.
- Interior & comfort systems — galley, plumbing, fresh and waste water systems and general fit-out, noted for condition rather than cosmetic taste.
- Sea trial — available on request, to assess handling, vibration and performance under way and under load.
Want more detail? See an example of what's on the checklist, and our exclusions & important notes for what a pre-purchase inspection doesn't cover, and why.
Indicative pricing, by vessel length.
Pricing excl. GST. All reports delivered electronically within 24 hours of the inspection.
| Length | Starting from (excl. GST) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 19 ft (incl. 1 engine) | $450 |
| 20 – 29 ft | $750 |
| Length | Starting from (excl. GST) |
|---|---|
| 30 – 39 ft | $900 |
| 40 – 49 ft | $1,000 |
| 50 – 59 ft | $1,200 |
| 60 ft+ — price on application · contact TKMC for a quote | |
| Oil sample analysis | $100 |
| Sea trial | $150/hour |
Common questions before you book
How long does a pre-purchase survey take, and when do I get the report?
Most recreational surveys are completed in a few hours on the day, depending on the vessel's size and systems. The electronic report is delivered within 24 hours, so you're not left waiting to make a decision.
Does the boat need to come out of the water?
An out-of-water inspection gives the most complete picture of the hull below the waterline, and we'd always recommend it where the sale allows for haul-out. Where that's not possible, we'll carry out the inspection afloat and note in the report which areas couldn't be assessed as a result.
Who arranges and pays for the haul-out?
Haul-out, slipping and any associated yard fees are arranged separately, usually by the buyer or seller depending on where the sale stands — they're not included in the survey fee itself. Let us know your marina or boatyard and we'll work around their booking.
What's the difference between this and an insurance survey?
A pre-purchase survey is about helping you decide whether to buy and at what price. An insurance survey is carried out to satisfy an underwriter's cover requirements and follows a similar inspection, but the report is framed around what the insurer needs to see. If you're buying and need insurance in place at the same time, one inspection can often cover both — ask when you book.
Can you survey a boat that's interstate or in a remote location?
Yes — we cover the WA coast from Bunbury to Broome directly, and anywhere else in Australia through a national surveyor network. Travel is quoted on top of the base survey fee.
Should I get a sea trial done as well?
It's worth it whenever the vessel and the sale allow for it — a sea trial shows up handling, vibration and performance issues that a static inspection can't. We're happy to arrange one alongside the survey.
Ready to book your survey?
Tell us the vessel and where it's located, and we'll confirm a time.