Engines
Run your engines and make sure they start easily, are not overheating, and are not producing excessive smoke. Open them up to confirm they can reach top speed.
STRESS-FREE SURVEY &SEA TRIAL CHECKLIST
A few tips to make your survey and sea trial go smoothly. Work through everything at least a week beforehand so you have time to fix any issues that come up.
Make your survey and sea trial go smoothly
Work through the items below at least a week before your survey to give yourself time to fix anything that comes up. Everything is grouped by system so you can tackle the boat one area at a time.
Mechanical
Clean and degrease the engine room and vacuum any standing water. Touch up paint, clean corrosion, replace tired hoses, and place diapers under the engines.
Fuel
Do you have enough fuel, and how old is it? Replace fuel after one year or 100 hours. Install new 30-micron filter elements before the survey to help achieve maximum RPM.
Fluids
Confirm oil, transmission fluid, and coolant are at operating specs for engines, generators, heat exchangers, transmission, and batteries. Black transmission oil indicates a leak in the rear main seal between the engine and transmission.
Oil
If your oil is over one year old or 100 hours, change it and put some hours on it. Never change oil the day before a survey — surveyors don't like to see fresh oil, as brand-new oil raises suspicion.
Transmission
Shift forward and reverse to check that the transmission and throttle cables are smooth. If you notice resistance, treat all cables for smooth movement in both directions.
Bonding Wires
Check that you don't have broken bonding wires. They're easy to fix, but when broken they raise electrolysis questions.
Batteries
Make sure batteries are charged and enclosed in a battery box, or at least have boots over the posts. Check water level, clean corrosion around terminals, and top up with distilled water.
Electrical
Check battery chargers and inverters for proper operation and correct polarity. Install GFCI outlets in wet areas — heads, exterior outlets, and cockpit locations.
Generator
Make sure your generator starts smoothly, runs up to temperature, and can take a load. Check oil and water levels and repair as needed.
Alarms
Check your engine alarms, system monitors, and high-water alarms for proper operation. If you notice false alarms, address them accordingly.
Hoses
Replace hoses if they feel brittle, crackle when squeezed, or show surface cracks. Every fitting below the water line should have double hose clamps. Replace all rusty clamps.
Seacocks
Surveyors always check seacocks and insurers require them to work. Make sure they're lubricated, free up stuck valves on thru-hulls, and replace rusty hoses and hose clamps.
Heads
Flush all heads, sinks, showers, and toilet systems to confirm they work. Flush shower sumps with soapy water or diluted Pine-Sol, then pump out and flush the holding tank.
Air Conditioning
Confirm A/C systems are pumping cooling water and the temperature is accurate (usually around 55°). Clean intake filters and charge the system. If you have diesel or hydronic heating, confirm heaters and individual controls run properly.
Bilge Pumps
Test electric and manual bilge pumps as well as the float switches. Clean and flush oily bilges and check the high-water alarm.
Water Maker
Check your water system and test the pressure pump. Note if the membrane is pickled and remedy it, or replace it with a new membrane to ensure smooth operation.
Running Gear
Have the underbody and running gear cleaned before the sea trial to remove fouling. The bottom below the water line, the prop, and the rudders should all be clean, along with the speed paddle wheel and depth sensor.
Steering
Is your steering loose or in need of fluid? Check steering at all stations. For hydraulic steering, check fluid at both stations; for cable steering, check the cables.
Windlass
If not used regularly, a windlass can seize up or its foot switches can fail — exercise it ahead of time. Install a safety lanyard to the anchor so inadvertent operation won't drop it.
Zincs
Have you replaced your zincs lately? Missing zincs raise unanswered questions about electrolysis. Make sure the bow and stern thrusters have zincs.
Hull ID
Physically verify the hull ID. This alleviates any confusion about the exact year of the boat — don't just assume you know the correct year.
Electronics
Turn on all of your vessel's electronics and test to make sure every unit works properly — including GPS, compass, radar, and autopilot.
Lights
Check that all interior and exterior lights work — spotlight, searchlights, nav, anchor, running, steaming, and spreader lights. Replace bulbs as needed and test remote searchlights for full movement.
Safety Equipment
Confirm flares are within their expiration date and that life jackets, a life ring, and a bell are aboard to comply with USCG rules. Make sure fire extinguishers, Halon systems, life rafts, and hydrostatic releases hold current certifications.
Tender
Make sure the tender inflates and stays inflated; patch any holes and confirm it isn't taking on water. Test the outboard if equipped, and confirm proper operation of the davit if there is one.
Sails
Pull the head sail in and out to make sure nothing is stuck, and lubricate the mainsail slides with silicone spray. Open the roller furling, check your winches and rig, and hoist your main or mizzen if possible.
Spinnaker
Run the spinnaker and test the pole. Check that all sails are free of holes or tears and repair as needed.
Running Rigging
Check all lines and sheets for deterioration and replace any over-chafed lines (the outhaul is common). Check all clutches and test winches under load — if electric, try the switches.
Standing Rigging
If possible, go up the rig to inspect the mast for cracks or defects and check the wind vane, anemometer, and antenna. Inspect rigging cables for rust or chafe and confirm the rig is tuned. For a hydraulic backstay, check fluid and function.
Documentation
Keep your boat insurance plus Coast Guard documentation and/or state title aboard for the surveyor, along with manuals, receipts for work done, and a logbook detailing all movements, repairs, and servicing.
Trash
Have waste, trash, and oil-discharge placards aboard for the surveyor to see. If you're missing the placards, ask your Tampa Yacht Sales broker for assistance.
Not sure where to start, or missing a placard or certificate? Your Tampa Yacht Sales broker can help you prepare for a smooth survey and sea trial — just reach out before the big day.