Pre-Purchase Boat Inspections
Complete reports including hull, mechanical and trailer condition.
Learn More Book NoWWho Are We?
BoatBuy is the industry leader when it comes to Pre-Purchase Marine Surveys and Mechanical Inspections. Coming from an engineering background, our inspections are in a category of their own.
We provide the most comprehensive report covering mechanical, structural and electrical components of the vessel. Specialising in inspections only, we get the opportunity to assess hundreds of boats each year, ensuring that you are working with the most experienced and professional team in Australia.
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Download our guide to learn how to determine whether a boat is worth taking to survey.
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Check out our latest articles and YouTube videos
articles | January 12, 2021
Do you need a Boat Survey for Insurance?
Do you need a boat survey for insurance? To answer that question, we first need to ascertain the age and use of the boat. Each insurance company will set their own guidelines so it's best to ask them directly, but as the industry standard, it is common practice for an...
articles | November 12, 2020
What is the Boat Survey Process?
If you’ve never bought a boat before, you’re probably curious to know the normal procedure. Do you need to put down a deposit? Do we need to slip the boat? Who pays for this? Do I need a survey? If you’re new to boating, it can seem daunting purchasing a...
articles | September 23, 2020
I Bet You’ve Made One Of These Boating Mistakes Before!
Getting out on the water on a new boat is exciting, but it can also be nerve wracking. With a long list of things to remember, it's easy to make little boating mistakes with costly consequences. Here are seven common boating mistakes I've seen, including some I've done myself. Boating...
Recent Reviews
Read what our previous customers are saying:
- Julian C- Google
Some of the best customer service I have experienced. Very prompt, responsive and keen to help in any way they can. Aaron and Don are extremely knowledgeable and provided a very comprehensive report. They are also just all round great guys. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
Alan Chang- GoogleI engaged boatbuy after reading about them on the web. Spoke to Aaron a few times about my concerns. I found Aaron to be friendly, matter of fact and systematic. The survey uncovered quite a few problems so I never went ahead with the purchase. The inspection had certainly given... read moreI engaged boatbuy after reading about them on the web. Spoke to Aaron a few times about my concerns. I found Aaron to be friendly, matter of fact and systematic. The survey uncovered quite a few problems so I never went ahead with the purchase. The inspection had certainly given me a clear picture of what I was looking at. Thanks Aaron. read less
- Executive Property Services- Google
It was a very good professional service being a purchaser from another state with COVID restrictions in place Aaron and Don still made it a very easy journey. From day one before even engaging boatbuy to inspect a boat I was already watching all their videos in YouTube of what... read moreIt was a very good professional service being a purchaser from another state with COVID restrictions in place Aaron and Don still made it a very easy journey. From day one before even engaging boatbuy to inspect a boat I was already watching all their videos in YouTube of what to look for when purchasing a boat. I found this seriously very helpful that helped me make a decision to purchase the right one. I hope a lot of viewers get to see this online as knowing if a saltwater service has been completed within the last 2-3 years which is costly have been completed on your vessel that I never even knew beforehand..ThanksRB read less
- Eddie Wong- Google
Luckily I found BoatBuy helping me doing the survey for my first boat. As a first boat buyer I know nothing about boat. The survey report provided by them is absolutely comprehensive and professional.They found the critical issue on Transom Assembly which will cost me $100k to repair.I'll definitely ask... read moreLuckily I found BoatBuy helping me doing the survey for my first boat. As a first boat buyer I know nothing about boat. The survey report provided by them is absolutely comprehensive and professional.They found the critical issue on Transom Assembly which will cost me $100k to repair.I'll definitely ask them for doing another survey on my next boat shopping. read less
- Archie Middleton- Google
Aaron helped me through the process of purchasing a second hand boat in sydney whilst living in Brisbane. The idea of buying a boat sight unseen freaks me out but he was so honest with his inspection and walked me through any of boats issues In a way I could... read moreAaron helped me through the process of purchasing a second hand boat in sydney whilst living in Brisbane. The idea of buying a boat sight unseen freaks me out but he was so honest with his inspection and walked me through any of boats issues In a way I could understand and even gave me ideas of pricing to get the work done. It really took the fear out of the process and his photos were way better than the sales add so it was so much better to see the boat in detail. Highly recommend his services. Thank you Aaron at Boat Buy ? read less
- David Gillard- Google
As a Mechanical Engineer I was initially hesitant to engage a third party to do a pre-purchase inspection. Aaron provided excellent service, was highly professional and proved to be very knowledgeable. His expert investigation identified key areas of risk which allowed informed negotiation on price to take place. I... read moreAs a Mechanical Engineer I was initially hesitant to engage a third party to do a pre-purchase inspection. Aaron provided excellent service, was highly professional and proved to be very knowledgeable. His expert investigation identified key areas of risk which allowed informed negotiation on price to take place. I would happily recommend Aaron's service when purchasing a boat. read less
- Mitch Evans- Google
Aaron from Boat Buy has been nothing but exceptional from my first phone call enquiry, to his simple online booking form, through to his extremely thorough boat survey. He also provided detailed post survey information that assisted me making an informed decision on my purchase. I would be the first... read moreAaron from Boat Buy has been nothing but exceptional from my first phone call enquiry, to his simple online booking form, through to his extremely thorough boat survey. He also provided detailed post survey information that assisted me making an informed decision on my purchase. I would be the first one to recommend his professional and timely service to anyone who is in need of a boat survey. It’s value for money that could save you tens of thoughts or more. Thanks Aaron! read less
- cameron Yates- Google
I can highly recommend BoatBuy. Recently I had Aaron carry out a pre purchase inspection of a boat I was buying in Sydney. With the borders being closed across Australia due to Covid-19 I was unable to fly across and check out things myself so I was really relying on... read moreI can highly recommend BoatBuy. Recently I had Aaron carry out a pre purchase inspection of a boat I was buying in Sydney. With the borders being closed across Australia due to Covid-19 I was unable to fly across and check out things myself so I was really relying on good information so I could confidently make a decision. Aaron was really reliable and sent loads of photos and provided a detailed report of the hull and engines outlining areas that I needed to be aware of. Most importantly Aaron is a great communicator and was able to give me a really good idea of what I was buying. Thanks again Aaron - much appreciated.Cameron Yates - Perth Western Australia read less
- Antony Collins- Google
Got to say, Aaron from Boat Buy is fantastic.He showed so much patience dealing with my brother and I on an inspection for a particular boat.We are both novices when it comes to boating but Aaron guided us through the process, explained things so we could understand easily and also... read moreGot to say, Aaron from Boat Buy is fantastic.He showed so much patience dealing with my brother and I on an inspection for a particular boat.We are both novices when it comes to boating but Aaron guided us through the process, explained things so we could understand easily and also gave us his own personal advice on what he would do in a similar situation including risks etc.We decided based on Aaron's advice NOT to purchase the boat and we feel spending that money for a professional and independent perspective has really saved us in the long run...the search for our boat continues but we will definitely be using Aaron again.Thanks Antony Collins. read less
- Colin Gilbert- Google
Aaron was recommended to us as the guy you need when purchasing a boat. He made the process easy and gave us the confidence we needed to proceed with the purchase. Being almost 3000klms away from the boat, it was important to us to receive such a detailed report with... read moreAaron was recommended to us as the guy you need when purchasing a boat. He made the process easy and gave us the confidence we needed to proceed with the purchase. Being almost 3000klms away from the boat, it was important to us to receive such a detailed report with lots of photos as well as a few back up phone calls to help explain any concerns. His diligence and attention to detail is a real credit to both him and our bottom line! His fee saved us three times it’s value. Thanks Aaron read less
- Tasha Dal Bianco- Google
I have always had a positive experience dealing with Aaron and his team. Extremely professional, knowledgeable and well connected. The attention to detail and customer service far exceeded my expectations and left me overall extremely satisfied with doing business with BoatBuy.
- Constance Attard- Google
Worth every cent. The inspection was extremely thorough, and the report was easy to read and evaluate. I fell in love with a boat, and Aaron's inspection covered all the defects, including a ranking into high, medium and low risk. Seeing the information in black and white, brought me back... read moreWorth every cent. The inspection was extremely thorough, and the report was easy to read and evaluate. I fell in love with a boat, and Aaron's inspection covered all the defects, including a ranking into high, medium and low risk. Seeing the information in black and white, brought me back down to reality and saved me from a potentially very expensive mistake. read less
Allan Morgan- GoogleI found Aaron an absolute gentleman, he couldn't do enough for me. The purchase was successful and Aaron's report (very professional content) allowed me to purchase the boat a lot cheaper although I need to throw a couple of bob on it I was really a good buy. Thanks Aaron... read moreI found Aaron an absolute gentleman, he couldn't do enough for me. The purchase was successful and Aaron's report (very professional content) allowed me to purchase the boat a lot cheaper although I need to throw a couple of bob on it I was really a good buy. Thanks Aaron for all your support. read less
- Martin Weallans- Google
I have used BoatBuy twice to undertake surveys on boats that I was looking to buy and the survey reports they provided on the boats gave me a very clear understanding of both the good aspects of the boat as well as the areas that I would need to address.They... read moreI have used BoatBuy twice to undertake surveys on boats that I was looking to buy and the survey reports they provided on the boats gave me a very clear understanding of both the good aspects of the boat as well as the areas that I would need to address.They are very professional and I would thoroughly recommend BoatBuy to any potential purchaser of a boat. read less
jan mcbryde- GoogleWe recently used Aaron to inspect a cruiser we were going to purchase - all good visually and low hours on motors. It was not our first boat purchase either but we were coming from a trailer boat background. His very detailed structural/ electrical/ mechanical survey picked up major problems... read moreWe recently used Aaron to inspect a cruiser we were going to purchase - all good visually and low hours on motors. It was not our first boat purchase either but we were coming from a trailer boat background. His very detailed structural/ electrical/ mechanical survey picked up major problems and the oil analysis told us even more. It didn't even get out on a sea trial! This boat would have cost us thousands if we had purchased it. We thank Aaron for his professionalism, extensive knowledge and care for detail. In the end we pulled out of the sale. Highly recommend Boatbuy to anyone for pre-purchase inspections. It is money well spent read less
- Marcella Merck- Google
I engaged Boatbuy before making a final offer on the boat we did end up buying and Boatbuy has been the best dollars spent so far. They offer both structural and mechanical/electrical survey in one, which is not common. They provided a thorough, honest yet unbiased assessment of the vessel... read moreI engaged Boatbuy before making a final offer on the boat we did end up buying and Boatbuy has been the best dollars spent so far. They offer both structural and mechanical/electrical survey in one, which is not common. They provided a thorough, honest yet unbiased assessment of the vessel with an upfront and clear pricing structure (no surprises!). The report provided was suitable for insurance purposes and well set out as a reference for the shitwright. Because Boatbuy doesn't offer mechanical or shipwright services I could trust it to be a genuine third party assessment. Worth every dollar, thank you. read less
Owen Donald- GoogleExcellent pre-purchase survey - thorough and comprehensive, including all the usual visual inspections in and out of the water but also engine and gearbox functions, electrical components and electronics. Oil testing covered for reasonable cost - so important for assessing engine and gearbox condition. Undertaking a thorough survey is... read moreExcellent pre-purchase survey - thorough and comprehensive, including all the usual visual inspections in and out of the water but also engine and gearbox functions, electrical components and electronics. Oil testing covered for reasonable cost - so important for assessing engine and gearbox condition. Undertaking a thorough survey is the most important investment in your selection of a used boat - on the strength of BoatBuy’s detailed assessment I rejected a boat to which I was attracted and had visually inspected. The saving in work that would have been needed in my first couple of years of ownership could have easily have exceeded $20,000 plus the enormous loss of enjoyment from anxiety and downtime. read less
- Peter Werner- Google
We had an extremely useful three hours with Aaron on our new boat. It has been 20 years since owning our last boat, and first time with a powerful outboard. Aaron was great at explaining everything, patient and good at pushing us when we needed it. He should be... read moreWe had an extremely useful three hours with Aaron on our new boat. It has been 20 years since owning our last boat, and first time with a powerful outboard. Aaron was great at explaining everything, patient and good at pushing us when we needed it. He should be a compulsory item! read less
- Ivan Bojanovic- Google
BoayBuy is #1 hands down when it comes to boat surveys and services that they provide.Aaron is highly knowledgeable, professional and someone I would highly recommended. Would not buy a boat any other way. 10/10 - well worth the investment. I will definitely be using BoatBuy services in the future... read moreBoayBuy is #1 hands down when it comes to boat surveys and services that they provide.Aaron is highly knowledgeable, professional and someone I would highly recommended. Would not buy a boat any other way. 10/10 - well worth the investment. I will definitely be using BoatBuy services in the future - keep up the good work. read less
- Tony K- Google
I engaged Aaron to assess a purchase for me. I had very little experience, so his advice was critical to me. Aaron was recommended by someone highly regarded, and I can confirm that his approach was very professional and gave me comfort with his conclusion. ... read moreI engaged Aaron to assess a purchase for me. I had very little experience, so his advice was critical to me. Aaron was recommended by someone highly regarded, and I can confirm that his approach was very professional and gave me comfort with his conclusion. Thanks heaps Aaron. read less
- Ray Smith- Google
I was interested in buying a 23ft Whittley out of Sydney i was watching it on boat sales for over six months. As i live on the Gold Coast QLD and working in Broken Hill NSW i did not have the time to go to Sydney to even look... read moreI was interested in buying a 23ft Whittley out of Sydney i was watching it on boat sales for over six months. As i live on the Gold Coast QLD and working in Broken Hill NSW i did not have the time to go to Sydney to even look at the boat after negotiating a price with the owner.I contacted Aaron from BoatBuy to carry out a marine survey of the boat in which i was very impressed with the way Aaron conducted the survey and kept me in loop at the time of inspection with phone calls on up dates of the inspection and lots of pictures and a report on ever part of the boat with no stone left unturned in my opinion. with a report on what needs to be repaired or tired with engine compreshion test and oil sampling testing.I have no hesitation recommending Aaron from BoatBuy as his professionalism is second to non in this field.And yes i did buy the boat off Aarons report and very happy with the boat.CheersRay read less
- Julian Bechini- Google
Engaged Aaron for a pre-purchase inspection. He undertook a thorough survey and took the time to explain to me and the nearby mechanic the issues that needed attention. Great guy and a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend Aaron and Boatbuy to others wanting to buy a boat with... read moreEngaged Aaron for a pre-purchase inspection. He undertook a thorough survey and took the time to explain to me and the nearby mechanic the issues that needed attention. Great guy and a pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend Aaron and Boatbuy to others wanting to buy a boat with piece of mind. read less
Garry Marsh- GoogleI used Aaron to assess a boat I was planning to purchase. Friends who had been around boats did the initial assessment but thankfully I decided to use Boatbuy. Aaron found some engine issues that others couldn't as well as some other problems previously undetected. He explained all the... read moreI used Aaron to assess a boat I was planning to purchase. Friends who had been around boats did the initial assessment but thankfully I decided to use Boatbuy. Aaron found some engine issues that others couldn't as well as some other problems previously undetected. He explained all the issues, offered budget pricing for repair and recommended companies that could assist, highly recommended fro any boat purchase. read less
- Nick Boucher- Google
Boatbuy is thorough and professional.The report on the boat i wanted to buy was very clear and understandable. Aaron produced the report the same day, and followed it up with several txt messages and a phone call to clearly explain every detail of the report.There was a couple of small... read moreBoatbuy is thorough and professional.The report on the boat i wanted to buy was very clear and understandable. Aaron produced the report the same day, and followed it up with several txt messages and a phone call to clearly explain every detail of the report.There was a couple of small issues with my boat that Aaron picked up and he gave helpful advice on the sale, and how to address those issues.If you want a knowledgable, friendly and professional inspection see Aaron. He will look after you. read less
- Ed Ho- Google
I was looking several months for a decent boat and thought going up in budget would solve but got continually dissapointed. So i started looking for help and glad i found Aaron of Boatbuy. I was impressed with the helpfull nature of the boatbuy website, and this helpfull nature is... read moreI was looking several months for a decent boat and thought going up in budget would solve but got continually dissapointed. So i started looking for help and glad i found Aaron of Boatbuy. I was impressed with the helpfull nature of the boatbuy website, and this helpfull nature is reflected in his service. Aaron is dual qualified as a marine surveyor and marine engineer and went above and beyond to help me buy a great boat and saved me tens of thousands of dollars and months and years of heartache by avoiding buying disasters that had hidden issues or were not as advertised but using photos when new or several years ago. So not only did Aaron provide an excellent pre-purchase report electronically within a couple of hours of his survey, but he also helped me filter and prioritise a list of boats i was interested in with valid explanations and advice. read less
The Agent- GoogleAaron is an excellent marine technician and surveyor, He was on time and thorough in his inspection of a used Riviera that I was purchasing. The cost of using him was insignificant compared to the work required to ensure the vessel was seaworthy. I highly recommend Boat Buy and look... read moreAaron is an excellent marine technician and surveyor, He was on time and thorough in his inspection of a used Riviera that I was purchasing. The cost of using him was insignificant compared to the work required to ensure the vessel was seaworthy. I highly recommend Boat Buy and look forward to seeing the business grow into the future. read less
- Richard Plicha- Google
GREAT SERVICE! We decided it prudent to have a pre-purchase survey of an 18’6” fibreglass boat, even though buying from a Dealer. I was very pleased with Aaron’s responsiveness & professionalism to this task.I gained some valuable knowledge, in attending for the survey (at Aaron’s encouragement), which included... read moreGREAT SERVICE! We decided it prudent to have a pre-purchase survey of an 18’6” fibreglass boat, even though buying from a Dealer. I was very pleased with Aaron’s responsiveness & professionalism to this task.I gained some valuable knowledge, in attending for the survey (at Aaron’s encouragement), which included a trial run on Sydney Harbour. Aaron provided a thorough report of findings to me, on that same day. Through his inspection report, we were able to negotiate for the Dealer to rectify numerous defects and perform planned maintenance (worth $’000) without affecting purchase price.I certainly recommend this service. read less
- Lucas Neal- Google
Highly recommend using Aaron from Boat BuyFound a few issues with second boat I was looking at which ultimately would of ended up in me damaging the near new engine.So for me, purchasing the inspection saved me a fortune in issues, tine off the water and a danger for anyone... read moreHighly recommend using Aaron from Boat BuyFound a few issues with second boat I was looking at which ultimately would of ended up in me damaging the near new engine.So for me, purchasing the inspection saved me a fortune in issues, tine off the water and a danger for anyone on board.Even keen to follow up once the issues are fixed to see how it’s running.Good to see guys who care about their job and are good for the industry. read less
- Steve Nightingall 4WD Recon Australia- Google
This was not my first boat but it was the first time I was wise enough to get a professional servey done as one of the conditions of sale.Boy was is worth it! The service was very quick ( two days) and included absolutely every last detail.The end result... read moreThis was not my first boat but it was the first time I was wise enough to get a professional servey done as one of the conditions of sale.Boy was is worth it! The service was very quick ( two days) and included absolutely every last detail.The end result was that the seller had to pay for repairs that would have cost me thousands and I ended up with an exceptional vessel.I will never buy a boat again without hiring the services of “Boatbuy”. Money we’ll spent.Steve. Newcastle NSW. read less