Pre-Purchase Marine Surveys
BOATS OVER 30FT
Structural. Mechanical. Expert Advice.
Learn More NSW Learn More QLD Book NoWPre-Purchase Boat Inspections
BOATS UNDER 30FT
Complete reports including hull, mechanical and trailer condition.
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ALL SIZE BOATS
Insurance inspections to obtain an insurance policy.
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Who Are We?
Meet Aaron & Brendan. We are a team of dual-certified Marine Surveyors and Engineers specialising in marine surveys and mechanical inspections across Sydney and the Gold Coast. Our comprehensive assessment covers the mechanical, structural and electrical components of the vessel, accompanied with a detailed report in a timely manner.
Collectively we have inspected thousands of boats, and our aim is to raise the industry standards to provide a fair and honest evaluation of a used vessel. When you book your inspection with BoatBuy, you can be certain that you’re working with the most experienced and professional team in Australia.
LEARN FROM US
Download our service history guide to learn how to determine whether a boat is worth taking to survey.
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Articles & Videos
Check out our latest articles and YouTube videos
articles | August 16, 2023
Boat Inspection Checklist
Are you buying a used boat, and need a boat inspection checklist to ensure you inspect all the critical components? You've found the right place! There are six key points to buying and inspecting a boat successfully: Engine Electrics Hull Trailer Seating, Covers and Upholstery Paperwork Our free boat inspection...
articles | June 5, 2023
A brief overview of Marine Transmission and Propeller Ratios
Marine engines are powerful, constant load engines. However, they need more than just power to get your boat moving. Unlike car engines, they do not have a number of gears to cycle through. Additionally, boats require a marine transmission, shaft, and propeller. These critical parts transfer power from the engine....
articles | February 28, 2023
Everything You Need To Know About Boat Anodes
In this article, we are going to cover everything you need to know about boat anodes, including: Boat anodes explained Where you’ll find boat anodes Different types of anode material The do's and don’ts of boat anodes Galvanic corrosion Let’s get into it, shall we? Boat anodes explained An anode...
Recent Reviews
Read what our previous customers are saying:
John Kallinikos- GoogleThanks Aaron for all your help with boat information and the extra above and beyond service you've given me while in the process of buying a boat.All the way from Melbourne...Ray
M C- GoogleAwesome experience dealing with Aaron buying my first boat. Prior to purchase Aaron was available and willing to answer questions and give really great advice before selecting. Today Aaron tested the boat and was extremely detailed taking his time and answering any questions I had. Can’t speak... read moreAwesome experience dealing with Aaron buying my first boat. Prior to purchase Aaron was available and willing to answer questions and give really great advice before selecting. Today Aaron tested the boat and was extremely detailed taking his time and answering any questions I had. Can’t speak highly enough of Aaron and Boatbuy. Thankyou read less
Jas Watkins- GoogleProfessional and thorough response. Highly recommend
Pete D- GoogleI was buying my boat from Sydney but lived in Perth. Aaron was super helpful and did a thorough job to ensure that the boat was mechanically and structurally sound. Would recommend to anyone looking for a boat pre purchase inspection
Jacqueline Rothfork Wogan- GoogleBrendan and the crew were very helpful in assisting with pre-purchase boat inspections on two diff boats. The first inspection failed miserably and saved us from $15k+ in repairs. Money well spent! The second inspection a week later on a seperate boat gave us the security and peace of mind... read moreBrendan and the crew were very helpful in assisting with pre-purchase boat inspections on two diff boats. The first inspection failed miserably and saved us from $15k+ in repairs. Money well spent! The second inspection a week later on a seperate boat gave us the security and peace of mind to get a safe and sound used boat for our family. Thank you BoatBuy! read less
Brad Lester- GoogleAaron conducted a pre- purchase survey on a boat I was interested in last week. He was extremely thorough in checking all aspects of the boat, noting any prospective problems. I was most impressed with his testing of the motor and sterndrive. He conducted combustion tests on the motor as... read moreAaron conducted a pre- purchase survey on a boat I was interested in last week. He was extremely thorough in checking all aspects of the boat, noting any prospective problems. I was most impressed with his testing of the motor and sterndrive. He conducted combustion tests on the motor as well as thoroughly checking all aspects of the engine whilst undergoing a sea test under full throttle. Whilst out of water he detected possible water in the oil of the sterndrive indicating a need for the seals to be checked and repaired before purchase will proceed. By late that same day I had received an electronic report outlining the high, medium and low risks found in the survey, allowing further negotiation with the boat owner before moving forward on the purchase. Aaron was also very patient and thorough answering our multitude of questions. I would have no hesitation in recommending Boatbuy, and Aaron in particular, if you are looking for a reliable surveyor for your next boat purchase. read less
David Neil- GoogleBoatbuy have now surveyed two boats for me and on both occasions they have been efficient, professional and well priced.
Anthony Kwok- GoogleWe're first-time boat buyers and needed a pre-purchase boat inspection done for a Bayliner 285 Cruiser. We had Don help us survey the boat and give us the confidence to make the purchase, with the understanding of the condition and quality of the boat. Much appreciated guys. Great experience. Thanks!
Matt Pucko- GoogleThankyou Aaron Your attention to detail and knowledge is amazing You gave us the confidence to complete our purchase with no stone unturned.
Liam McCarthy- GoogleBrilliant! Aaron from BoatBuy in Sydney was recommended to me by a local Slip operator. I found Aaron to be most professional and his explanations of items picked up in his inspections were clear and thorough. He raised awareness of items which required immediate attention and appeased concerns on items... read moreBrilliant! Aaron from BoatBuy in Sydney was recommended to me by a local Slip operator. I found Aaron to be most professional and his explanations of items picked up in his inspections were clear and thorough. He raised awareness of items which required immediate attention and appeased concerns on items which need future inspection/ongoing monitoring. I would definitely recommend BoatBuy if you're looking to have a survey done on a boat you're looking to purchase! read less
Fred Welsh- GoogleHello Brendan, Just wanted to thank you for your very professional service yesterday and your same day final report regarding our 2011, 2080 Whittley SD we were considering. It was very helpful indeed with final negotiations and gave us a clear picture of what we were buying. Your advice was... read moreHello Brendan, Just wanted to thank you for your very professional service yesterday and your same day final report regarding our 2011, 2080 Whittley SD we were considering. It was very helpful indeed with final negotiations and gave us a clear picture of what we were buying. Your advice was much appreciated and helped our position to bring about a mutually successful sale. Yo - I would recommend Brendan, what a coooool guy! ***** Thanks mate. Fred n Chris read less
Matt P- GooglePrompt service, inspection and report very professional and detailed, with motor readout as well. Thanks Don and Aaron
David S- GoogleVery thorough and meticulous with their reports. Aaron was a gentleman to deal with throughout the process. Highly recommend anyone looking at purchasing a boat engage their services.
Andrew McKinnon- GoogleOutstanding service and expertise - if you are looking to buy a boat, make these guys your first phone call! Having just purchased a boat, we used Boatbuy twice - first time, they found some unexpected issues and so we decided to move on. Next time around, they confirmed that... read moreOutstanding service and expertise - if you are looking to buy a boat, make these guys your first phone call! Having just purchased a boat, we used Boatbuy twice - first time, they found some unexpected issues and so we decided to move on. Next time around, they confirmed that we had found our next boat! Friendly, approachable, very willing to assist and answer questions and very knowledgeable - can't recommend them highly enough! read less
L Zhong- GoogleBoatbuy = confidence. My mechanic told me about Aaron, they have done amazing job for my second boat purchase, I just wish I knew Aaron from boatbuy when i bought my first boat. Highly recommended!!!!
Sean G- GoogleAaron and BoatBuy are the only team you want to hire for pre purchase inspections!
Kingsley Lynn- GoogleGreat to deal with & supplied the report in very quick time, recommend 100%
Chris Wrightson- GoogleReport was very comprehensive and the opportunity to discuss it with Don was invaluable. We did not proceed with the purchase and very happy we had the inspection.
Adrian Rudman- GoogleThe team at Batboy to a fabulous job. Aaron was happy for me to attend the survey where I learnt a lot about our new purchase. The survey report was timely and thorough. Highly recommend this team if you need a survey or pre-purchase inspection.
ian traill- GoogleHad BoatBuy conduct two pre-purchase inspections. They were professional, timely and communicated really well. I’m new to boat ownership and they gave me great info to help me decide.
Brett Howard- GoogleService was great. Saved myself thousands of dollars, and was honest, efficient and extremely thorough.
Danny Herbert- GoogleBoat Buy are a very professional set up, they answered all my questions and were very helpful, as the boat they inspected for me was almost 2000km away. I relied on their professionalism to help me decide to proceed with the boat purchase or not.
Enhanced Space Projects- GoogleAwesome service and very comprehensive report. I can highly recommend.
Reinier Van Dyk- GoogleGreat service, down to earth advice, would use again and recommend.
Karl Batshon- GoogleGreat people to work with - prompt, courteous and knowledgeable - would highly recommend. Thanks team
Adrian Cepak- GoogleExceptional attention to detail. Able to provide mechanical as part of the survey. Spent most of the day inspecting testing and sea trialing my new boat. Not just piece of mind and confidence in the purchase developed a much better understanding of several aspects of the boat. ... read moreExceptional attention to detail. Able to provide mechanical as part of the survey. Spent most of the day inspecting testing and sea trialing my new boat. Not just piece of mind and confidence in the purchase developed a much better understanding of several aspects of the boat. Would not hesitate to recommend not often do you feel your getting more than your moneys worth in this industry. read less
Michael Borin- GoogleThorough survey covering all aspects of the boat, informative report and polite friendly service.
darren kropp- GoogleHad Brendan inspect a boat for me today, did an awesome job of checking the boat top to bottom, inside and out, extremely impressed with his fault finding and detailed report, highly recommend.
Warwick McCormick- GoogleAaron and Don are very professional, provide clear communication, and more than happy to have a chat about any aspect of boating, need a survey, you can be confident using Boatbuy.
Lachlan Murnaghan- GoogleArron and his team are such a pleasure to deal with. Extremely professional, prompt & dilligent in their work. Time, date, survey booked in super easy, interstate inspection done with lots of communication, great feedback, honest/useful comments - Thanks guys
skytree phones- GoogleBES OF THE BEST, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY...AARON DID CARE AND TOOK MY CALLS WHENEVER I NEEDED TO, HE HAD A GENUINE INTENTION TO HELP. MOST MECHANICS ARE SLACK, AARON AND HIS TEAM MATE WAS AN EXCEPTION... I WISH HE DID BOAT MECHANICS WORK ASWELL HAHA
Jenny Martyn- GoogleWe are extremely grateful to Aaron at BoatBuy for doing a thorough survey of a boat that looked great in photos but not so good on inspection. Would definitely recommend these guys.
Amanda Molinaro- GoogleAaron and Brendan were friendly and professional. Inspection and report prompt and very thorough. Well worth the money spend for piece of mind buying a boat unseen. Highly recommend this service.
Deb Bruce- GoogleWould 100% recommend BoatBuy ***** 5 Star Service. We recently contacted BoatBuy to carry out an inspection on a Malibu Wakesetter located in NSW. We are located in SA so needed the boat inspected prior to spending a lot of money in purchasing the boat. The detailed report, to... read moreWould 100% recommend BoatBuy ***** 5 Star Service. We recently contacted BoatBuy to carry out an inspection on a Malibu Wakesetter located in NSW. We are located in SA so needed the boat inspected prior to spending a lot of money in purchasing the boat. The detailed report, to the follow up call afterwards - I would highly recommend Aaron and his team :) P.S. We bought the boat :) Thanks again Aaron - Deb & Danny Bruce read less
Daniel Wendt- GoogleDon and Aaron were amazing. Efficient and responsive with communication. Excellent advice provided in a timely manner. Highly recommended.
Nils Tronnberg- GoogleFound Boatbuy through recommendations and, being new to this, found them very helpful and reassuring. It was easy to book the survey and on the day two friendly, competent and very thorough guys showed up. Shortly after I had the reports and knew what I needed.
Rob D'er- GoogleAn efficient, direct & professional company.
Bull Dog- GoogleAaron was great and very helpful in explaining what he saw and found. Very professional and certainly knows his stuff. Regardless the size of the boat including trailer boats its a must do service if buying.. Very happy and value for money
Craig McCredie- GoogleAaron is a fantastic guy who is very thorough in his surveys and makes you feel confident with the findings in his report. Nothing is left behind. Not only are the reports very valuable but he is also available on post report follow up s and suggestions. Would highly recommend... read moreAaron is a fantastic guy who is very thorough in his surveys and makes you feel confident with the findings in his report. Nothing is left behind. Not only are the reports very valuable but he is also available on post report follow up s and suggestions. Would highly recommend him to conduct a survey when purchasing a boat. read less
Paul Stace- GoogleAaron conducted a very thorough inspection & did not miss a single issue. Highly recommend his survey for any prospective boat purchase
M Peters- GoogleThese guys are Life Savers!! I can't thank Aaron & Don enough for the Pre Purchase Boat Inspection which they recently undertook for me. I'm out of state in WA and was entirely reliant on there service. I was influenced by the great Google Reviews and I was not disappointed.... read moreThese guys are Life Savers!! I can't thank Aaron & Don enough for the Pre Purchase Boat Inspection which they recently undertook for me. I'm out of state in WA and was entirely reliant on there service. I was influenced by the great Google Reviews and I was not disappointed. The report was comprehensive detailing all aspects of the boat with colour photos illustrating the defects with an explanation to help understand for the less boat experienced of us. During the first attempt to inspect the boat an electrical fire occurred during the sea trial and Don had to use the fire extinguisher to put out the fire and then the immobile boat was towed back to the harbour when the inspection came to an abrupt halt. I paid extra for an oil tests which confirmed Don’s visible observation of oil in one of the POD’s. The owner subsequently repaired both pods and the electrical fault before the balance of the inspection was rearranged. However once Aaron had the opportunity to finish the inspection a load more defects and neglect became apparent. I’m a genuine buyer and I’m gutted with all the boat neglect and lack of essential service and maintenance that hasn’t been attended to over the years. The seller had no option but to rebuild both PODS at a cost of approx $30000+ after the electrical fire. However after the revisit to finish the inspection I was confronted with with another long list of items of costs in the additional sum of at least $60000 arising from a boat lifetime of neglect and the owner choose to terminate the contract rather than deal with any further defect cost. The phrase buyer beware in the property market is dwarfed by the potential liability that buying a boat can bring and I urge you to write into the purchase contract that the purchase is subject to a boat survey to your satisfaction and appoint the team at BoatBuy who are undoubtedly experts in their field. Thankfully they saved me buying a boat that was listed as being meticulously maintained but was certainly not and could have cost me up to $100000 had I not had a boat survey by BoatBuy. Thanks again, I’ll contact you when I find another boat. read less
Bora Kender- GoogleGreat service by Aaron, very thorough and helpful to make sure my boat purchase a success . Highly recommended.
Jude Hunt- GoogleThanks to Don at BoatBuy. A very professional and thorough survey done. He spent time examining and explaining everything in clinical detail and is clearly a fellow who knows his craft! Great guy to boot!!
Minxy Gaming- GoogleAaron was both technically excellent and provided really good customer service. I engaged him from interstate, so needed a high level of trust in his service and advice to drive 10 hours and buy a boat sight unseen. He was simply brilliant and thorough and I couldn’t be happier with... read moreAaron was both technically excellent and provided really good customer service. I engaged him from interstate, so needed a high level of trust in his service and advice to drive 10 hours and buy a boat sight unseen. He was simply brilliant and thorough and I couldn’t be happier with the boat and his detailed report. Very highly recommended!! read less
WAB Banksie- GoogleThe guys at Boat Buy were excellent. From the ease of booking and payment. to flexible with time and location.Don was very experienced with all things boats. Did an awesome review and covered everything in detail. Plus some tips of servicing boats , anti foul and even a rookie like... read moreThe guys at Boat Buy were excellent. From the ease of booking and payment. to flexible with time and location.Don was very experienced with all things boats. Did an awesome review and covered everything in detail. Plus some tips of servicing boats , anti foul and even a rookie like me to put the boat on a trailer.thanks Don. read less
damian chadwick- GoogleWhat a fantastic service. Brendan was great to work with, and his attention to detail was off the chart. The report was detailed and sent to me within an hour of finishing the inspection and sea trial. I won't buy another boat without Brendon inspecting it. I highly recommend Boat Buy
Stephen Tamba- GoogleWe had Aaron from BoatBuy do a survey, sea trials and engine/gearbox oil sample analyst tests. He went through everything and found issues, that on a couple of inspections, I had missed. The comprehensive detailed report that came back was very impressive. The report also included photos of all the... read moreWe had Aaron from BoatBuy do a survey, sea trials and engine/gearbox oil sample analyst tests. He went through everything and found issues, that on a couple of inspections, I had missed. The comprehensive detailed report that came back was very impressive. The report also included photos of all the issues that were picked up. This obviously helped us with negotiating a better price on the boat for us. I have seen other survey reports in the past and I have not seen any that come close to what BoatBuy produced. The other great thing about BoatBuy is they do everything. I did look at another company but I needed to organise the mechanic as they only did the survey. I have no hesitation in recommending BoatBuy and will definitely use them for any future purchases. read less
Allison Mifsud- GoogleI have used Boat Buy twice and have found both Aaron and Don to be incredibly thorough and they gave me great advice and explained the survey report to me in detail. Lucky I used them as they saved me getting into a boat with issues! They offer fantastic service... read moreI have used Boat Buy twice and have found both Aaron and Don to be incredibly thorough and they gave me great advice and explained the survey report to me in detail. Lucky I used them as they saved me getting into a boat with issues! They offer fantastic service and are friendly. A great team! read less
James Brickwood- GoogleAaron was awesome, easy to deal with and provided great feed back.
Sonya Keenan- GoogleGreat service. Very comprehenisive and most helpful
Zak Agioski- GoogleI would highly recommend BoatBuy they are very professional, thorough and answered all my questions. Excellent customer service.
Zachary Leppala- GoogleAaron completed a survey on our 1996 Bayliner. The report was very detailed and Aaron had completed a thorough inspection. Thanks to the boat buy team.
Clinton Cowin- GoogleTo say I'm satisfied with my purchase is an understatement! I had the pleasure of dealing with both Aaron and Don and they're both amazing humans that are professional and passionate.I had an initial inspection done of a boat that looked absolutely perfect on the surface but the inspection picked... read moreTo say I'm satisfied with my purchase is an understatement! I had the pleasure of dealing with both Aaron and Don and they're both amazing humans that are professional and passionate.I had an initial inspection done of a boat that looked absolutely perfect on the surface but the inspection picked up issues that were impossible to see without the right tools and experience. This has absolutely saved me tens of thousands of dollars!! I can't thank you guys enough.The second inspection came up perfect and I'm now the proud owner of an awesome boat that I'm 110% confident in and will serve me for years to come.I have to admit that I was hesitant to spend the money to begin with but I now know that I'll NEVER be buying a bout without having the boys inspect it for me first. This service is an absolute MUST for anyone looking at a second hand boat!! read less
Andrew Cross- GoogleOutstanding service. Helpful, supportive, informative, open and honest. As a complete newbie to boating, Aaron supported me over the course of several months in the search for our first family boat. He patiently answered numerous queries, responding personally to each and every one, and provided invaluable advice and guidance throughout... read moreOutstanding service. Helpful, supportive, informative, open and honest. As a complete newbie to boating, Aaron supported me over the course of several months in the search for our first family boat. He patiently answered numerous queries, responding personally to each and every one, and provided invaluable advice and guidance throughout the entire search, pre-purchase and purchase cycle. The pre-purchase inspection reports and debriefs were incredibly thorough, highlighting all issues both minor and major. In the first instance Don’s inspection and report saved me from progressing on what would have been a very costly mistake. Several months later, thanks to Aaron’s advice and input I finally found a great boat for which Aaron was incredibly flexible in accommodating an inspection to meet the seller’s tight time window. Thank you guys. I cannot recommend Aaron, Don and BoatBuy highly enough and would 100% engage their services again. read less
karl boothroyd- GoogleVery professional and thorough service and easy to deal with.
brenton gaskin- GoogleHi guys! Had Aaron look at a boat for me in Sydney, l live in adelaide , Aaron did a great job ,setting up the inspection with the seller! Both the seller and I were happy with the outcome! I have since purchased the boat! And couldn't be happier!... read moreHi guys! Had Aaron look at a boat for me in Sydney, l live in adelaide , Aaron did a great job ,setting up the inspection with the seller! Both the seller and I were happy with the outcome! I have since purchased the boat! And couldn't be happier! Thanks Aaron for your efforts! read less
Austek Quotes- GoogleAaron was fantastic, he helped me stay away from a bad boat and lots of wasted money on repairs. If you cant afford a boat buy inspection, then you cant afford a boat.
Emilio Gazis- GoogleAaron and Brendan were easy to deal with, very knowledgeable and extremely thorough. The report and subsequent assistance was a standout in how businesses should conduct themselves. Highly recommend them.
Adam Coach- GoogleThese guys were fantastic we have used them every time we buy a boat and they saved us many times. Easy to deal with and explained everything to us above and beyond what we expected. Do not buy a boat without using them is my advice.
David Sullivan- GoogleBeing involved in assisting people buy and sell boats over the years I have found Aaron and his team at BoatBuy to be both fair and thorough with their reporting. The team at BoatBuy are great at explaining to the buyer any issues that they find and work well with... read moreBeing involved in assisting people buy and sell boats over the years I have found Aaron and his team at BoatBuy to be both fair and thorough with their reporting. The team at BoatBuy are great at explaining to the buyer any issues that they find and work well with the buyer and broker to get the right result for all parties involved in the sale. I would not hesitate recommending Aaron and his team to anyone looking at purchasing a vessel in and around the Sydney area. read less