Boat Insurance Surveys Sydney
Has your insurance company requested a survey report prior to renewing or starting a policy? We provide a prompt and efficient mobile service so you can obtain a policy as quickly as possible. All of our reports are delivered on the same day of the inspection.
We provide our services across the Sydney region. We work with all slipways and marinas, and our reports are accepted by all major insurance companies.
- Sydney Wide Service
- Mobile Onsite Inspections
- Fast & Efficient Reporting
- Friendly Service
- Detailed Easy To Read Reports
- Easy Online Booking
- Dual Certified Marine Surveyors & Engineerse
What is a boat insurance survey?
A boat insurance survey, also referred to as a risk evaluation report is provided to an insurance company upon their request when renewing or starting a policy. The report is required so the underwriter can assess the risk of insuring the boat. Each insurer has different guidelines, but typically they are a requirement for boats over 10 years old operated inshore, and 5 years old operated offshore.
Depending on the insurer’s requirements, they can request either an in-water or out of water survey, where, if the boat is not on a trailer, it must be slipped to gain access. The vessel condition is assessed and recommendations are made to bring the boat up to a satisfactory standard.

Systems
- Bilge Pumps
- Automatic Floats
- Blowers
- Gas Detectors
- Sea Cocks
- Skin Fittings
- Breathers
- Connections and Lines
- AND MORE
Hull And Structure
- Structural Condition
- Bulkheads
- Stringers
- Transom
- Deck
- Cockpit
- Filers
- AND MORE
Safety
- Exhaust Systems
- Fuel Lines and Tanks
- Gas Systems
- Controls
- Batteries
- Safety Equipment
- AND MORE
How much do our insurance surveys cost?
Vessel Size | Insurance Survey Cost |
---|---|
0-22ft or 0-6.7m | $675 |
23-29ft or 6.8m-8.8m | $820 |
30-39ft or 8.9m-11.8m | $1020 |
40-49ft or 11.9-14.9m | $1265 |
50-59ft or 15m to 18m | $1520 |
61ft + or 18.1m + | Contact us for a quote |
Ask a Question
Request a sample boat insurance survey
We are proud of our work, and happy to provide a sample report upon request. Fill in the form, including details of the type of vessel and insurance company you plan to obtain a policy with, and we will send a suitable sample survey.
Ask our opinion
Are you not sure which report you need? Or need some boat advice? Feel free to get in contact before booking our services to discuss your requirements.
Prefer to chat? Call now
Recent Reviews
Read what our previous customers are saying:
- 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
- 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 lessBrad 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
- 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!
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 lessdamian 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 lessAllison 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
- 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 lessAndrew 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
- 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
- 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
Why trust us?
Founded in 2015, we are a marine surveying company operating in NSW and QLD. With over 40 years of collective experience in the Marine Industry, we are a team of dual certified Marine Surveyors and Engineers providing independent reports.
We get the opportunity to review hundreds of boats per year, meaning we’re up to date with all the latest issues and relevant problems arising on boats.
We strive to provide the best reports and highest level of customer service in the industry.
We also offer other services including

Pre-Purchase Marine Surveys
Structural. Mechanical. Expert Advice.

Boat Inspections
Complete reports including hull, mechanical and trailer condition.