What a Survey Actually Finds

What ends a sale

Structural movement, a wet core in the deck or hull, corrosion in the keel bolts or chainplates. These are not repairs, they are projects, and they are priced accordingly.

What is normal

Gelcoat crazing, tired upholstery, an engine that needs a service, osmosis blisters above the waterline. Every used boat has a list; the question is whether the list is maintenance or salvage.

Go and stand there

The written report is the summary. The useful hour is the one spent walking the boat with the surveyor while he taps and points, because what he says out loud is more candid than what a report can defensibly put in writing.