Whether you’re buying your first boat, upgrading to something larger, renewing insurance, or simply trying to understand the real condition of your current vessel, a Small Craft Condition & Value (C&V) Survey is one of the smartest steps you can take. It’s a professional, independent inspection designed to answer two critical questions:
- What shape is the boat really in?
- What is a fair market value for it today?
At Marine Tech Survey, we specialize in powerboat marine surveys and provide clear, practical reporting that helps buyers, owners, and insurers reduce risk and make confident decisions.
What is a Condition & Value (C&V) Survey?
A Condition & Value survey is a structured evaluation of a vessel’s overall condition along with an opinion of value based on the boat’s age, configuration, equipment, and observed state at the time of inspection.
You’ll often hear this called an insurance survey, because many underwriters require a current C&V survey when:
- A vessel is newly acquired
- Coverage is being increased
- A policy is being renewed on an older boat
- A lender needs documentation for financing
It’s also extremely useful for private buyers and sellers because it documents findings in an organized way and helps prevent expensive surprises.
Why it matters (even if the boat “looks great”)
Boats can hide problems in places you don’t see during a casual walk-through—behind panels, under decks, inside bilges, at through-hulls, or in aging wiring and fuel systems. A C&V survey helps you:
- Identify safety issues that could put people at risk
- Spot deferred maintenance before it becomes a costly repair
- Understand the true condition of critical systems and structures
- Document equipment and gear aboard the vessel
- Support negotiations with real, written findings
- Provide insurers/lenders with a report they can rely on
For many owners, it’s also a great way to build a repair and maintenance roadmap for the next season or upcoming haul-out.
What’s included in a small craft C&V survey?
While the exact scope can vary depending on the boat and the purpose of the survey, a typical Condition & Value survey focuses on accessible areas and observable conditions, including:
Hull, deck, and structure
- Hull and deck condition (visible signs of stress, impact, water intrusion, etc.)
- Bulkheads, stringers, decks, and structural supports where accessible
- Visible signs of leakage, moisture, or deterioration
Propulsion and machinery (observational)
- General condition of engines, drives, and mechanical spaces
- Visible leaks, corrosion, mounting concerns, and maintenance red flags
- Basic operational observations when available and safe to perform
Electrical, fuel, and plumbing systems
- General installation quality and observed deficiencies
- Safety-related concerns (wiring condition, battery installation, fuel line condition, etc.)
- Bilge pumping arrangements and other key onboard utilities
Safety equipment and recommendations
- Presence of typical required safety items (as applicable)
- Notes on obvious deficiencies, hazards, or improvements
Value and documentation
- An opinion of Fair Market Value (FMV) based on the vessel and observed condition
- Documentation of onboard equipment and notable features
- A clear, itemized list of findings and recommendations
Afloat or hauled? (What insurers often require)
An insurance condition & value survey can sometimes be completed with the vessel afloat or ashore, depending on insurer requirements and the boat’s situation. Some insurers require an out-of-water inspection for hull and underwater components. If you’re unsure, we can help you understand what your insurer is likely to request so you can avoid delays.
A sea trial is not always required for an insurance C&V survey, and full operational testing may be limited depending on scope, access, conditions, and the specific request.
What to expect on survey day
A smooth survey comes down to access and readiness. In general, you can expect:
- Initial walkthrough & documentation review (HIN, registration/documentation, basic vessel details)
- System-by-system inspection of accessible areas
- Notes and photos to support findings
- A written report that’s organized, readable, and useful for decision-making
We aim to deliver a report that’s straightforward—something you can actually use, not just file away.
How to prepare your boat for a survey
A few simple steps can make your survey more efficient and more complete:
- Ensure batteries are charged and shore power is available (if applicable)
- Provide clear access to bilges, machinery spaces, electrical panels, and through-hulls
- Have keys available for locked compartments
- Make sure the boat is reasonably clean (especially bilges and machinery spaces)
- Gather key documents (ownership, engine service history, major upgrades/receipts if available)
Who should get a C&V survey?
A Condition & Value survey is a great fit if you are:
- Buying a used boat and want an independent condition assessment and FMV estimate
- Insuring a vessel or renewing coverage
- Financing a boat and need documentation for a lender
- Planning upgrades and want a baseline assessment
- Selling a boat and want to address issues proactively (a pre-listing style approach)
Cost and scheduling
Our professional services start at $250, with total cost depending on factors like:
- Boat size
- Complexity of systems
- Travel
- Scope of the inspection
- Time required
If you’re working with an insurance deadline, it’s wise to schedule early—especially during peak boating season.
Service area
Marine Tech Survey is based in the Seacoast of New Hampshire and typically serves New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.
Ready to schedule your Condition & Value survey?
If you need a Small Craft Condition & Value Survey for insurance, financing, a purchase decision, or peace of mind as an owner, we’re here to help.
Use our contact page to request a survey, or reach out directly:
ryan@marinetechsurvey.com
A boat is a big investment—get the facts, reduce the risk, and move forward with confidence.
Marine Tech Survey 
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