If you are purchasing a new boat, it’s important to conduct a marine survey of the engine. You can do it yourself or hire a professional marine surveyor. This video explains some of the most common defects that marine surveyors look for when inspecting an engine.
The first issue that’s commonly found is a leaking shaft or rudder seal in the engine bay. The second is an overdue cooling system service. Some people will overlook this because it seems to be working just fine. However, there are areas that may leak and cause salt water to enter the engine without the owner knowing. If you do it more frequently, you will save money in the long term.
Another common issue is damage to the rear of the boat. Navigating a boat in tight quarters can be tricky, and if you misjudge an angle or berth, you may put dents and scratches in the boat’s hull. This leaves your boat exposed to corrosion and leaks.
Surveyors also recommend inspecting your propellers. This can be a costly inspection because it requires the whole boat to be brought out of the water, but if you catch problems like excessive barnacle growth, you’ll be happy you made the investment.
For more information, check out the video in the link above.