Insurance survey checklist for small craft

2026-04-28

Everything an insurance condition and value survey should cover for boats under 50ft — structured so nothing slips through.

Insurance surveys live or die by completeness. A missed finding becomes the insurer's leverage when a claim comes in. Here's the checklist we use as the spine of an insurance condition and value survey for vessels under 50ft.

Hull & structure

• Hull condition (gel coat, blisters, cracks, repairs)
• Keel attachment and keel bolts (where accessible)
• Rudder and steering linkage
• Through-hulls, seacocks and hose clamps
• Transom, swim platform and mounting hardware

Deck & topsides

• Deck hardware (cleats, winches, tracks) and backing plates
• Stanchions, lifelines and pulpits
• Hatches, ports and seals
• Standing rigging condition (where applicable)

Mechanical & electrical

• Engine condition, mounts and bay
• Fuel system (tanks, lines, filters, vents)
• Steering, throttle and shift cables
• Batteries, charging system, shore power
• 12V and 240V wiring, breakers, GFCIs
• Bilge pumps, float switches and high-water alarms

Safety equipment

• Life jackets (count and condition)
• Fire extinguishers (count, type, in-date)
• Flares and signalling devices
• EPIRB or PLB, registration
• First aid kit

Documentation

• HIN/CIN, registration, title
• Engine make/model/hours/serial
• Previous surveys and known repairs
• Any recall or service bulletin status

Value

The insurance valuation is its own discipline — base it on comparable sales, vessel condition adjustments, and documented upgrades. AI-assisted valuations can give you a defensible anchor; your judgement provides the final number.