Compression checks are similar. They require a mechanic to disassemble the engine, run a compression check, and put everything back together again, which is time consuming and therefore expensive. But a compression check really only tells you whether or not there is "blow by" caused by wear in the cylinders. Blue smoke in the engine exhaust will show the same thing. A compression check only tells you how bad it is and, in most cases, you already knew that from the smoke so it may not be worth the money.

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

You can expect the surveyor to check electrical panels and the shore power inlet to see if they are in accordance with the requirements at time of manufacture. However, a standard survey won't allow enough time for him to check the continuity of all the circuits and to verify that all electronic equipment is working. Usually, the surveyor will test the anchor windlass, the bow thruster and the running lights.

CAPT. ALAN HUGENOTA surveyor will inspect the running gear, and perform a "mallet test" on the hull to look for de-lamination.One place you can cut costs is by taking a hard look at the navigation electronics and whether they are worth the surveyor's time. If you are buying a 12-year-old boat that has not been upgraded, the electronics will be extremely dated. To pay the surveyor an extra $1,500 to spend two days checking the performance of all this equipment makes no sense. A better idea is to take that money and put it toward an upgrade.

If the equipment is modern, you can validate much of it yourself by turning it on and using it. VHF, radar, sonar, weather instruments and spotlights can be tested at the dock. GPS, plotter and autopilot can be tested during the sea trial. Even if a piece of equipment is not working, the replacement value will be relatively modest compared to the overall cost of the boat, and is not likely to be a deal breaker.

The surveyor also will make an inventory of the safety equipment commenting on its condition and whether the proper quantities are carried. Not all of what we might think should be aboard as safety equipment is actually required by law. Amazingly, signal flares and bells are required, but marine radios are not.

When the laws were written, no one had radios or cell phones aboard their boats so they were required to carry other signaling devices. And so it remains that vessels under 65 feet in length and not engaged in passenger service are not required to carry a VHF marine radio. Depending on the state you live in, you may be surprised to find that bilge pumps, first aid kits or fume detectors are also not required. But a good surveyor will tell you which of these "optional" safety items are missing.

BLISTERING AND DELAMINATION

Some insurance companies seem little interested in whether the engine runs, the varnish and upholstery are neat or navigation equipment is installed. Compared with the question of seaworthiness, those concerns are minor. But the better marine insurance companies want to know the condition of all the equipment because it tells them much about the boat's prior treatment. Your surveyor will be able to tell you – and your insurer – many things that add or subtract from the value of the vessel.