A boat survey is good for as long as the person relying on it says it is. For insurance, published rules run from 2 to 5 years, depending on the insurer and the boat's age and build. For a purchase, a survey is only good for the day it was done.
Published insurer rules
Each insurer sets its own rule, and they change. Three that are published:
| Insurer or program | Country | When a survey is needed | How old it may be |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallagher Skippers' Plan | Canada | Boats over 20 years and 30 ft or more, or above a value threshold; agreed value cover from 15 years; all collector and antique boats | Up to 2 years for a new policy; renewals need a new survey every 5 years |
| RACV | Australia | Older boats, with an out of water survey and valuation | Fibreglass over 10 years: within 5 years. Other materials under 10 years: within 5 years. Other materials over 10 years: within 3 years |
| UK underwriters, reported by Yachting Monthly | UK | Generally from about 30 years old; some ask from 25 | Not stated; a survey can also be asked for because of the time since the last one |
The pattern: a new policy wants a recent survey, and older boats and boats built of steel, aluminium or wood get shorter cycles. Skippers' Plan also notes that an underwriter can ask for a survey at any time, and sends its request a year before the due date because surveyors are scarce in some areas.
More insurers, each with its full rule, are in insurer survey rules: Club Marine, American Modern, Markel, GJW Direct, Craftinsure and Pantaenius.
What decides the answer for your boat
- New policy or renewal. A new insurer wants a recent picture of the boat. At renewal, a longer cycle is usual.
- The boat's age and build. RACV's table gives non-fibreglass boats over 10 years a 3-year limit, against 5 for fibreglass.
- Size and value. Skippers' Plan only asks under 20 years when the boat is large or valuable.
- The cover. Agreed value cover, where the insurer commits to a figure, brings the survey in earlier: at 15 years on Skippers' Plan.
- The rig. RACV's survey instructions say wire stays are generally accepted to last about 10 years, and ask the surveyor to recommend a rigger's inspection when their age is unknown. See rigging age.
Ask your insurer or broker for their current rule in writing before you book.
Buying a boat: a survey is good for one day
A seller's survey from last season tells you what a surveyor saw then, for someone else. Since then the boat may have been grounded or laid up wet. A lender or insurer financing your purchase will usually want a survey you ordered. BoatUS makes the point plainly: the surveyor works for the person who hires them.
An old survey is still worth reading. It shows what was found before, and the seller's invoices show whether it was fixed. See the pre-purchase survey guide.
Recommendations come with a deadline
An insurance survey's recommendations are conditions. The insurer expects them done, often by a date, and Skippers' Plan says an unacceptable survey or valuation lets the insurer decline the boat or cancel the policy. Keep the yard invoices with the survey; they're what the next surveyor and the next underwriter ask for. The boat insurance survey guide covers the process.
Getting the next one done
- Book early: haul-out slots and surveyors fill up before the season.
- Send the surveyor the last survey and the invoices for the work done since.
- Check the insurer's requirements on the surveyor too. Yachting Monthly notes that UK insurers may expect YDSA or IIMS membership and even a level of membership.
- Ask whether an out of water survey is required. RACV's is.
See what a marine survey includes and the insurance survey report template.
For surveyors: renewals are repeat work
Every renewal survey means another full report. With Axsail you talk through the boat as you survey it, and the draft report is ready with your branding before you leave the yard. See how it works.