Pre-Purchase Surveys are "condition and valuation surveys". A Pre-Purchase survey of a 30 to 40 foot boat will take approximately 4 to 5 hours to complete at the boat and several hours to prepare a report. Larger boats will take more time and smaller boats less. It is best the vessel is inspected both in and out of the water. Sea Trials usually takes about an hour depending on the location, conditions and performance of the vessel. The Sea Trial rates performance in areas such as handling, steering, acceleration, engine idling, gears & gear case shifting, engine cooling under load, and overall engine performance.

Pre-Purchase surveys are performed before or after a price has been negotiated for the vessel. If the price is under negotiation a "Pre-Purchase Survey" is often a useful tool. A "Pre-Purchase Survey" will include a Findings and Recommendations section where any deficiencies of the surveyed vessel is listed.