Vessel Survey in Chile · Hijo del Mar

What is a survey

The difference between buying right and buying expensive

A vessel survey is a professional assessment of a boat's real condition — its structure, engine, systems, documentation, and overall state — carried out by someone with genuine sea experience, not just credentials on paper.

Chile's mid-to-high-end sport boat market moves serious money. A used 35-foot cruising sailboat can be worth anywhere from USD 35,000 to USD 140,000. In those ranges, a professional inspection isn't a luxury — it's an investment that can save you twice its cost.

I offer two survey modalities, adapted to the value of the vessel and how far along you are in the purchase process:

Modalities

Online survey and physical survey

Modality 1

Online Survey

Remote review based on documentation, photos, and video. Ideal as a first filter before travelling to see the boat, or for vessels outside the central zone.

Review of listing and available documentation
Systematic analysis of photos and video
Red flag identification and risk assessment
Price evaluation vs. current market
Key questions to ask the seller
Written report with final recommendation
Delivered via WhatsApp or video call

Modality 2 · Recommended for high value

Physical Survey

On-site inspection at the vessel's location — afloat or hauled out. For mid-to-high-end vessels where details invisible in photos can completely change the decision.

Everything in the online survey, plus:
Visual hull inspection afloat or hauled out
Cold-start engine inspection
Standing and running rigging on sailboats
Bilge, electrical, and fuel systems
Interior spaces and bilge access
Chilean maritime documentation check
Detailed written report after the visit

What's included

Full survey scope

Hull structure: fiberglass, aluminum, or wood
Osmosis or active blistering signs
Engine condition: hours, make, red flags
Drivetrain and propulsion system
Standing and running rigging on sailboats
Electronics: VHF, GPS, autopilot
Safety equipment: EPIRB, life jackets, life raft
Electrical system: batteries, chargers, lighting
Fuel system: tank, hoses, pump
Bilge and drainage systems
Chilean maritime documentation
Repair and maintenance cost estimate
Price comparison with current market
Final recommendation: buy, negotiate, or pass

Process

How it works

1

Send me the listing

Share the listing, price, available photos, and the vessel's location via WhatsApp. Within 24 hours I'll confirm the recommended survey modality and delivery timeline.

2

Online survey or we schedule the visit

For the online survey: send me everything available and you'll have the report within 48 hours. For the physical survey: we schedule a date and I travel to the vessel's location.

3

You receive the report

A written document covering the vessel's condition, findings, identified risks, and a clear recommendation: buy, negotiate based on defects found, or walk away.

4

I answer your questions

After the report you can ask me anything about the findings. If you want to proceed, I can also assist with price negotiation based on what was found.

FAQ

Common questions

What types of vessels do you survey?

The service is focused on mid-to-high-end sport boats: cruising sailboats from 28 to 60 feet, offshore and sport fishing powerboats, motor yachts, and aluminum vessels used in lakes and southern channels. For lower-value dinghies or simple outboards, the standard boat selection advisory is usually sufficient.

How does the survey differ from your standard boat selection advisory?

The boat selection advisory is a quick online filter — we review the listing, photos, and documentation to help you decide whether to proceed. The survey is more thorough: it delivers a formal structured report, a systematized analysis of all vessel components, and in the physical modality, an on-site inspection. It's recommended when the financial risk justifies a more exhaustive review.

Does the physical survey include a sea trial?

It depends on the situation and what the seller allows. Most surveys include a haul-out or in-water inspection, cold engine start, and full systems review without needing to leave the dock. If the vessel warrants it and the seller agrees, we can arrange a short sea trial.

How long does it take to receive the report?

Online survey: 48 hours from when I have all the documentation and photos. Physical survey: written report within 24–48 hours of the visit. If your decision is urgent, contact me and we'll find a way to accelerate the timeline.

Do you cover vessels outside central Chile?

The online survey covers all of Chile with no restrictions. For physical surveys, I operate in the central zone (Valparaíso to Concepción) without additional travel costs. For other regions — Los Lagos, the southern channels, the north — let's discuss case by case.