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Use this as a research brief, not a final answer. The ranges, fees, and rules below reflect how buying a boat typically work across the U.S., but every marina sets its own policy. Verify the specifics in writing with the dockmaster before you put money down.
Buying a boat is part real-estate transaction, part used-car deal, with surveys, sea trials, financing, registration, and slip transfer all needing to align. Most successful buyers run all five in parallel, not sequentially.
Surveys are mandatory for insurance and lending. Hire a SAMS or NAMS surveyor independent of the broker. Budget $20–$30 per foot for the survey, $300–$800 for engine survey, $400–$1,200 for haul-out fees. The survey report drives final negotiation.
Sea trials happen the same day as the survey when possible. Run engines at WOT for 5–10 minutes to expose cooling and fuel-delivery problems. Test every system: AC, generator, electronics, head, water pressure, anchor windlass.
Slip transfer is the late surprise. Many marinas don't transfer slips with the sale — the new owner goes on the waitlist. Confirm slip availability before closing or be ready to truck the boat to a different home port.
Due diligence stack
- • Independent survey (SAMS/NAMS)
- • Engine survey
- • Sea trial at WOT
- • Title and lien search
- • Slip transfer confirmation
Common surprises
- • Slip doesn't transfer
- • Survey kills financing
- • State sales tax cap rules
- • Documentation vs state title
- • Liens on engines