Order a survey before the purchase becomes unconditional
A pre-purchase survey gives you a documented record of the boat's condition, not a guarantee that everything is flawless. Agree on the scope in writing and arrange both access on land and a sea trial. If you sign a contract before the survey, it must clearly state how the result affects the sale. Get help with the contract wording if you're unsure.
The marine surveyors' own association publishes indicative prices from 6 150 kr for the smallest size category; travel, lifting and waiting time may be added.
How much does a pre-purchase survey cost?
| Boat length | Association's price guide, incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| 20–25 ft | 6 150–7 500 kr |
| 26–30 ft | 7 900–9 300 kr |
| 31–35 ft | 9 660–11 550 kr |
| 36–40 ft | 11 900–14 500 kr |
Source: Båtbesiktningsmannen.org's own price guide, read in October 2026; the page does not state that the amounts are a specific price list for 2026. According to the guide, inspection on land and afloat with a sea trial and written report should be included. The final price also depends on equipment, age and condition. Ask for your own quote.
Describe what should be inspected
- Hull, deck, keel and any visible damage or repairs.
- Through-hulls, hoses and accessible installations.
- Rig and sails on a sailboat, with a clear limit on what can be inspected.
- Engine, drivetrain and sea trial, with separate confirmation of whether specialist diagnostics are included.
- Electrics, LPG and safety equipment to the extent agreed.
This list is a basis for your order, not a promise that every survey covers everything. Ask what is excluded, which spaces will not be opened and whether any destructive testing is included at all. Known risk areas should be mentioned before booking.
Prepare the boat and the logistics
The association's price guide assumes the boat has been cleared out, not packed for a holiday. Arrange the seller's permission, keys, documents and working systems. Book the lift and sea trial together so the surveyor doesn't have to wait for access. Compare the cost of a lift and ask who books and pays for it.
An engine that may not be started or a hull that can't be inspected is a significant limitation. Insist that any such limitations are recorded in the survey report. If the engine makes up a large share of the value, a separate check by an authorised dealer workshop may be worthwhile.
Use the report for decisions, not just haggling
Sort the findings into safety defects, necessary repairs and normal maintenance. Ask for any uncertainties to be explained and get repair quotes before you commit. A price reduction without understanding the defect can be a bad deal.
In a private sale, the survey matters under köplagen (the Swedish Sale of Goods Act), especially when the buyer knew of or should have noticed a defect during inspection. Read the buying checklist and document the seller's information. Then link the report, agreed actions and any conditions to the contract.
Frequently asked questions
Is a survey a guarantee?
No. The findings apply to the agreed survey and its limitations. Hidden or inaccessible parts may leave uncertainties.
Is engine diagnostics included?
Not automatically. Ask explicitly for a sea trial, diagnostic readout and other engine tests, and order a specialist inspection separately if needed.
Who pays for the lift?
Agree on it before booking. The association's price guide states that haul-out costs may be added on top of the survey.
Sources
- Båtbesiktningsmannen – föreningens egen prisguide batbesiktningsmannen.org
- Konsumentverket – råd inför båtköp konsumentverket.se
- Köplag (1990:931), särskilt 20 § riksdagen.se