You've received an offer for your yacht; the buyer is now setting up the marine survey.  The survey is an in depth examination of your yacht and can be the make or break aspect of the arrangement.  So preparing for the particular survey ought to be a high priority.  Marine surveyors look for a spotless, well maintained vessel; it sets the stage for the survey.  I've had a lot more than a couple of surveyors say to me that they are able to normally tell what they're likely to find out by how a vessel looks on the dock.  A surveyor is likely to discover those items that don't work and tell the purchaser. If items don't run, any potential buyer will assume the worst and more than likely be looking for an allowance for brand spanking new things. It is much easier and less expensive to repair everything prior to surveying the yacht than to pay to have it repaired afterward.  In addition, once your yacht is inspected by a likely purchaser, if everything operates, your transaction is almost in the bag.  On the other hand, an extended inventory of non-operable items can very often cause a buyer to get second thoughts after which the most you are able to hope for is a far lower price simply not to lose the transaction!

For Starters

*  Check that the boat is clean and organized, it makes it easier for the marine surveyor.  Understand first impressions are usually noteworthy.
*  Subsequently, ensure the boat is free of clutter and garbage. Do away with everything not a part of the transaction, both to boost perceived area and to remove any uncertainty as to what is included in the transaction.  Extra tools, aged fenders, filthy lines, that container of cleaning chemicals within the lazarette… dispose of all of it.  It will get in the way of the surveyor performing his job.

Make sure all equipment functions

To start with, non operational equipment issues generally are a turn-off for a buyer. If a head does not operate properly, a handle is loose, or something else is not as it should be, handle it. You'll probably take care of most of those troubles yourself, and a little bit of extra work can result in considerable value when the surveyor tells the buyer he has discovered little wrong with the boat.

Before you head to survey:

Electronics/Electrical

*  Inspect all equipment, toilets, inverters, stereos for operable condition. Fix as necessary 
*  Check all lights to make sure they operate. This consists of all stateroom lights and all of the navigation lights. Put back into working order the lights that do not.
*  Confirm air conditioning and refrigeration systems work and have them repaired if they do not work correctly. A lot of boat owners don't inspect the return HVAC filters on their boat's systems. 
*  Make certain all navigation and communication electronics are in decent condition and operable. This includes the compass. Get repaired or replace those that do not function.

Mechanical

*  Inspect your engine room oil, water or fuel leaks. If they are there a surveyor will certainly find them. You can actually almost definitely fix these deficiencies now more inexpensively than when you have to compensate for it to be completed after a survey. 
*  Inspect engines for any oxidization; wire brush and repair with paint as needed.
*  Check main engines and gen sets for water and oil; top them off as required.
*  Ensure batteries are in decent condition and topped off. 
*  Run and operate all engines. Any reluctance to crank up or abnormal performance should be investigated.
*  Run engines up to normal functioning temperatures.  Any higher than regular numbers ought to be checked out and corrected.
*  Try out all engine instrumentation. Change out inoperable gauges or calibrate as needed. *  Investigate all raw water hoses for wear and tear. If ever the hoses are split, replace them. If they're spongy they need to be replacement. 
*  Make certain all the raw water hoses under the water line or under pressure are secured with two clamps at each ends. 
*  Check every hose clamp for rust; replace any that show signs of rust. 
*  Investigate all thru hulls for simple functionality and any leaks. 
*  Inspect all strainers. Wash as necessary. 
*  Check exhaust hoses for age deterioration. All hose ends must be double clamped.
*  Check prop rudder stuffing boxes and stuffing boxes for any excessive seepage. 
*  Inspect prop and rudder stuffing boxes for any corrosion; fix as needed.
*  Check struts in the vessel for all decomposition.
*  Bilges ought to be spotless and dry; re-paint if needed.

Housekeeping

*  Remove all personal unimportant objects. 
*  Remove all non-essential yacht gadgets regardless that it will be a part of the sale.

Records

*  Ensure all applicable documents are on the boat and are current. The surveyor will want to see documentation or registration credentials.  Also needed are documents for any tenders or PWC's.
*  Any building schematics or manuals that can be supplied may prove to be useful to the surveyor.

Safety

*  Verify all United States Coast Guard safety objects mandatory for your class of boat. 
*  Flares - be sure they're not expired.  Expiration dates are written on every flare.
*  Fire extinguishers - correct amount, and installed. Has to be checked yearly.
*  Ship's bell on your vessel.
*  One approved life jacket in decent condition for everyone on the boat.
*  Be sure horn operates.
*  There must be a replica of the USCG Navigational Rules aboard.
*  Inspect anchor and rode, safety wire, and proper splice in the rode with thimble and bitter end secured.
*  If there is an automated permanent fire extinguishing mechanism on the boat full time, it needs to be in date - a yearly obligation.
*  All bilge pumps and automated float switches must be in functioning order.
*  Investigate and try out all alarms - bilge, fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, engine, generator, and electrical. 
*  Life rafts will need to have inspection credentials.
*  EPIRB must be operable.

Hull

*  Restore any scratched wood and refinish if necessary.
*  Get underside and running gear cleaned by diver. 
*  Clean and replace zincs.