Boat Valuation vs. Boat Appraisal

A boat appraisal is a professional, technical, and legally valid evaluation of a vessel’s condition and value.

A boat appraisal is a technical, in-person inspection carried out by a certified marine surveyor or naval architect. It includes:

Physical on-board inspection
Structural condition assessment
Engine & systems check (visual)
Deck, hull, rigging (for sailboats)
Electronics & safety equipment review
Documentation and compliance check
Detailed written technical report
Market-adjusted value and depreciation analysis

A boat appraisal is typically required for:
✓ insurance underwriting
✓ financing/bank loans
✓ legal disputes
✓ damage assessment
✓ high-value purchases
✓ change of registration / commercial use

A boat valuation is a fast, online estimate of market value but not a substitute for a full on-board boat appraisal.

A boat valuation usually refers to a market value estimate based on:

Model
Year
Specifications
Comparable listings
Market trends
Optional photos submitted by the owner

It often does not include a boat inspection.

It is usually done online and provides a quick estimate of the vessel’s value.

A boat valuation is commonly used for:
✓ pricing a boat before listing it
✓ understanding general market value
✓ quick, low-cost value estimation
✓ pre-negotiation guidance

FAQs

What is an online boat valuation?

An online boat valuation is a digital assessment that estimates your boat’s real market price using recent sales data, condition details, and certified marine surveyor analysis.

How accurate are online yacht and boat valuations?

Can I use your valuation report for insurance or financing?

What information do I need to get my boat valued online?

How long does a boat valuation take?

No. A valuation report is only an estimate of your boat’s market value. Insurance companies and financial institutions require a certified appraisal survey conducted by a qualified marine surveyor.

👉 If you need documentation for insurance coverage or financing, request a certified appraisal survey through boatappraisal.es.

Most boat valuations are completed within 48 hours, including pricing analysis, condition review, and a professional valuation report.

Our online valuations are highly accurate because they use verified market pricing, comparable listings, and expert appraisal methods performed by certified marine surveyors.

You’ll need basic details such as boat type, length, year, engine hours, upgrades, maintenance history, and recent photos to ensure an accurate valuation.

Do you provide valuations for yachts over 24 meters?

We specialise in boats and yachts up to 24 meters, including sailboats, motorboats, catamarans, RIBs, and sport-fisher vessels.

Who performs the boat and yacht valuations?

All valuations are completed by qualified naval architects & marine surveyors and professional yacht brokers with expertise in the recreational boat market.

What affects my boat’s market value?

Key factors include year, brand, engine condition, maintenance history, upgrades, accessories, market demand, and overall structural condition.

Is the valuation valid for a pre‑purchase?

A valuation report can be used as preliminary information during a pre‑purchase process, giving you an estimate of your boat’s market value.

However, we strongly recommend conducting a complete pre‑purchase survey with a qualified marine surveyor. This survey provides a comprehensive technical inspection of the vessel’s condition, safety, and compliance, but also a valuation report based on the vessel's actual condition.

👉 If you need a pre‑purchase survey expert, contact our Marien Surveyor and request a certified survey through yachtsurv.com.

Do you provide valuation reports for legal or tax purposes?

No. A valuation report is only an estimate of your boat’s market value and is not valid for legal or tax purposes.

For these cases, you need a certified appraisal survey, conducted by a qualified marine surveyor. Insurers, banks, and legal authorities recognize this official document.

👉 If you need documentation for insurance coverage or financing, request a certified appraisal survey through boatappraisal.es.

How much does an online boat valuation cost?

Costs vary depending on boat size and the level of appraisal detail required. We offer affordable valuation packages for all recreational craft.