Free and printable

Boat inspection checklist.

The checklist every YachtGrade account starts with: through-hulls, bilges, engine room, fire and safety, shore power, deck, electronics and cabin. Each check spells out which answers count as Pass, Watch and Action, so two people looking at the same bilge write down the same thing.

Tell it what’s aboard, then print it. No email needed.

50

checks for the boat set up below

  • The visit1
  • Hull and through-hulls3
  • Bilges and pumps6
  • Engine room10
  • Fire and safety5
  • Electrical and shore power4
  • Propulsion and controls3
  • Ground tackle and deck3
  • Navigation and electronics4
  • Cabin and systems6
  • Paint and gelcoat5

15 of them critical. Change what’s aboard and every number here follows.

Build it

Tell it what’s aboard.

No generator, no generator checks. The list rebuilds as you go and prints the way you see it, with lines for the date, who checked and the engine hours.

What’s aboard

Main engines

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Boat inspection checklist

Your boat

50 checks
15 critical

DateChecked byEngine hours

Tick every answer that’s true. The worst one ticked is the result. Leave a check blank if you couldn’t get to it, and write down why. Tier 1 is critical: she sinks, burns or someone gets hurt.

The visit1 check
  1. Tier 4, cosmeticHow she was left
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • As she should bePass
    • Cover off or not securedWatch
    • Debris or dirt on deckWatch
    • Items left aboard by othersWatch
    • Opened up or unsecuredAction
Hull and through-hulls3 checks
  1. Tier 1, criticalSeacocks and through-hulls
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • All free, closing fullyPass
    • Stiff, needs exercisingWatch
    • Surface corrosion on a fittingWatch
    • One or more seizedAction
    • Weeping or dripping at a fittingAction
    • Active leakAction
  2. Tier 1, criticalHoses and clamps below the waterline
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • Sound, double clampedPass
    • Clamps showing surface rustWatch
    • Hose stiff, cracked or bulgingAction
    • Single clamped below the waterlineAction
    • Clamp failed or missingAction
  3. Tier 1, criticalShaft seals
    Photo
    • DryPass
    • Occasional dripWatch
    • Steady dripAction
    • Running wetAction
Bilges and pumps6 checks
  1. Tier 1, criticalAft bilge pump and float switch
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • Pump runs and cycles on its ownPass
    • Runs, noisy or slowWatch
    • Pump body fading or corroded, still workingWatch
    • Float switch does not triggerAction
    • Pump does not runAction
  2. Tier 1, criticalAft bilge, anything unusual
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • Clean and dryPass
    • Damp, normal condensationWatch
    • Standing water, pump keeping upWatch
    • Oil presentAction
    • Fuel presentAction
    • Coolant presentAction
    • Water risingAction
  3. Tier 1, criticalMidship bilge pump and float switch
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • Pump runs and cycles on its ownPass
    • Runs, noisy or slowWatch
    • Pump body fading or corroded, still workingWatch
    • Float switch does not triggerAction
    • Pump does not runAction
  4. Tier 1, criticalMidship bilge, anything unusual
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • Clean and dryPass
    • Damp, normal condensationWatch
    • Standing water, pump keeping upWatch
    • Oil presentAction
    • Fuel presentAction
    • Coolant presentAction
    • Water risingAction
  5. Tier 1, criticalForward bilge pump and float switch
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • Pump runs and cycles on its ownPass
    • Runs, noisy or slowWatch
    • Pump body fading or corroded, still workingWatch
    • Float switch does not triggerAction
    • Pump does not runAction
  6. Tier 1, criticalForward bilge, anything unusual
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • Clean and dryPass
    • Damp, normal condensationWatch
    • Standing water, pump keeping upWatch
    • Oil presentAction
    • Fuel presentAction
    • Coolant presentAction
    • Water risingAction
Engine room10 checks
  1. Tier 2, majorBow thruster compartment
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • Clean and dryPass
    • Damp or moldyWatch
    • Needs a good cleanWatch
    • Thruster starting to corrodeWatch
    • Thruster badly corrodingAction
    • Water intrusionAction
  2. Tier 2, majorEngine strainers
    Photo
    • Cleaned, clearPass
    • Cleaned, light growthWatch
    • Heavy fouling found, cleanedWatch
    • Gasket perished or lid not sealingAction
    • Blocked, engine overheating riskAction
  3. Tier 2, majorGenerator strainer
    Photo
    • Cleaned, clearPass
    • Cleaned, light growthWatch
    • Heavy fouling found, cleanedWatch
    • Gasket perished or lid not sealingAction
    • Blocked, generator overheating riskAction
  4. Tier 3, moderateAir conditioning strainer
    Photo
    • Cleaned, clearPass
    • Cleaned, light growthWatch
    • Heavy fouling found, cleanedWatch
    • Gasket perished or lid not sealingAction
  5. Tier 2, majorOil level, port main
    Photo
    • MAX, upper cross hatched areaPass
    • MED, in the middlePass
    • MIN, lower cross hatched area, topped upWatch
    • Below MINAction
    • Milky, water in the oilAction
  6. Tier 2, majorOil level, starboard main
    Photo
    • MAX, upper cross hatched areaPass
    • MED, in the middlePass
    • MIN, lower cross hatched area, topped upWatch
    • Below MINAction
    • Milky, water in the oilAction
  7. Tier 2, majorEngines started and idled
    Photo
    • Started, ran clean for 15 minutesPass
    • Started, rough for the first minuteWatch
    • Ran under 15 minutesWatch
    • Alarm or warning during the runAction
    • One engine would not startAction
    • Neither startedAction
  8. Tier 2, majorGenerator run under load
    Photo
    • Started, ran under load for 15 minutesPass
    • Started, slow to take loadWatch
    • Alarm or shutdown under loadAction
    • Would not startAction
  9. Tier 2, majorEngine filter dates
    Photo
    • Within intervalPass
    • Due within 60 daysWatch
    • No date recordedWatch
    • OverdueAction
  10. Tier 2, majorBelts and hoses
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • SoundPass
    • Glazing or fine cracksWatch
    • Cracked, frayed or softAction
    • Coolant or oil weeping at a jointAction
Fire and safety5 checks
  1. Tier 1, criticalFire suppression, engine room
    Photo
    • In date, gauge in the green, more than six months leftPass
    • In date, expires within six monthsWatch
    • ExpiredAction
    • Gauge out of the green or dischargedAction
  2. Tier 1, criticalFire extinguishers
    Photo
    • All present, in date, needles in the greenPass
    • One or more expiring within 90 daysWatch
    • Needle out of the greenAction
    • ExpiredAction
    • Count short of requirementAction
  3. Tier 1, criticalLifejackets
    Photo
    • Count correct for her capacity, good conditionPass
    • Count correct, some showing wearWatch
    • Count shortAction
    • Damaged or unserviceableAction
  4. Tier 1, criticalFlares and visual distress signals
    Photo
    • In datePass
    • Expiring within 90 daysWatch
    • ExpiredAction
    • Not aboardAction
  5. Tier 3, moderateFirst aid kits
    Photo
    • All aboard, stockedPass
    • Fewer than she should carryWatch
    • Contents depleted or expiredWatch
    • None aboardAction
Electrical and shore power4 checks
  1. Tier 1, criticalShore power inlet
    Photo
    • Cool, clean, no discolorationPass
    • Slight discoloration on the pinsWatch
    • Plug warm to the touch when unpluggedAction
    • Burning, melting or pittingAction
  2. Tier 1, criticalShore power cord
    Photo
    • SoundPass
    • Jacket scuffedWatch
    • Cracked jacket or exposed conductorAction
    • Connector body cracked or looseAction
  3. Tier 2, majorBatteries and charging
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • All banks charging, terminals clean and tightPass
    • Terminals showing corrosionWatch
    • One bank down but recoveringWatch
    • A bank not accepting chargeAction
    • Battery swollen, leaking or hotAction
  4. Tier 2, majorElectrical panel
    Photo
    • Normal, nothing trippedPass
    • A breaker had tripped and resetWatch
    • A breaker trips repeatedlyAction
    • Heat or burning smell at the panelAction
Propulsion and controls3 checks
  1. Tier 2, majorSteering and throttle
    Tick all that apply
    • Full travel, both smoothPass
    • Stiff or notchyWatch
    • Play in the wheelWatch
    • Loss of steering or throttle responseAction
    • Fluid loss at the helm or ramAction
  2. Tier 3, moderateBow thruster
    • Works both directionsPass
    • Slow or weakWatch
    • Does not runAction
  3. Tier 3, moderateTrim tabs
    • Deploy and retract evenlyPass
    • Slow or uneven on one sideWatch
    • Do not respondAction
Ground tackle and deck3 checks
  1. Tier 2, majorWindlass and anchor system
    Photo
    • Up and down from the helm and the remotePass
    • Slow or noisyWatch
    • One control does not workAction
    • Windlass does not runAction
  2. Tier 3, moderateHorn
    • SoundsPass
    • Weak or intermittentWatch
    • No soundAction
  3. Tier 3, moderateHatches, sky vents and water tracks
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • Dry, tracks clearPass
    • Tracks holding water, wiped downWatch
    • Signs of leaking belowAction
    • Seal perishedAction
Navigation and electronics4 checks
  1. Tier 2, majorNavigation lights
    Photo
    • Red, green, stern and anchor all workingPass
    • One dimWatch
    • One outAction
    • More than one outAction
  2. Tier 2, majorVHF radio
    Photo
    • Aboard, transmits and receivesPass
    • Aboard, weak transmit or receiveWatch
    • Not workingAction
    • Not aboardAction
  3. Tier 3, moderateChartplotter and instruments
    Photo
    • All powering up and readingPass
    • One unit faultyWatch
    • Multiple units faultyAction
  4. Tier 4, cosmeticDeck and interior lights
    • All workingPass
    • One or two outWatch
    • Several outWatch
Cabin and systems6 checks
  1. Tier 3, moderateAir conditioning
    Photo
    • Blowing coldPass
    • Running, not cooling wellWatch
    • Not runningAction
    • Water in the pan or leakingAction
  2. Tier 4, cosmeticRefrigerators and freezer
    • All coldPass
    • One warmWatch
    • Not runningWatch
  3. Tier 3, moderateHead, sink and showers
    PhotoTick all that apply
    • All workingPass
    • Slow drain or weak flushWatch
    • Head not workingAction
    • Odor or leak at the holding tankAction
  4. Tier 3, moderateDiesel level
    • FullPass
    • Three quartersPass
    • HalfWatch
    • A quarterWatch
    • EmptyAction
  5. Tier 3, moderateFreshwater level
    • FullPass
    • Three quartersPass
    • HalfWatch
    • A quarterWatch
    • EmptyAction
  6. Tier 3, moderateBlack water level
    • FullAction
    • Three quartersWatch
    • HalfWatch
    • A quarterPass
    • EmptyPass
Paint and gelcoat5 checks

Graded on its own. Finish never counts toward the health score.

  1. Tier 4, cosmeticHull sides
    Photo
    • BeadingPass
    • DullingWatch
    • ChalkingAction
    • OxidizedAction
  2. Tier 4, cosmeticTransom
    Photo
    • BeadingPass
    • DullingWatch
    • ChalkingAction
    • OxidizedAction
  3. Tier 4, cosmeticTopsides and deck
    Photo
    • BeadingPass
    • DullingWatch
    • ChalkingAction
    • OxidizedAction
  4. Tier 4, cosmeticHardtop
    Photo
    • BeadingPass
    • DullingWatch
    • ChalkingAction
    • OxidizedAction
  5. Tier 4, cosmeticStainless
    Photo
    • BeadingPass
    • DullingWatch
    • ChalkingAction
    • OxidizedAction

Prints exactly what’s shown, with every section open.

Free from yachtgrade.com/boat-inspection-checklist. A condition check, not a marine survey.

How the answers work

Pick what’s true. The sheet does the grading.

Tick what you see.
Every check lists its answers, and each one already knows whether it’s a Pass, a Watch or an Action.

The worst answer wins.
A bilge that’s damp with oil in it is an Action, not a Watch.

Blank isn’t a Pass.
If you couldn’t get to it, leave it blank and write down why. A skipped check never counts as fine.

Critical comes first.
Through-hulls, hoses below the waterline, bilge pumps, shore power and fire safety are where boats sink and burn at the dock.

What the tier numbers mean

  1. 1
    CriticalShe sinks, she burns, or someone gets hurt.
    10 points
  2. 2
    MajorShe’s stranded, she can’t be used, or the damage runs to thousands.
    6 points
  3. 3
    ModerateWears her down and costs money if it’s ignored.
    3 points
  4. 4
    CosmeticSomeone notices. Nothing breaks.
    1 point

In YachtGrade, Pass earns a check’s full points, Watch half and Action none. If anything critical needs action, the grade stays at Action required, whatever the points add up to.

On a phone

The same checklist, with nothing to add up.

Paper works until you look after more than a few boats. YachtGrade runs this checklist on a phone and does the parts paper can’t.

Only her checks

Her checklist comes from her equipment, so nobody scrolls past a generator she doesn’t have.

A photo on the answer

Photos attach to the check they prove, and the time each one was taken is printed on it.

Scored for you

Weighted by tier, held at Action required when anything critical needs action, and every lost point listed.

Where it is, on this boat

Each check can carry notes and reference photos for this hull, so a new tech finds the strainer.

Still open, still listed

Anything reported and not yet done stays on her next report, dated, until it’s resolved.

Make it yours

Turn checks off, add your own and publish. Past checks keep the version they ran on.

If she’s your own boat

Free either way.

Most people who print this look after their own boat. Nothing here asks for an email, and you don’t need an account to use it.

Take it aboard and tick it in pen.
Print it, work through her, and keep it with the ship’s papers. It’s the same checklist a company would run.

Or ask whoever looks after her.
Send them this page. If they run the check in YachtGrade, you get a report with the photos, the score, and what needs a decision first.

One boat is enough.
If you’d rather run it yourself, the minimum is $59 a month, which covers up to three boats, and every user is included.

Her log and her guide are free too.
The same job in print for her service history: a boat maintenance log, and a QR code for the dash that explains her to whoever is aboard.

Prove it, then own it

Run it on a real boat this week.

30 days free on up to 3 boats. No card and no sales call.

Four promises

  • 01Her first report, free.Send us one boat. You have her report inside a week, before you pay anything.
  • 02Your price, locked five years.What you sign up at is what you pay, for as long as you keep it.
  • 03Your records leave with you.Ask any time and we hand you every photo, every check, every report.
  • 04Your techs, or the month is on us.If they need training to run a check, that month costs you nothing.

Read the guarantee

A YachtGrade checklist records a boat’s condition on the day it was checked. It isn’t a marine survey and doesn’t replace one, or the manufacturer’s service schedule.