This is in no way a comprehensive list, but can be used by the owner as a guideline for a pre-inspection before the professional survey. Besides, this list does NOT address inventory items which must be checked separately. The surveyor will only inventory safety items.

On Deck

• Rigging (must be inspected aloft by Surveyor or professional rigger)
• Windlass functioning properly both ways. Connections on remote control sticky?
• Chain rollers OK/bent
• Anchor chains (primary and secondary) in good shape/rusted
• Leaks from the anchor well to the boat bilge thru the bulkhead
• Flex on the deck
• Main hoisting easy, or very hard
• Mainsail furling system (if applicable) working smoothly
• Foresail furling system working smoothly, or very hard
• Reefing system working
• Lazy jacks OK
• Sails torn, stretched
• Leak at the base of the mast
• Winches working smoothly
• Stanchions and lifelines, swim ladders, OK
• All halyards, sheets, docking lines in decent shape
• Foresail sheets correct size
• Hatches working properly? Any leaks?
• All deck electronics: Loch speedo, wind indicator, Auto Pilot, GPS repeater, etc... in working order?
• All deck lights, navigation lights working
• Cockpit table opening properly
• Shore power working when connected? Battery charger working
• Deck shower working? Leaking?

Engine

Will be surveyed but:

• Starting fine? Overheating after 2 hours of use? Black smoke? Oil pressure check
• Engine maintenance log checked. Try to detect repeating problems.
• Transmission: Fwd/Astern control lever working fine?
• Oil analysis, by engine specialist. Not all surveyors will do that, so you muct ask the surveyor to contract the engine guy.

Cosmetic Items

• Bimini / dodger: need stitching? Color very faded? Zippers working?
• Mail sail cover torn?
• Nicks and scratches on the hulls
• Brightwork in decent shape?
• Cushions decent?

Under Water

• Zincs at the prop shaft
• Blisters, osmosis on hull and/or rudder (survey item)
• Any crack just forward of the keel - we hope not... 

Down Below

• All leaks and smells
• Bilges rather dry or with black water?
• Heads / showers / drains, working properly?
• Connection holding tanks if boat brought back to the US?
• Electric panel in working order?
• Inverter (if applicable) working?
• All electronics in working order: VHF, GPS, Bluetooth, wifi
• Stove and gas connections
• Hatches working properly? Any leaks?
• Upholstery/cushions/linen decent?
• Original boat inventory entirely checked?
• Upholstery/cushions/linen decent?
• Original boat inventory entirely checked?

Other

• General aspect
• Dinghy (if applicable): air leaks?
  • Outboard starting OK?
  • Spitting water properly?
  • Paddles in dinghy
  • Anchor with rope
  • Air pump
  • Gas tank
• Anchor with chain: Rusted?