Pre-purchase Boat Inspection Airlie Beach & Mackay

Independent assessments for all types of vessels throughout the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach and Mackay region. Our inspections are conducted to support informed purchase decisions by identifying vessel condition, defects, maintenance exposure, compliance issues, and operational risk prior to contract finalisation.

Whether you are purchasing a small high-performance boat, cruising yacht, power catamaran, offshore fishing vessel, or larger commercial or ex-commercial craft, our role is to provide a clear, factual assessment of the vessel’s condition at the time of inspection. Each survey is undertaken independently, without influence from brokers, sellers, insurers, or repairers.

When purchasing a vessel in North Queensland, local knowledge matters.
Environmental exposure, operating profiles, and maintenance practices vary significantly between regions, and these factors directly influence vessel condition, longevity, and safety.

Published 18/01/2026 - last updated 22/01/2026 - Guy Howard

All our engagements are conducted in accordance with the Australian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS) Code of Conduct. AIMS is the peak professional body for boat and marine surveying in Australia, and membership reflects verified qualifications, experience, and adherence to strict ethical and professional standards.

Our surveyor and boat inspector is:

A Full Member of the Australian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS)

AMSA-accredited, with experience across recreational and commercial vessels.

A former Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) Shipping Inspector and Authorised Officer.

Trade-qualified with engineering and investigative experience.
 

This background ensures inspections are conducted with a level of technical scrutiny well beyond basic visual assessments.

Marine inspections should never be treated as a checklist exercise.
They require experience, judgement, and an appropriate depth of knowledge.

Published 18/01/2026 - last updated 22/01/2026 - Guy Howard

We are highly experienced in conducting pre-purchase boat inspections across both Airlie Beach and Mackay, with extensive local knowledge of vessels operating in tropical, coastal, offshore, and marina-based environments. This regional understanding allows us to identify issues that are commonly overlooked by non-local inspectors.

Big Sea Marine maintains strong professional relationships with management and operators at all major marinas and boat yards throughout the region. This includes regular inspection activity at facilities such as Mackay Marina, Hawkes Boatyard, and Edges Boatyard and Port of Airlie.

These relationships matter.
They ensure efficient access, cooperation during inspections, and confidence that our work meets the professional standards for industry stakeholders.

If reassurance is needed, prospective clients are welcome to confirm our reputation and professionalism directly with marina or boatyard management.

Published 18/01/2026 - last updated 22/01/2026 - Guy Howard

Big Sea Marine conducts pre-purchase boat inspections across all vessel types and hull materials, including aluminium, steel, GRP / fiberglass, timber, and composite construction. Our experience spans recreational, commercial, passenger, and government vessels commonly found in the Whitsundays.

We regularly inspect:
➝ High Performance Marine Craft
➝ Offshore fishing vessels
➝ Luxury yachts and multihulls
➝ Power catamarans
➝ Cruising and expedition vessels
➝ Former charter or commercial vessels

Each inspection is tailored to the vessel’s design, construction method, operating history, and intended future use. A vessel’s true condition cannot be understood without context.
Our approach considers how the vessel has been built, operated, maintained, and whether it has been modified over time.

Published 18/01/2026 - last updated 22/01/2026 - Guy Howard 

All our seaworthy inspections are conducted with reference to the original build standards applicable at the time of construction, rather than imposing modern standards retrospectively. This ensures assessments are fair, accurate, and technically accurate and defensible.

Reports also reference Maritime Safety Queensland requirements under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 (TOMSA), particularly with regard to prescribed safety equipment for recreational vessels operating in Queensland state waters.

This approach provides clarity for buyers, insurers, and financiers, and avoids confusion around compliance expectations.

Clear separation is maintained between observation, professional opinion, and recommendation.
This is critical for report credibility and acceptance.

Published 18/01/2026 - last updated 22/01/2026 - Guy Howard

Our reports are image-rich and written in a clear narrative style, rather than generic tick-box formats. Each report documents observed condition at the time of inspection and explains findings in practical, easy-to-understand language.

Reports are prepared in line with accepted marine surveying standards in Australia, making them suitable for:

➝ Purchasers and investors
➝ Insurers and brokers
➝ Financiers
➝ Legal and dispute contexts

Reports are typically delivered within 48 hours, allowing buyers to move forward without unnecessary delays.

Good decisions rely on good information.
Our reporting is structured to support confident, defensible decision-making, critical when purchasing a boat.

Published 18/01/2026 - last updated 22/01/2026 - Guy Howard