Accredited and Qualified Boat Assessors. Mackay Marina location for Pre-purchase Inspections for all power boat types, cruising yachts, work boats, private, recreational and yes, we survey commercial vessels also. Mackay l Hay Point l Only trust a Qualified Inspector!

Big Sea Marine Consultants & Surveyors provides the highest-standard boat inspections in Mackay, backed by engineering qualifications, and decades of hands-on marine experience in this region and beyond. After conducting numerous pre-purchase boat inspections in Mackay over the years, we've found the most frequent deficiencies include:

Structural Inspection

• Rotting or delaminated decks
• Bulkhead separation
• Osmosis in GRP hulls
• Corrosion in aluminium catamarans
• Weak or leaking windows/hatches

Mechanical Assessment

• Overheated and failed exhaust elbow diffusers
• Failing heat exchangers
• Diesel fuel contamination (very common)
• Worn injectors
• Engine mounts degraded

Electrical Survey

• Unsafe battery installations
• Failing alternators
• Aged wiring
• Corroded terminals
• Solar regulators failing in heat

Rigging (sailing vessels)

• Old rigging (overdue replacement)
• Bent mast tracks
• UV-damaged sails
• Loose or fatigued chainplates

Safety Equipment Assessments

• Non-compliant lifejackets
• Expired flares
• Expired EPIRB batteries (unregistered also) 
• Incorrect anchor and ground tackle

Compliance & Documentation

• Missing stability booklets (for DCVs)
• Incorrect Builders Plate information
• Outdated electrical certification

Conclusion

A vessel purchased in Mackay can be a dream or a disaster, depending on the quality of the inspection. With tropical corrosion, UV damage, ex-charter fatigue and a broad range of operational conditions, trust your boat pre-purchase inspection to an experienced and qualified surveyor, with years of local knowledge.

Why a Big Sea Marine Surveys Protect Your Investment: 

• Because boat repairs in Mackay can be expensive.
• There are limited shipyards and high labour demand.
• Because corrosion progresses faster in tropical climates.
• Humidity + salt = fast degradation.
• Because ex-charter boats may have heavy wear despite looking clean.
• Because DIY modifications are extremely common.
• Because insurance companies rely heavily on survey reports.
• Because a boat that “looks fine” may have $50k–$200k hidden issues.
• A pre-purchase inspection is not an optional expense—it is a financial safeguard.

Why we lead in the Mackay and Whitsunday Region:

• One of the most technically qualified local surveyors.
• Government inspector and authorised officer background.
• Qualified Expert Witness.
• Precision, detail and accuracy.
• Local knowledge of conditions.
• Professional formatting and documentation standards.
• Trusted by insurers, owners, financiers and boat brokers

One of North Queensland’s most comprehensive marine service facilities. The marina and adjacent shipyard provide excellent access for in-water inspections, haul-outs, hardstand examinations, machinery assessments and refit-related surveys for both recreational and commercial vessels.

With its full-service shipyard, travel lift facilities and proximity to specialist marine trades, Mackay Marina is well suited to pre-purchase inspections, insurance condition assessments, damage investigations and AMSA Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) surveys. Our inspections at this location benefit from close coordination with local contractors, marina management and vessel operators, allowing surveys to be conducted efficiently and with minimal disruption.

Call: 0407645893