Boat Appraisal in BC

Independent Market Value Appraisals for Boats, Motors and Trailers

Boats rarely fit a book value. Hull condition, engine hours, upgrades, electronics, storage and the trailer all change what a boat is worth. A boat appraisal gives you an independent, written market value for an estate, a separation, insurance, a sale or purchase, PST or a loan.

Our report is an independent, unbiased expert opinion of market value. It is not a marine survey and not a mechanical or safety inspection: we don’t assess seaworthiness, structural integrity or mechanical condition. If you need a condition and valuation survey for insurance or financing, you need a marine surveyor.

Who we help

✓ Estates and probateA dated market value for executors and the estate’s records.
✓ Divorce and separationA fair number for a boat that’s part of family property.
✓ Insurance valueA documented market value when you set or review coverage.
✓ Buying or sellingPrice or negotiate from evidence and real comparables.
✓ PST on private purchasesDocumenting fair market value when a privately bought boat’s value is in question.
✓ Bank loans and financingAn independent market value for a boat used as security or being financed.

Market value only: not a marine survey

We appraise market value only. That means we identify the boat, motor and trailer, review their visible condition, hours, equipment and records, and compare them against what similar boats are selling for. We do not perform a marine survey, a mechanical inspection, a safety inspection, or a sea trial, and our report does not comment on seaworthiness or whether the boat is safe to use. Some insurers and lenders require a marine survey; check what yours needs before you book.

Boats we appraise

Powerboats and runabouts, sailboats, cabin cruisers, fishing boats, pontoon boats, personal watercraft such as Sea-Doos, outboard motors, and boat trailers, on their own or as a package.

PST on a privately bought boat

In BC, PST generally applies when you buy a boat privately. If the value is in question, our report documents the boat’s fair market value with comparables. Check your situation with the BC Ministry of Finance; we provide the valuation, not tax advice.

What’s in the report

A written, dated report with the boat, motor and trailer identification, specifications and equipment, visible condition, photos, the documentation reviewed, market comparables, and a clearly stated market value with the reasoning behind it. See a sample report (PDF).

How it works

1. Free consultation. Tell us about the vehicle and what the value is for.
2. Inspection. Remote anywhere in BC using photos, video and documents. In-person inspections are available in Greater Vancouver.
3. Your report. Typically within 2–3 business days once we have everything.

Pricing

Boat appraisal: custom quote based on the vehicle, + GST. We quote each job individually in the free consultation. Payment is made upfront, before we start work. Law firms can be invoiced.

Related appraisals

Settling an estate? See estate vehicle appraisals. Dividing property in a separation? See divorce and legal appraisals. Business boats, trailers or equipment? See commercial and fleet appraisal. Damaged and repaired? See our accelerated depreciation report.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a marine survey?

No. We provide a market value appraisal only. It is not a marine survey, a mechanical inspection or a safety inspection, and it doesn’t assess seaworthiness. If your insurer or lender requires a marine survey, you’ll need a marine surveyor.

What boats do you appraise?

Powerboats, sailboats, cabin cruisers, fishing boats, pontoons, personal watercraft such as Sea-Doos, outboard motors and boat trailers.

Can you value the boat, motor and trailer together?

Yes. We can value them as a package or separately, which is often useful for estates, separations and PST.

Can it help with PST on a private boat purchase?

The report documents the boat’s fair market value with comparables. Check how PST applies to your purchase with the BC Ministry of Finance.

What should I have ready?

The hull identification number (HIN), engine serial numbers and hours, photos of the boat, motor and trailer, and any receipts, service records or registration documents.

Can you do it remotely?

Yes, anywhere in BC, using photos, video and documents you send. In-person inspections are available in Greater Vancouver.

How much does it cost, and how does payment work?

It’s a custom quote based on the vehicle, + GST, given in the free consultation. Payment is upfront, before we start work, and law firms can be invoiced.

How long does it take?

Typically 2–3 business days once we have all the information.

Need a boat valued?

Tell us about the boat and what the value is for, and we’ll tell you what we need.

Free consultation · No obligation · 3747 Delbrook Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7N 3Z4