Know the boat's history before you pay a deposit

01

Boat identity summary

A clear summary of the boat's known identifying details.

• Manufacturer
• Model
• Advertised year
• Boat name
• Previous names, where found
• CIN or HIN
• Registration number
• Hull type
• Length and beam
• Current location
• Engine details
• Trailer details, where relevant

02

CIN or HIN analysis

We review the Craft Identification Number or Hull Identification Number to assess:

• Whether the format appears valid
• Manufacturer identification
• Indicated build date
• Indicated model year
• Whether it matches the advertised manufacturer
• Whether it matches the advertised age
• Whether the same identifier appears in previous listings
• Whether any apparent inconsistencies are visible

This is a desk-based identity check and not a physical authentication of the hull number.

03

Stolen boat search

We search available marine-theft records using relevant details such as:

• CIN or HIN
• Boat name
• Previous boat names
• Registration number
• Manufacturer and model
• Current and previous locations
• Distinguishing information

The report shows which identifiers were searched and whether a relevant match was identified.

04

Stolen engine and outboard search

Where serial numbers are available, we search relevant records using:

• Engine serial number
• Outboard serial number
• Engine make and model
• Horsepower
• Boat details
• Trailer identifier, where applicable

A no-match result means no relevant result was found in the sources searched. It does not guarantee that an item has never been stolen or recorded elsewhere.

05

Registration research

We review the boat's available registration information, including:

• Registration country
• Registration type
• Registration number
• Official number, where available
• Port of registry
• Consistency with the advertised boat
• Consistency with the seller's information
• Whether an official Registry transcript may be useful
• Whether the registration type provides meaningful ownership or mortgage information

06

Previous online listings

We search for earlier advertisements and other online references to the boat. The report may identify:

• Previous asking prices
• Previous sale dates
• Previous locations
• Previous seller or broker details
• Previous boat names
• Different model years
• Different engine hours
• Changed specifications
• Older photographs
• Previously disclosed defects
• Evidence that the boat has been advertised for a long period

07

Current advertisement review

We examine the current sales listing for potential inconsistencies or warning signs, checking:

• Whether the description matches the boat
• Whether the year matches the model
• Whether the dimensions appear correct
• Whether the engine matches the claimed specification
• Whether the photographs appear consistent
• Whether the price appears unusually low or high
• Whether the listing text appears copied
• Whether the seller details appear consistent
• Whether important claims can be supported

08

Manufacturer and model verification

We research the manufacturer and model to establish:

• Approximate production years
• Original dimensions
• Hull construction
• Typical engine options
• Maximum engine power, where available
• Standard layouts
• Original specifications
• Model identification features
• Whether the advertised information appears consistent

09

Engine identity research

We research the engine or outboard details supplied, including:

• Manufacturer
• Model
• Horsepower
• Fuel type
• Approximate production period
• Serial-number information, where publicly available
• Whether the engine was a typical option for the boat
• Whether previous listings show a different engine
• Whether the engine description matches available photographs

BoatCheck does not verify mechanical condition, genuine engine hours or servicing quality.

10

Recall and safety-notice search

We search publicly available information for relevant:

• Boat recalls
• Engine recalls
• Outboard recalls
• Control-system recalls
• Manufacturer safety notices
• Product safety alerts
• Serial-range notices

The report states whether a relevant public recall was identified, whether the model or serial range may be affected, whether manufacturer confirmation is recommended, or whether there was insufficient information to complete the search.

11

Seller, broker or dealer research

Where appropriate, we review publicly available information about the seller or business. For brokers and dealers this may include:

• Companies House information
• Trading status
• Registered address
• Website history
• Contact consistency
• Length of trading history
• Other active listings
• Trade-association claims
• Relevant public reviews or warnings

For private sellers, the review is restricted to information relevant to the transaction.

12

Photograph and image checks

We compare available photographs and search for signs of:

• Images reused in other advertisements
• Images associated with a different boat
• Different registration numbers
• Different engines
• Changed equipment
• Different boat names
• Previous commercial branding
• Significantly outdated photographs
• Photographs copied from another seller

This is not a structural or condition assessment.

13

Incident, auction and salvage search

We search publicly accessible sources for possible references to:

• Salvage sales
• Marine auctions
• Groundings
• Collisions
• Fires
• Sinkings
• Flooding
• Storm damage
• Rescue incidents
• Public insurance disposals
• Significant repairs
• Court or harbour records, where relevant and publicly available

The report distinguishes between a possible match and a confirmed reference.

14

Commercial-use history search

We search for evidence that the boat may previously have been used as a:

• Charter boat
• Hire boat
• Training boat
• Sailing-school boat
• Fishing charter
• Passenger vessel
• Demonstrator
• Rental-fleet boat
• Commercially operated vessel

Previous commercial use is not automatically negative, but it may affect value, engine hours, wear and future survey considerations.

15

Supporting document review

Customers can optionally upload any information supplied by the seller. This may include:

• Bill of Sale
• Registration certificate
• Builder's Certificate
• Purchase invoice
• VAT or import documents
• Declaration of Conformity
• Service records
• Survey reports
• Repair invoices
• Finance settlement information

Each item is marked as supplied, not supplied, apparently consistent, possible discrepancy, could not independently verify, or not applicable.

16

Estimated market range

We research comparable boats currently advertised for sale and provide:

• Lower estimated market value
• Central estimate
• Upper estimated market value
• Valuation confidence
• Number of comparable boats
• Geographic market used
• Relevant specification differences
• Asking prices of comparable boats
• Links to suitable comparisons
• Date of valuation research

The estimate is based mainly on advertised prices and is not a formal valuation for lending, insurance, tax, probate or legal purposes.

17

Comparable boats

A table of relevant comparable boats, where available, showing:

• Manufacturer
• Model
• Year
• Engine
• Location
• Asking price
• Seller type
• Advertisement link
• Key differences
• Date checked

18

Section-by-section risk ratings

Each major part of the report receives an individual rating, including:

• Boat identity
• Theft-record searches
• Registration
• Previous online history
• Current listing consistency
• Engine identity
• Recalls and safety notices
• Seller or broker information
• Incident and salvage information
• Supporting documentation
• Market valuation confidence

20

Key positive findings

A clear summary of the strongest positive findings, such as:

• Identity information appears consistent
• No relevant theft-record match identified
• Previous listings align with the current description
• Manufacturer specifications appear accurate
• Asking price appears broadly reasonable
• Seller or broker information appears consistent

21

Important concerns

A clear summary of any issues identified, such as:

• Conflicting model years
• Missing or inconsistent identifiers
• Different engine details
• Previous lower asking prices
• Possible copied images
• Registration discrepancies
• Possible incident references
• Unusually low asking price
• Seller information requiring clarification
• Missing evidence supporting important claims

22

Missing information

The report explains which checks were limited by missing information, such as:

• No CIN or HIN
• No engine serial number
• No registration number
• No clear photographs
• No advertisement link
• Insufficient seller information
• No useful comparable boats
• Registration information unavailable

23

Questions to ask the seller

A tailored list of questions based on the findings, which may include:

• Why does the model year differ between listings?
• Why was the engine replaced?
• Can the seller provide a clear CIN or HIN photograph?
• Can the seller explain the previous registration?
• Why has the asking price changed?
• Has the boat previously been used commercially?
• Can the seller provide evidence that a recall was completed?
• Can the seller explain a previous incident or salvage reference?
• Is there any outstanding finance or ownership dispute?

24

Checks to complete at the viewing

A practical list of details to inspect in person, such as:

• Hull CIN or HIN
• Builder's plate
• Registration markings
• Engine serial plate
• Displayed engine hours
• Boat name
• Trailer identifier
• Evidence of repairs
• Original documents
• Seller identification
• Equipment shown in older listings

25

Points for the marine surveyor

Where relevant, the report identifies matters that should be raised with a marine surveyor:

• Previous damage references
• Engine replacement
• Possible commercial use
• Conflicting specifications
• Visible alterations
• Model-specific concerns
• Grounding or salvage references
• Areas mentioned in previous advertisements
• Repairs requiring physical inspection

26

Recommended next steps

The report concludes with clear recommended actions, which may include:

• Proceed to viewing
• Request further identifiers
• Ask the seller for specific documents
• Obtain an official Registry transcript
• Arrange a pre-purchase marine survey
• Obtain an engine inspection
• Confirm a recall with the manufacturer
• Seek legal advice
• Seek VAT or customs advice
• Clarify outstanding finance
• Pause before paying a deposit
• Negotiate based on the market valuation

27

Sources searched

The report records the principal sources used, including:

• Source name
• Identifier or search term
• Date searched
• Result
• Relevant link
• Supporting screenshot, where appropriate

28

Professional PDF report

The customer receives a branded PDF containing:

• Boat details
• Main photograph
• Report reference
• Preparation date
• Executive summary
• Overall risk rating
• Section ratings
• Research findings
• Estimated market range
• Comparable boats
• Key concerns
• Questions for the seller