Service
Pre-Purchase Technical Inspection
Before you buy, ARMA inspects the vessel visually and without destructive testing, system by system, and delivers a report with what was found, how serious it is, what it could cost, and what could not be verified.
Who it's for
Buyers who are close to making an offer, paying a deposit, or closing on a vessel and want to know its condition before money moves.
What's included
- Visual, non-destructive inspection of hull, structure, engines, propulsion, fuel, electrical, bilge, safety, electronics, through-hulls, interiors, and sanitation, wherever accessible
- Basic tests of the available systems the owner authorizes
- Each finding with its severity (critical safety, major, or minor), recommendation, photos, and an estimated cost range
- What could not be verified is stated in the report
- Sea trial and haul-out, only if contracted
- Report in English or Spanish
What's not included
- A legal or documentation review (ownership, liens, importation, registration, or flag): that is the Vessel Documentation Risk Review
- Disassembling equipment or destructive testing
- A warranty, a certification, or the certified survey an insurer or lender may require
- Hiring the boatyard or the sea-trial captain: the client hires and pays them. If the client asks in writing, ARMA arranges them on the client's behalf, at the client's cost and risk
- Negotiating the price or deciding for the buyer: the decision to buy is the client's
When it makes sense
Use this service once you've found the vessel and before you pay the deposit or set a closing date, while you can still ask questions, negotiate, or walk away.
How ARMA works
ARMA confirms scope and access, sends you the list of what to have ready, inspects the vessel on the agreed day, and delivers the report with the findings, photos, and what could not be verified.
Frequently asked questions
Where does ARMA provide this service?
ARMA is based in La Paz and also serves Los Cabos and other locations in Baja California Sur, Mexico; outside La Paz, travel expenses are included in the quote. When you contact ARMA, include where the vessel is kept so scope and access can be confirmed before any work starts.
Is this the same as a marine survey?
No. It is an independent, visual, non-destructive technical inspection. It is not a certified survey: if an insurer or lender requires one, ARMA does not replace it.
When should I request it?
Before the deposit or before a closing date is set, while the buyer can still ask questions or walk away.
What should I have ready?
The listing or vessel details, where the vessel is kept, and who gives access. Before the visit we send you the list of what to have ready.
Do you review the paperwork?
It is recorded only to identify the vessel. The legal and documentation review (ownership, liens, importation, registration, or flag) is a separate service: the Vessel Documentation Risk Review. If something in the paperwork doesn't match, we recommend it.
This service is delivered by agreed scope and is subject to documentation, access, and — where applicable — third-party or authority requirements. ARMA provides independent advisory support; ARMA does not replace a certified surveyor, attorney, notary, insurer, financial institution, or government authority where one is legally or contractually required.