01Buy with evidence
Pre-purchase surveys
A detailed, independent assessment of the hull, structure, propulsion, electrical, safety systems, equipment, and market value before you commit to the purchase.
Discuss this serviceServing Southern and Eastern Ontario
Ontario Marine Surveyor
Know the boat before you buy it, insure it, or repair it.
Detailed marine surveys backed by accredited surveying expertise, licensed mechanical trades, and hands-on underwater inspection.
Pre-purchase • Insurance • Appraisal • Claims
Mechanical insightBeyond a surface checklist
Photo-rich reportsClear findings and priorities
Underwater capabilityHull and running gear inspection
Independent guidanceDecisions backed by evidence
Marine surveying with mechanical depth
A serious inspection for a serious purchase.
From hull moisture and structural condition to propulsion, electrical, safety systems, and valuation, 71Boat gives owners, buyers, insurers, and counsel a practical view of the vessel and its risks.
See what we inspect02Insurance & renewal
Condition & valuation
A documented inspection for insurance, renewal, financing, ownership planning, or an up-to-date understanding of the vessel's condition and fair market value.
Discuss this service03Beyond the checklist
Mechanical diagnostics
Licensed-trade insight into engines, propulsion, steering, fuel, cooling, charging, and related machinery, with compression or leak-down testing arranged when required.
Discuss this service04Hull to running gear
Underwater inspections
When conditions permit, underwater video inspection of the hull, propellers, shafts, drives, anodes, through-hulls, and running gear by a PADI Divemaster.
Discuss this service05Build and repair oversight
Refit & compliance consulting
Practical oversight for new builds, repairs, restorations, and refits, including documented observations, project issues, and compliance-focused guidance.
Discuss this service06Clear technical findings
Claims & expert work
Evidence-based marine loss review, distress valuation, claims assistance, technical consulting, and expert-witness support for complex vessel matters.
Discuss this serviceA disciplined inspection process
Hull to helm. Findings to action.
Every assignment is scoped to the vessel and the decision the report needs to support. The result is a practical technical record, not a generic walkaround.
Define the assignment
We confirm the vessel, location, purpose, timing, access, haul-out, and any testing needed before the inspection.
Inspect systematically
The vessel is reviewed from hull to helm, including structure, systems, machinery, safety equipment, and accessible underwater components.
Test and document
Readings, diagnostics, operating checks, photographs, and sea-trial observations are gathered as the agreed scope allows.
Report and explain
You receive a clear digital report with findings, priorities, photographs, recommendations, and valuation when applicable.
Inspection scope
Evidence across the systems that matter.
Access, vessel type, construction, haul-out, operating status, and the agreed assignment determine the final inspection scope.
Scope my surveyHull & structure
Hull condition, decks, transom, stringers, bulkheads, fittings, and accessible structural components.
Moisture & thermal
Moisture screening and thermal observations where appropriate to identify areas requiring closer investigation.
Engines & propulsion
Engines, drives, shafts, propellers, steering, cooling, fuel, exhaust, and related machinery.
Electrical systems
Batteries, charging, shore power, panels, wiring condition, bonding, and installed electrical equipment.
Safety & systems
Bilge, fire protection, alarms, ventilation, navigation equipment, sanitation, and onboard safety gear.
Value & priorities
Market context, observed deficiencies, risk priorities, repair recommendations, and valuation where required.
71
One surveyor.
Four technical perspectives.
Accredited SurveyorLicensed MillwrightLicensed Marine MechanicPADI Divemaster
About Scott Milburn
Surveying informed by real mechanical and underwater experience.
A vessel is an interconnected structure, machine, electrical system, and safety platform. Scott brings those perspectives together in one inspection.
As President of 71Boat.com, Scott provides independent marine surveys, inspections, diagnostics, valuation, consulting, and expert support. His licensed-trade background allows him to look past cosmetic condition and explain how findings may affect safety, reliability, insurability, repair priorities, and value.
Based in Niagara Falls and Trent Hills, 71Boat serves boat owners and buyers across Southern and Eastern Ontario and can discuss wider assignments when required.
Clear published pricing
Know the starting cost before you book.
All prices are in Canadian dollars and subject to HST. Every vessel is different, so the final quote confirms the exact scope, travel, access, and testing.
Pre-purchase survey
$30per foot LOA
$500 minimum
- Detailed vessel condition review
- Digital report with photographs
- Findings and recommendations
- Valuation included
- $0.50/km round-trip travel
Condition & valuation
$20per foot LOA
$500 minimum
- For insurance or renewal
- Digital report with photographs
- Recommendations and valuation
- 20+ years: add $4/ft
- 30+ years: add $6/ft
- $0.50/km round-trip travel
Ontario service coverage
Two Ontario bases. One wide service area.
71Boat is based in Niagara Falls and Trent Hills, providing practical access to marinas, private docks, yards, and vessels throughout Southern and Eastern Ontario.
Western baseNiagara FallsLake Erie • Western Lake Ontario • Niagara • GTA
Eastern baseTrent HillsTrent-Severn • Kawarthas • Eastern Lake Ontario • Rideau
Lake OntarioLake ErieGeorgian BayTrent-Severn WaterwayRideau CanalSt. Lawrence RiverNiagara & HamiltonToronto & the GTAPrince Edward CountyKingston & BrockvillePeterborough & the KawarthasAnd communities in between
Client feedback
Clarity when the decision matters.
“I’ve bought and sold over 20 boats. This was the most detailed survey I’ve ever seen.”
“Saved me from buying a beautiful-looking nightmare. Worth every penny.”
“I’ve never had a surveyor explain things so clearly. I actually understood the report.”
Frequently asked questions
Before your survey.
Need an answer specific to your vessel? Call Scott directly and discuss the assignment.
Call 905-357-5615What is the difference between an insurance survey and a pre-purchase survey?
A condition and valuation survey documents the vessel's present condition and value, commonly for insurance or renewal. A pre-purchase survey is broader and is designed to help a buyer assess condition, systems, risks, likely repairs, and value before completing a purchase.
What should be ready before the survey?
The bilge should be reasonably clean, keys for all lockers should be available, the vessel and mast locations should be confirmed, electrical power should be available where possible, and the normal safety equipment should be aboard. Please arrange access and haul-out in advance when required.
Is haul-out included in the survey price?
No. Marina, haul-out, launch, pressure-wash, sea-trial, specialized testing, and similar third-party charges are separate. We will identify which arrangements are appropriate for the assignment before booking.
What does the completed report include?
The digital report includes photographs, observed findings, risk priorities, recommendations, and valuation when part of the assignment. The objective is a report that is technically useful and easy to understand.
Do you inspect older, unusual, or multihull vessels?
Yes, subject to the vessel, construction, location, and requested scope. Please call with the year, make, model, length, material, and location so the assignment can be properly quoted.
How far does 71Boat travel?
71Boat is based in Niagara Falls and Trent Hills and serves Southern and Eastern Ontario, including Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Georgian Bay, the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Rideau Canal, and the St. Lawrence River. Wider assignments can be discussed.
Request a marine survey
Tell us about the vessel. We’ll define the right scope.
For the fastest quote, include the vessel year, make, model, length, construction material, present location, requested survey type, and preferred timing.