The survey doesn't start at the boat. It starts on the phone. Most disputes arise because the client thought you were going to do X, but you only did Y.
1. The Scope of Survey (The Contract)
Send a "Work Order" before you drive to the boat. It must state clearly:
- Non-Destructive: "I will not remove fixed liners, unstow heavy gear, or drill holes."
- Systems: "I test for power up/power down. I do not pressure test A/C systems or disassemble winches."
- Engines: "External visual inspection only. I am not a diesel mechanic."
2. The "Perfect Boat" Fallacy
Clients often fall in love with a boat and hire you to confirm their bias.
The Speech: "My job is to find what is wrong. I will find things. Every boat has a list. Don't be discouraged, it's just a to-do list for negotiation."
3. Deliverables Timeline
Promise: "Report within 48 hours of survey completion."
Reality: Stick to it. Clients are anxious. If you delay, they assume you found something terrible.
Conclusion
A signed contract with clear limitations is your shield. If a client complains "You didn't check the holding tank sensor," you can point to the line "Tank sensors are excluded due to inability to verify calibration."