Frequently asked questions!
(in no particular order)
- Are you a branch of the Department of Transport?
No, we are a private business and have no affiliation with the Department of Transport in any way. We are an accredited BoatCode provider and can issue new Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) and verify existing HIN's.
- Do you do recreational boat HIN's?
Yes, we are an accredited BoatCode provider and can issue or verify HIN's.
- Does it cost money to get a new HIN or verify a HIN?
Yes, there is a fee for both, plus a callout fee if you would like the job done at your house or workplace. Please check out the pricing calculator from the link on our home page.
- Can you issue or verify a HIN over the phone?
No, all HIN's have to be issued or verified in person and the boat has to be inspected in person by the BoatCode provider.
- Can you provide the year of my boat over the phone?
Sorry, no, we don't offer that as a service.
- Who will be doing my inspection?
Mike the proprietor of Boat Check WA will do your inspections. He has over 16 years experience as dealer principal of a mid size boat and outboard dealership in Perth
- Do you inspect sail boats and Jet-Ski's?
No, just trailer boats with outboard motors and stern drive motors
- Do you do issue and verify HIN's for sail boats and jet ski's?
Yes, we do HIN's for all types of recreation vessels.
- How long does a trailer boat inspection take?
Small boats and dinghies are 1 - 1.5 hours. Larger boats 2 - 3 hours and outboards usually 45m - 1 hour
- Do you negotiate the best price on our behalf with the boat seller after you have done the pre-purchase inspection?
We aren't buyers advocates and we don't get involved in price negotiations or private sales.
- Do you tell the seller about any faults or problems so we can get the boat at a better price?
No, we don't get involved in that, but once you have the facts, there is no reason for you not to negotiate with the seller on the price. A honest, comprehensive report is your best way to ensure that you get a good deal.
- Will you try to talk us out of buying a boat that has a lot of faults?
No, we will let you make your own mind up, but we do recommend talking with the seller regarding repairs, as you may find them receptive to paying a professional to fix some items instead of having to heavily discount the boat.
- Do you inspect boats in pens, moorings and stackers?
No, we only inspect recreational trailer boats from 3m to 9m. That's our area of expertise.
- Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on the boats you have inspected?
No, you will need to arrange any warranty or guarantee with the seller of the boat. We only check the boat or motor condition as the boat or motor is presented to us on the day of inspection, what happens afterwards isn't our responsibility.
- Do you offer repairs, servicing or mechanical services?
No, we are only offer inspections. If you require repairs or servicing, consider checking with your insurer for your local preferred repairer.
- Can you fix the issues you find when doing the inspection?
See above.
- Do you cut holes in the deck to check inside the hull?
No, we offer non invasive inspections only. Consider hiring a ship right or aluminium boat builder to carry out that type of invasive inspection if the seller consents.
- Do you dismantle motors to check internal engine parts?
We only check what we can see without invasive dismantling. If we feel that there is internal issues evident, we will put it on the report marked for further investigation.
- What outboard motors can you do a diagnostic report on?
We can do diagnostic reports on Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Johnson EFI four stroke motors built after 2000, with the exception of the Honda BF115A and BF130A early model EFI 4 stroke outboards built from 1998-2005. We can also do Yamaha & Evinrude DI & E-TEC direct injection 2 stroke motors built after 2003.
We currently don't have the capability to do Mercury outboards, except for the early model EFI four stroke models made by Yamaha and sold by Mercury. These models are usually 2002-2006 models.
- Do you check the trailer bearings and brakes?
We sure do.
- Do you water test boats?
We only offer on land, static inspections. Please consider arranging a water test with the seller once you have considered the report.
- Does the seller get a copy of the pre-purchase inspection as well as the buyer?
We will only supply a copy of the report to the seller once the buyer has declined to purchase the boat/motor/trailer. There is a $75 fee for the seller to obtain the report from Boat Check WA once the buyer and purchaser of the report has declined to purchase it.
- Do you contact our insurance company and arrange the boat insurance for us?
We just supply the report. We cant arrange the insurance on your behalf. We can email them the condition report if you provide your reference number and contact details for the insurer.
- Why does the pre-purchase inspection cost more than a condition report?
A pre-purchase inspection is more thorough than an insurance condition report because the insurance company isn't as concerned with things like routine maintenance and servicing, as generally faults and breakdowns related to lack of proper preventative maintenance aren't covered by insurance.
- Do you do inspections outside of Perth, Rockingham and Mandurah?
Currently we only service the Perth metro area and Rockingham to Mandurah.
- What days are you available for inspections?
We work Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm
- How can I pay for my inspection?
You can book and pay online with a credit card, pay over the phone with credit card, pay by cash or credit card in person at the completion of the inspection. Sorry, we don't offer credit.
- How do I get a copy of the inspection?
We will email you a copy once the inspection is complete and payment has been received. We will keep your inspection report on file, so if you lose or delete your copy, just email us for another copy.
- Do I get a refund on the inspection if I don't buy the boat?
That would be great, but no. No refund once the inspection is complete, even if you don't buy the boat. Please make sure you have done your due diligence before booking a check.