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Service

Pre-purchase underwater inspection.

Pre-purchase underwater inspection for buyers in Victoria and Vancouver Island. Complements a certified marine survey with full HD video of hull, keel, prop, running gear, and zincs without a haul-out. Know what you're buying below the waterline.

Call (778) 535-4506 Get a quote
Pre-purchase underwater inspection in Victoria BC showing diver inspecting hull and running gear before boat purchase

What you get

Why owners book this.

  • See underwater condition without a pre-purchase haul-out
  • Complements a certified marine surveyor's report
  • Full HD video and photos of every underwater surface
  • Report delivered within 24-48 hours
  • Phone call immediately if anything significant is found
  • Independent - we're working for you, not the broker or seller

How it works

From your call to the report.

No surprises. Here's the actual sequence we follow on every job.

  1. 01

    Pre-Dive Coordination

    Buyer contacts us with the boat's location, type, and timing. We coordinate with the listing broker or seller for dock access. Often scheduled to coincide with a marine survey.

  2. 02

    Underwater Inspection

    Full inspection of hull surface, blistering and osmotic damage, keel-hull joint, rudder post and attachment, prop and shaft condition, cutless bearing, through-hulls, transducers, zincs, and paint condition.

  3. 03

    HD Video and Photo Documentation

    Full underwater video of every surface plus still photos of anything notable - previous repairs, impact damage, corrosion, zinc condition, paint failure patterns.

  4. 04

    Phone Briefing and Written Report

    If we find anything significant, phone call same day. Written report with linked video and photo references within 48 hours. Buyer keeps all media.

Where we work

Pre-purchase underwater inspection anywhere on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands.

Below: spots where this service comes up most. We dive plenty more — every harbour, yacht club, and private mooring across the coast. Don't see your marina? See the full coverage map →

  • Victoria Inner Harbour, Oak Bay, Cadboro Bay
  • Sidney, Van Isle Marina, Canoe Cove, Port Sidney
  • Brentwood Bay & Saanich Inlet
  • Sooke & Pedder Bay
  • Gulf Islands (Canadian)
  • Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay, Genoa Bay, Ladysmith
  • Nanaimo & mid-island marinas

FAQ

Common questions.

Don't see your question? Call (778) 535-4506 — we'll answer it.

How does this differ from a marine survey?
A marine surveyor is the certified professional for the overall boat condition report that insurers and lenders accept. We're specifically the underwater visual inspection - seeing what's below the waterline without a haul-out. Most buyers do both for used boat purchases.
Do I need to be there?
No. Many buyers are in another city or country during a pre-purchase. We coordinate with the broker or seller directly for dock access and send you the report remotely. Some buyers join in person or by video call during the dive.
What if the boat is in the Gulf Islands?
We cover the Canadian Gulf Islands - Salt Spring, Pender, Galiano, Mayne, Saturna, and up-island. Travel timing is a bit more flexible, but we routinely do pre-purchase inspections in all these locations.
What should I do if you find something concerning?
Call us. We walk you through what we found and what it means for the purchase. You can renegotiate, ask the seller to address it before closing, request a follow-up haul inspection, or walk away. We stay independent - our job is to show you what's there.
Is this a certified marine survey?
No - we are not certified marine surveyors. Our inspection is an underwater visual inspection with video documentation. For insurance and financing, you'll typically need a certified marine surveyor as well. Most buyers do both.

Pricing

Straightforward quotes, up front.

Priced by the job, not by the foot - usually on an hourly rate. Typical Victoria and Sidney inspections run $250-$500 depending on scope and time in the water; Gulf Islands callouts add travel. Call (778) 535-4506 for a specific quote.

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Background reading

Guides on pre-purchase underwater inspection.

Guide

Pre-Purchase Underwater Boat Inspection - What to Check Before Buying

A marine survey gives you the paperwork. An underwater inspection shows you what the hull actually looks like - often the more expensive set of problems.

Read guide

Other services we offer

See all →

Hull Cleaning

In-slip hull cleaning across Victoria and Vancouver Island. Barnacles, algae, and marine growth removed without a haul-out. Every clean on video.

Underwater Inspections

See your boat below the waterline without a haul-out. Hulls, props, shafts, rudders, zincs, and through-hulls — inspected in the water, delivered as HD video and a written report within 48 hours.

Zinc Anode Replacement

In-water zinc changes for shafts, props, rudders, and hull plates. Sized for your hardware, documented on video. No haul-out.

Contact

Get a quote for pre-purchase underwater inspection

Tell us about the boat and where it lives. We reply within a business day — usually faster.

Phone
Phone (778) 535-4506
Email
Email dannysdivingservices@gmail.com
Hours
Hours Mon–Sat, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Emergency response available

Urgent — fouled prop, suspected damage, dropped item — call. We triage by phone faster than by form.

Thanks for reaching out — we'll get back to you within 24 hours.