2025 Boat Buying Season in Michigan: What Buyers Need to Know About Inspections, Insurance, and Marine Surveys

The 2025 boating season is here, and Southeast Michigan is buzzing with activity—from new buyers looking for their first boat to seasoned skippers trading up for something bigger. Whether you’re buying from a broker, dealership, or private seller, one thing is clear: a professional marine survey is more essential than ever.

At Marine Technologies Inc., we specialize in certified marine surveys across Southeast Michigan and Northern Ohio, helping boat buyers make confident, informed decisions. Here’s what you need to know if you're buying a boat in 2025.

Why 2025 Is a Busy Year for Boat Buyers

Several trends are fueling increased demand this year:

More inventory hitting the used market after record sales during the pandemic
Increased financing activity from banks and credit unions
Higher insurance scrutiny requiring formal condition & valuation reports
Earlier start to the season due to mild winter and early launches in Lake St. Clair

With so many transactions happening quickly, it's more important than ever to schedule a marine survey before closing the deal.

What Is a Marine Survey and Why It Matters in 2025

A marine survey is a detailed inspection of a vessel’s condition, systems, and market value. These are the three most common types for boat buyers:

✅ Pre-Purchase Survey – A full condition and value inspection before buying a boat
✅ Insurance Survey – Often required by your insurer before binding a policy
✅ Appraisal Survey – Needed for financing or to determine resale value

Banks and insurers in 2025 are being more selective. Most will only accept surveys from certified professionals like SAMS®-accredited marine surveyors.

Buying a Boat in Southeast Michigan or Northern Ohio? Here’s What You’ll Face

From Harrison Township to Port Huron, Monroe to Toledo, boat buyers in this region face unique conditions:

🚤 Freeze-thaw cycles can weaken fiberglass or damage hull fittings
🌊 Freshwater corrosion still affects engines and metal components
🛥️ Moisture intrusion is a major issue in boats stored outdoors
⚠️ Storm-related damage (like cracked transoms) is often hidden but costly

A professional marine survey identifies these issues before they become your problem.

Insurance Companies Are Tightening Requirements in 2025

Boat insurance providers are now:

Requiring current survey reports for any used vessel over 10 years old
Demanding proof of structural soundness and valuation before underwriting
Asking for inspection reports within 30 days of policy issuance

If you’re buying a boat and planning to insure it, you’ll likely need a formal survey by a certified marine surveyor—not just a dealer walk-through or mechanic’s look-over.

How Marine Technologies Inc. Can Help

At Marine Technologies Inc., we offer:

🧭 Certified pre-purchase inspections
💼 Insurance-ready reports accepted by major carriers
🗺️ Service across Southeast Michigan & Northern Ohio
⚓ On-site inspections at marinas, storage yards, and private slips

📍 Locations we commonly serve:

St. Clair Shores, Algonac, Port Huron, Grosse Ile, Monroe, Toledo, Catawba Island, Lake Erie Shores

We also provide fast turnaround times—usually within 24–48 hours of the inspection.

Tips for 2025 Boat Buyers

Schedule your survey early – Appointments fill up fast from May–August.
Ask if the seller already has a recent survey – But always verify it was done by a certified surveyor.
Talk to your insurer or lender first – Ask if they require any specific surveyor credentials.
Be cautious of “as-is” deals – A marine survey gives you negotiating power and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 boating season is shaping up to be a big one in Southeast Michigan and Northern Ohio. But with increased demand, higher prices, and tighter insurance requirements, buying a boat without a marine survey could be an expensive mistake.

Let Marine Technologies Inc. guide you through the process with expert eyes, trusted credentials, and local knowledge.

📞 Ready to book a marine survey?
Click here to request a quote or call (734) 624-2271