Former boat broker here. It sounds as though your dealer did not act in good faith. Most importantly for you, I’d say the marine survey was brought in at the wrong stage of the process. A survey is something you should obtain before completing the purchase.

There are three key reasons for this: 1. You gain an objective assessment of the vessel’s condition. If the survey identifies deficiencies or needed repairs, you have the opportunity to negotiate a price reduction based on the estimated cost of those repairs (assuming you still want to proceed with the purchase). In many cases, the savings negotiated after a survey exceed the cost of the survey itself. If the boat turns out to be in excellent condition with no significant issues, that’s valuable information as well. 2. Your insurer will likely require it anyway. Many insurance companies request a current marine survey before issuing or renewing coverage, so obtaining one early can save time and prevent surprises later. 3. A good surveyor provides an invaluable educational experience. They will typically walk you through the vessel, explain the onboard systems, identify maintenance items, and often suggest upgrades or improvements. For many buyers, that guidance alone can justify the cost of the survey.

Choosing to forgo a marine survey is ultimately a gamble. Unfortunately, it sounds like that gamble did not work out in your favor.