A marine survey is more than a valuation document—it becomes the technical roadmap for the next phase of a boat’s life. When I reviewed the 2023 survey for my Ericson 32-200 Sure Shot, I cataloged every required and recommended repair so I could plan the work in a structured, manageable way.

This post is a complete breakdown of those items, grouped by system.

Immediate / Required Repairs

The surveyor marked these as items that should be corrected before full-time use or insurance approval.
Source: Survey Recommendations (Immediate)

1. Electrical Overcurrent Protection

These circuits must be fused or protected:

Three wires attached to the common terminal of the battery switch need overcurrent protection.
The small black wire labeled “DC-DC current limit” must be fused.
The #10 AWG wire labeled “unswitched to panel” requires a fuse.
The D+ wires feeding the DC-DC chargers must be fused at their power source.
The charging output wires from both Renogy DC-DC chargers need fuses near the batteries.

2. Engine Control Cables

Replace stiff throttle, shift, and engine stop cables.

3. Exhaust System

Replace the corroded exhaust riser and mixing elbow.

4. Rudder

Repair the cracked and partially delaminated rudder.

5. Safety Equipment

Carry a wearable PFD for each person on board.
Secure the toilet discharge Y-valve in the holding-tank position for legal compliance.

Structural & Hardware-Related Repairs

Source: Survey internal notes and structural findings.

6. Deck Moisture Intrusion

Hardware removal, core drying, and rebedding needed in areas of elevated moisture:

Port and starboard lifeline gate stanchions
Chainplate areas near port and starboard shrouds
Forward portside vertical stanchion
Water tank fill fittings

7. Interior Veneer / Water Intrusion Cleanup

(Not structural but caused by deck leaks.)

Refinish water-stained bulkheads and interior veneers.
Check for leakage around steering system and cockpit sole; refinish wood after repairs.

8. Cockpit Locker / Propane Locker

Ensure propane locker drain remains clear (not a repair, but flagged for attention).

Sailing Systems Repairs

Source: Rigging, deck hardware, sail handling notes.

9. Spinnaker Pole

Free up the frozen end fitting on the larger pole.

10. Mainsail Luff Track

Re-install missing top mainsail luff slide in Tides Marine track.

11. Traveler & Topping Lift

Modify mainsail cover to properly fit around mast and sail.

Bilge & Plumbing Repairs

Source: Bilge system and sanitation notes.

12. Bilge Pump System

Install a strainer on the electric diaphragm pump suction.
Complete installation of the Rule 1500 submersible pump and discharge hose.
Renew/repair manual diaphragm pump (not taking suction).
Add a vented loop to the electric bilge pump discharge.
Add a high-water float switch with audible alarm (recommended).

13. Head System

Install high vented loop in toilet flushing water line.
Renew holding tank vent hose with proper sanitation hose.
Fix head floor sump pump float switch and secure the pump.
Install vented loop in shower sump discharge line.

14. Fuel System

Replace fuel fill hose (original hose showing cracking).

Engine Room & Auxiliary Systems Repairs

Source: Engine, exhaust, and electrical systems sections.

15. Alternator / Engine Instrumentation

Repair or replace inoperable alternator failure indicator light.
Test and confirm engine over-temperature sensor and alarm.

16. Add Seawater Strainer

Install an internal seawater strainer under the galley sink for engine cooling intake.

17. Exhaust Back-Siphon Protection

Add a waterlift muffler or ensure a proper high loop in exhaust hose to prevent back-flow.

Electrical System Cleanup (Non-Critical but Recommended)

Source: Electrical systems notes.

18. Panel & Wiring Organization

Bundle, support, and clean up the wiring behind the distribution panel.
Label the three wires on the battery switch common terminal once fused.
Label small fused circuits behind the panel.
Add boots on starter motor positive terminals.
Case-ground the inverter.
Trace and label inverter DC supply.

19. Miscellaneous Small Repairs

Re-secure loose USB port securing nut behind panel.
Seal exposed bow light wiring with heat-shrink.
Replace missing shore power inlet cover.
Consider installing ELCI breaker and galvanic isolator.

Rigging, Deck, and Hardware Improvements

20. Lifelines & Dodger

Renew dodger stitching and leather chafe guard.
Replace Velcro securing solar panels.
Consider Bimini or cockpit shade (not required).

21. Anchor System

Scale/preserve anchor chain corrosion.
Mouse the anchor shackle.
Increase chain length for coastal cruising.

Cosmetic / Comfort Repairs (Optional)

22. Interior

Replace worn/soiled cushions.
Refinish teak and holly floorboards.
Replace missing mast-partner molding.

23. Steering Pedestal Cover

Replace ill-fitting pedestal/wheel cover.

Summary

The survey paints a clear picture: Sure Shot is a structurally sound boat with predictable, manageable systems work. No structural rot, no hull damage, no hidden disasters—just a realistic list of electrical corrections, plumbing improvements, and typical 30+ year-old sailboat upgrades.

This is exactly the kind of repair list you want to find on an older fiberglass boat:
finite, solvable, and well-within the capability of a technically minded owner.

—J

Survey Repair List for My Ericson 32-200