How much does it cost to get a boat appraised?

Getting a boat appraised is a fixed fee quoted after we scope the assignment, based on the vessel's size, type, and intended use of the report, not on its market value or condition.

Because every vessel and every purpose is different, Louisiana Boat Appraisers does not publish a flat rate card. A 20-foot bay boat needed for an insurance schedule involves a different scope of work than a 45-foot motor yacht being appraised for estate settlement or divorce proceedings, so the fee reflects that difference in complexity, not the dollar value of the boat itself. We confirm the fixed fee with you before any work begins, so there are no surprises once the boat appraisal is underway.

Most standard recreational boat appraisals run between $195 and $495, with IRS-qualified reports starting around $295. A few Louisiana-specific situations change that scope:

• Succession and estate filings: an estate large enough to need a federal Form 706 filing calls for a report built to the IRS-qualified standard from the outset, covered in date-of-death boat valuation for a Louisiana succession, rather than redoing the work later.
• Hurricane and flood insurance claims: reconstructing pre-loss value when no prior survey exists means cross-referencing multiple pricing sources and documentation, a scope explained in how appraisers prove pre-loss value for hurricane claims.
• Commercial and SBA-financed vessels: a shrimp boat, tug, or charter vessel financed through an SBA or bank loan needs a physical, income-informed appraisal rather than a desktop review; when a Louisiana boat loan requires an SBA-compliant appraisal and commercial vessel appraisal in Louisiana cover why these run from $1,800 to $4,500 or more.

What affects the fee

A few factors typically drive the cost of a marine vessel appraisal:

• Vessel size and type: larger yachts and commercial vessels generally require more inspection time than a small powerboat or pontoon.
• Intended use of the report: insurance coverage, estate and succession settlement, divorce proceedings, and financing each carry different documentation requirements.
• Scope of inspection: an on-site inspection of the hull, systems, and equipment at the marina or storage location adds to the assignment compared to a documentation-only review.

Every engagement is quoted as a fixed fee up front, never billed hourly. If you have a deadline, such as a closing date, a succession filing, or a claim filing, let us know when you request an appraisal and we will confirm whether we can meet it. For more on what goes into the number itself, see how boat value is determined.