Time and additional expense can be saved by preparing the vessel for inspection.

Arrange to have a clean boat, with all paperwork and miscellaneous gear available. Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all unnecessary gear.

If applicable, you will need to arrange with a marina to haul the vessel out of the water for a bottom inspection. Consider the innovative option that Arbutus Marine offers: a dive service for bottom inspection, which could save you both time and money.

You may also need to hire a trained individual or captain for sea trials of the vessel.

The surveyor should never be asked to prepare a boat for inspection. The surveyor may request minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to the suspected areas. Random removal and examination of below-the-waterline fasteners on wood boats may be required. Any dismantling and re-installation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey.

Written authorization from the owner may be needed to board and/or to remove part of the vessel.

More tips here: http://www.marinesurveyor.com/fastnet/pdf/seventips.pdf