Buy Your Canal Boat With Clarity
Boat Brief searches public records and uses AI analysis to help with due diligence. Do your homework on any boat's history and know the right questions to ask the seller.
How It Works
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Submit the Listing
Paste the link to a boat listing from Apollo Duck, a broker's website, or anywhere else.
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We Build Your Report
We dig through public records and listing details, with AI helping us spot any red flags.
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Review Our Findings
You get a helpful PDF report to guide your viewing and negotiations.
What's Inside Your Report
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Overview & Specs
Everything we can find about the boat, gathered into one place and summarised in plain English.
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Red Flags
The issues worth pausing on - like expensive faults, inconsistent specs, or missing details in the advert.
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Records Search
We check against stolen boat databases, waterways licensing history, and other public records.
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Viewing Checklist
An actionable list of what to inspect, customised to the boat's specific risks so you can spot costly problems early.
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Market Comparison
Negotiate from a stronger position with comparable boat listings in hand.
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Cost of Ownership
Licence fees, insurance, and repair estimates to help you budget for the first year afloat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really free?
Yes! We're still in the early days of testing the technology behind Boat Brief. Our reports aren't perfect yet, but we're eager for feedback. So for a limited time, our service is completely free. All we ask is that if you find Boat Brief useful or have ideas on how to make it better, please do let us know!
Is a Boat Brief report a substitute for a survey?
No. A Boat Brief report isn't a survey - it's the homework that makes your viewing and your surveyor's time count for more. Our reports are meant to be a helpful starting point, but we always recommend commissioning an out-of-water survey before you buy a boat.
How long does it take to get my report?
We email your report within 24 hours of your request.