Condition of the Boat Report — Desert Illusion (Jan 2026)

Summary for owners and stakeholders, based on the professional Condition & Value marine survey conducted on January 16, 2026 (report submitted January 19, 2026).

Vessel: 2001 72' Stardust — “Desert Illusion”

Survey Type: Condition & Value (insurance / underwriting)

Surveyor: Capt. Jim Knapp, SAMS Survey Associate, ABYC Member

Overall Rating: Average Condition Serviceable

Estimated Market Value: $220,000

Estimated Replacement Cost: $800,000

Introduction

This report summarizes the current condition of Desert Illusion using the findings from the January 2026 marine survey. The survey was a visual, non-destructive inspection of accessible areas and systems, performed primarily for insurance/underwriting purposes. It is not a comprehensive pre-purchase survey and does not include disassembly, internal mechanical inspection, or operational load testing.

The surveyor rated the vessel in Average Condition, defined in the report as a vessel that is ready for sale, requiring normal maintenance work and comparably equipped to similar vessels on the market.

Strengths (Current Condition Highlights)

Hull / Structure: Welded aluminum hull observed in good condition with no noted corrosion or structural concerns; minor scrapes consistent with age and use.
Mechanical / Propulsion: Twin MerCruiser 5.7L EFI engines and Bravo II sterndrives observed; steering operated smoothly in limited lock-to-lock testing.
Interior / Accommodations: Interior generally well maintained; doors/windows functional; galley and living spaces are well arranged for extended use.
Systems (General): DC/AC systems powered up where accessible; inverter/charger installed; wiring appeared supported and serviceable where visible.
Overall: The vessel is considered reasonably suitable for its intended use, subject to correcting listed deficiencies.

What Needs to Be Fixed (By Priority)

Priority A — Safety & Compliance (Address Before Next Use) A

Wearable PFDs: Provide properly sized U.S.C.G.-approved life jackets for each person onboard.
CO Detectors: Replace non-functioning carbon monoxide detectors in accommodation spaces.
LPG System: Replace cracked LPG pigtail hose; pressure-test system after replacement.
Fuel Transfer System: Replace deteriorated fuel transfer hose suitable for marine fuel service.

Priority B — Timely Maintenance & Risk Reduction B

Water Intrusion / Decking: Remove deteriorated upper-deck carpeting and evaluate underlying decking; repair/restore compromised areas and seal to prevent continued moisture intrusion.
Regulatory Items: Add required placards (oil discharge / trash), maintain Waste Management Plan onboard, and carry required U.S.C.G. Navigation Rules book.
Battery Installation: Install batteries in rigid, acid-resistant containment trays/boxes for proper restraint and spill containment.
Auxiliary Fuel Tank Securing: Install the auxiliary tank in a dedicated mounting cradle/containment system designed to restrain loads in all directions.
Underwater Maintenance: Replace wasted sacrificial anodes; recondition port propeller with impact markings.
Labeling: Properly label freshwater fill fitting as “water.”
Electrical / Shore Power: Weathered shore power cord noted; replacement recommended.
Generator Notes: Hour meter discrepancy and limited instrumentation observed; consider verifying service history and adding appropriate monitoring as desired.

Priority C — Routine / Cosmetic Maintenance C

General detailing: Exterior cleaning/detailing and oxidation removal where needed.
Bilge housekeeping: General bilge cleaning/detailing recommended.
Soft-goods refresh: Exterior softgoods showed normal wear/weathering; clean or replace as desired.
Optional monitoring upgrades: Consider adding high-water alarm and additional system monitoring as desired.

Note: This prioritization mirrors the survey’s classification (A = safety/compliance, B = timely attention, C = general maintenance/observations). Completing Priority A items first is recommended before the vessel is next underway.

Bottom Line

Desert Illusion is a serviceable, well-equipped Lake Powell houseboat with solid fundamentals and a generally well-maintained interior. The “Average Condition” rating reflects a manageable set of safety/compliance items, age-related maintenance needs, and (most notably) the need to address upper-deck water intrusion and soft decking areas.

Once the Priority A safety items are corrected and the deck moisture issue is remediated, the vessel’s risk profile and long-term value protection should materially improve.