Etiquette Question

[Kings Gambit]

I would agree. The OP used the words:

He is asking for an "Inspection" not a "survey". As I understand an inspection is done by the USCG for boats engaged in for hire services. This could imply that the OP was going to pay something for the trip.

The OP essentially equated the two terms in post #23.

 

[JimInPB]

It's also possible that the boat has issues that are known to the owner. If that is the case, then the owner may not not want to have the issues become public knowledge. The OP will need to judge the demeanor of the gentleman who considered the inspection report question inappropriate. If he seemed insulted by the question, that is likely one thing. If he seemed worried, that may indicate something different. I wasn't there. I can't make a judgement call.