Pre-purchase yacht survey

Buying a used yacht is a large decision made on incomplete information. A pre-purchase survey gives you an independent technical picture of the yacht before you commit. Our team of surveyors can attend wherever the yacht lies, in Greece and internationally. Tell us where she lies and request a quote.

What we inspect

Hull, deck and structure

We check the hull, deck and superstructure for damage, past repairs, delamination, blisters and loose or corroded fittings, with moisture readings at representative points. Hatches, windows and seals are checked for watertight integrity.

Engines and machinery

The engines, drive train, fuel, cooling and exhaust systems are inspected for leaks, corrosion, wear and poor installation, together with the generator, pumps, steering and bilge systems.

Electrical and navigation

We check batteries, charging, wiring and the AC and DC panels, and recommend load or insulation tests where the condition calls for it. Navigation, VHF and other electronics are tested as fitted.

Safety equipment

We record the service and expiry dates of the liferaft, flares and fire extinguishers, and check lifejackets, fixed fire systems and the EPIRB battery and registration.

Rig, sails and ground tackle (sailing yachts)

Standing and running rigging, mast, chainplates, furling gear, sails and windlass are inspected visually from deck.

Documents

We review registration, flag and class status, certificates, service records and previous surveys, and list any outstanding items.

Afloat, ashore and sea trial

Most buyers combine an inspection afloat with a haul-out, so the underwater hull, rudder, propellers and underwater fittings can be seen.

On the sea trial we check cold and hot starting, idle, gear engagement, charging, alarms, speed at cruising and maximum RPM, steering response, noise and vibration, and look again for leaks in the machinery spaces afterwards. The trial needs safe weather and daylight, and we agree another date if conditions are unsuitable.

For twin-engine motor yachts and high-performance powerboats we recommend authorised engine engineers attend in parallel for compression readings, oil analysis and diagnostics. We can recommend engineers and coordinate the day.

The report

You receive a preliminary report within 24 hours of the inspection, followed by a detailed written report with our findings, the condition and maintenance standard, defects found, items needing specialist investigation and likely repair priorities. It is confidential to you.

Each finding is graded by urgency and grouped as urgent before sea use, short term, next haul-out and ongoing, so you can see what must be done and what can wait. Photographs support the findings, and the report helps you decide whether to proceed, renegotiate, plan repairs or withdraw.

Our surveyors are Lloyd’s Register qualified, and YSG is UK MCA and RINA accredited and operates under IIMS.

Good to know before you book

What a survey cannot show

The survey is visual and non-destructive. We do not dismantle equipment or remove linings, furniture or fixed flooring, so hidden defects may not be found. Where a concern needs more investigation, the report says so. Valuation and flag or tonnage work are separate services.

What we need from you

Please arrange access through the owner, broker or marina, with the yacht in running order, fuel on board and batteries charged for the trial. The owner or broker should provide the registration, previous surveys, service records, engine hours and any known defects.

Booking

Send us the make and model, year, length, location and timing, and request a quote. We reply with a quote and the proposed scope, and the survey date is confirmed once the booking is agreed.