Pre-Purchase Yacht Surveys

Pre-Purchase Surveys are holistic and thorough inspections which inspect all areas of a yacht and its various parts.

Pre-Purchase surveys are vital prior to the purchasing of a yacht to understand in great detail the complete condition of the vessel, and any problem areas that may be present which may affect its seaworthiness, safety, functionality, useability, and value.

The best marine surveys involve extensive testing. Testing every part of a vessel where possible allows better objectivity of the part's condition, quality, strength and/or suitability. This results in factual, quantifiable surveys, and eliminates subjective opinion and assumption. This gives the buyer a greater insight and more holistic understanding of the vessel.

This inspection includes, where applicable, detailed inspection and testing of:

The hull(s) and all reinforcing members
The keel(s) and all reinforcing members
The rudder(s) and all associated constructions and steering gear
Full and partial bulkheads and tabbing
Hull to deck join
The deck, cockpit and superstructure
Through hull fittings and seacocks
Spars and compression posts
Standing and running rigging
Sails
Sail covers, UV strips and lazyjacks
Winches, cleats, blocks and jamming cleats
Chainplates
Anchoring arrangements
Guard wires and stanchions
Jacklines
Engine(s) and engine installation
Fuel tanks and plumbing
Propeller(s) and drive shaft(s)
Stern gear
Navigational equipment
Electronics
Electrical installation
Batteries
Gas installation
Cooking facilities
Bilge pumping arrangements
Firefighting and other life saving equipment
Heating and cooling appliances
Heads
Plumbing and drainage
Tankage
Portholes and hatches
Sprayhood, bimini and dodgers
Interior fit out and security of fittings
Onboard appliances

Contracting a qualified, independent and experienced marine expert ensures that you, the client, will make a well informed decision on the purchase of a yacht, a decision based on fact, thanks to the detailed and objective surveyor's report.

The survey report is typically 30-40 pages long, with a separate annex of over 50 pages of reference photos. This creates a very detailed and holistic picture of the vessel's overall condition. Furthermore, if there is nuance that requires further explanation or advice, the surveyor will take the time to have follow up conversations with the client.

With the detailed written report and extensive annex of photos, as well as the professional customer service, support and objective advice provided to the client they may proceed with complete confidence in their decisions.

Theo Wakefield Marine Surveys completes pre purchase surveys and other inspection surveys and marine services in southern Spain. Based in Malaga, daily operations are undertaken in locations such as Fuengirola, Marbella, Gibraltar and Almeria. As a result of a positive record of work, recommendations, and testimonials, surveys are regularly commissioned further afield including in northern Spain including Galicia, the Balearic Islands, and Portugal.

Defects discovered during Pre Purchase Surveys highlighted in the photos below.

Cracked Chainplates

Damaged Hull from Keel Impact

Rotten Bulkheads

Damaged Hull Laminate

For a Pre-Purchase Survey the vessel must be hauled out of the water to allow full access to the hull(s). Ideally stores and other contents should be removed as far as possible to allow complete inspection of the hull and structural members.

As a guide, a 40' (12m) sailing yacht will take a full day to survey, and the report typically takes 2 days to complete. The highly detailed report will be sent to the client via email in PDF format usually within a week of the final survey date.

The cost of a Pre-Purchase Survey depends on the type, material, size, and complexity of a vessel, as well as the location and accessibility of the vessel requiring survey. Typically this will be between 80-100 euros per metre for a typical 40' monohull vessel. The price increases as the vessel increases in size and complexity. It is important to note that a cheap survey will offer limited insight and will often be completed by an unqualified, uninsured, and/or inexperienced surveyor.

If you are purchasing a vessel which is expensive relative to you, or with a wish to go sailing around the world, then it is paramount that you are holistically aware of the condition of the vessel before you purchase it, and it is the job of the professional yacht surveyor to give you complete clarity into the condition of that vessel, as well as where servicing/replacements are required, how to complete them, and how much it will likely cost.

If you would like to see an example survey report contact us to request it. You will see the written and photographic detail of our yacht survey reports is unmatched.

Please take a look at our testimonials to see what our customers have had to say about our work.

To get in touch, call directly, email, or send a message in the contact section. We look forward to speaking with you.