Before deciding to buy a used boat, information about her condition, such as structural integrity, safety, machinery and equipment, maintenance issues, as well as cosmetic appearance is essential.

Our prepurchase survey provides a detailed technical inspection of the boat, which is carried out when the boat is both laid up in dry dock and afloat. The survey gives our clients a clear understanding of the yacht’s condition, as well as reports on certain items which affect her general condition and value that may be in need of attention. Therefore it assists in the decision making and negotiating for the final contract details leading to the buying of a yacht.

Surveys are carried out by non-destructive means and this can only be changed if the boat owners’ approval is given. In addition, it is important to mention that survey can be tailored to suit the clients’ needs.

Our survey process is divided into three steps, which are:

• Out-of-water Survey: Inspection of the hull bottom and topsides, moisture absorption measurement (or ultrasonic thickness measurement on steel/aluminum hull), thermography inspection with infrared camera and hammer testing, propellers, propeller shafts, brackets, cutlass bearings, thrusters, stabilizers, zinc anodes, trim tabs, through hull fittings, as well as any other underwater equipment.
• In-water survey:Survey of the yacht in the marina for inspection of decks, deck equipment, accommodation areas, interior, internal structural components, main engines, generators, all auxiliary machineries’ condition, navigational equipment, electric and piping systems, safety equipment and certificates.
• Sea trials: Inspection of the main engines’ performance, main engines’ operation at various RPM, vibration and noise levels, steering system operation, auxiliaries’ operation and navigational performance of the yacht in general.

Upon completion of the surveys, our detailed official survey report will be issued including description of the yacht, condition noted, survey findings and recommendations, as well as relevant photos.

Our condition survey provides technical inspection of the yacht, which includes:

Out-of-water Survey

• Hull bottom and topsides inspection
• Hull moisture absorption measurement with moisture meter
• Scanning of the hull with FLIR infrared thermographic camera
• Hull ultrasonic thickness measurement (steel/aluminum hull)
• Propulsion system (shafts, propellers, brackets, bearings or drives)
• Thrusters
• Trim tabs
• Sytabilizers
• Anodic protection
• Through hull fittings

 In-water Survey

1. Deck and external equipment Inspection:

• Teak deck
• Superstructure
• Mast and rigging inspection from deck level (for sailing yachts)
• Sails (for sailing yachts)
• Windlass, chain and anchor
• Windows, weather doors, hatches, portholes
• Handrails and stanchions
• Gangway
• Swimming platform
• Capstans
• Scupper drains
• Tender and crane
• Radar arch
• Toys

2. Internal Inspection

• Internal structure (bilges, girders, stiffeners, bulkheads)
• Accommodation, furniture, galley equipment
• Tanks’ external inspection
• Piping systems
• Valves

3. Test of all auxiliaries’ operation including:

• Generators’ testing under loads
• All pumps inspection and testing
• Sanitation system
• Electrical installations including batteries, battery chargers, inverters, electric panels
• Air conditioning and refrigeration compressors
• Entertainment equipment
• Water heater
• Watermaker
• Bonding system
• Safety and fire fighting equipment, including certificates

4. Test of all navigation electronics

Sea Trials:

• Engines’ and reduction gearboxes’ operation and data recording of engines’ information and yacht’s speed in various RPM
• Engines’ operation in maximum RPM/ speed
• Engines’ and reduction gearboxes’ continuous inspection during trials for proper operation
• Temperature measurement of engines’ parts using infrared thermometer gun
• Steering test
• Autopilot test
• Reverse under power
• Test of engines’ and navigational electronics
• Thrusters’ operation
• Vibration perceived levels (no measurements)
• Noise levels
• Stabilizers’ operation testing
• Anchors and windlasses operation check

Survey Tools:

During the surveys we will be equipped with the following survey tools:

• Moisture meters
• FLIR infrared thermographic camera
• Ultrasonic gauge
• Multimeter
• Decibel noise level meter
• Filler gauge
• Hammer
• Scrapper
• Camera
• Flashlight

During the survey of the above mentioned areas attention is also paid to the conditions in the area in which the boat will be operated.

Note that the proper preparation of a boat before the survey greatly enhances the quality of the survey. Guidance on preparation will be given to our clients.

The client is encouraged to attend during survey for any queries he/she may have and to be verbally informed about any findings. However the number of persons on board should be limited to those needed for operating the boat in order to be able to survey the boat without interruptions.  Any findings will be discussed ONLY (discretely) with the client.

Last survey locations : Alimos, Corfu, Preveza, Lefkas, Piraeus, Lavrion, Leros, Lavrion, Rhodes, Athens, Kos, Samos, Mykonos, Agioi Theodoroi.

Photos of yachts from recent pre-purchase surveys are presented below:

Gallery