Why Have A Sailing Yacht Surveyed?

If your are thinking of buying a yacht you must have an independent marine survey before you go ahead.

What ever the type of vessel that is under consideration a survey before purchase is a good idea.

A marine surveyor may be able to find matters that a normal buyer may not be able to identify.

An independent boat surveyor will have many years of experience, under his belt, and will use some specialist tools and techniques that the average small boat sailor would not have.


Some times the surveyor will spot some faults that may be so serious in terms of cost and time to repair that the intended buyer may no longer wish to proceed with the purchase.

A boat survey report will usually contain some factual detail such as the make and name and the type of construction together with the dimensions and production number if available. The report will also set out the scope of the survey as to whether it was limited in scope in any way such as to the hull and bulkheads only. This can happen if the buyer is fully satisfied with all operating systems of the vessel as they have checked them out themselves but need some professional input on some more difficult areas like the hull and bulkheads. Others may want a full survey of all aspects of the boat and this is probably the better choice for the normal buyer.

The written report will provide a detailed summary of the items that have been examined and not simply listing the faults found but also confirming the satisfactory operation of the said items being examined.

The components that would be tested will vary from boat to boat and it all depends on the type of build. However the following items (which is not meant to be exhaustive) would usually be considered in an independent marine survey:-

The external hull including the keel anodes. The inside of the hull including the bulkheads, bilges and bilge pumps. The decks, surfaces and superstructure. All tanks, fuel and water and the gas installation. Lighting and electrical installation which would include the batteries and operating switches. Mast, boom, rigging and sails.The Anchor, chain and winch. Bow and stern thrusters where applicable.The engine or engines, drive shafts and propellor/propellors.The steering, rudder and related stern gear. All the hatches, cabin doors, windows and portholes.

Some marine surveyors will not be able to report on the condition of the boat engines and will probably want to refer that work to a specialist marine engineer. On the other hand some surveyors will also be marine engineers in their own right and and accordingly will be quite prepared to deal with this type of work.

I would suggest that as long as the marine surveyor has no objection then you should be present while the survey is taking place if practical. Obviously on no account should you get in the way or restrict him but there may be various issues that he spots while the boat is out of the water that are much better explained at the time of survey rather than by a written report or photograph at a later date. Also by attending you can see for your self the actual condition of the hull,anodes,propellor/s,stern gear and antifouling etc.

More often than not a lift out is arranged at lunchtime or some time during midday as then the boat yard can leave the vessel being surveyed in the slings of the hoist crane during the lunch break. Remember however this will only give the surveyor about an hour or an hour and a half and you need to ensure that the surveyor is content with that time allowance. Very often the boat yard will power wash the hull at the time of the lift out so as to make the surveyor's job a lot easier.

In summary it is clearly good advice to have an independent marine survey of any vessel that you propose to purchase second hand. Apart from the many varied points that I have covered in this article it may also reveal evidence of collosion damage or indeed repairs that have not been properly carried out. At the same time as the survey you should obtain a valuation for insurance purposes.


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The Author writes many varied articles on marine topics and for more information please go to UK Boat Survey.