Yacht Surveys
Yacht Paint Survey
Independent inspection of yacht paintwork — condition, workmanship, defects and gloss measurement — with a written report you can use to accept new paintwork, require rectification or support a purchase or warranty decision.
A yacht paint survey examines the painted finish the way a buyer, owner or builder needs it examined: systematically, defect by defect, area by area. SVG Marine inspects the accessible painted surfaces of the vessel — topsides port and starboard, superstructure, coachroof, deck, cockpit, bulwarks and painted fittings — recording the visible condition and workmanship of the coating, and documenting every defect with photographs, dimensions, locations and a classification of its significance.
Where the project calls for it, the inspection is backed by instrumental gloss measurement at 60°, taken to a consistent protocol so that readings from different areas and different visits can be compared. Defects are classified by their effect on coating integrity and appearance — from cosmetic imperfections through to major finish defects and coating integrity defects where the substrate is exposed — and each carries a recommended status: rectification required, monitor, or surveyor assessment.
The survey works equally well in two directions: as a condition and workmanship assessment of an existing finish, and as an acceptance inspection of new paintwork — a new build, a full repaint or a yard refit — where an independent verdict is needed before sign-off. The written report sets out what was inspected, what was found, the acceptance criteria applied and an overall recommendation, so owners, builders and paint contractors are all working from the same facts.
Paint surveys alongside your other inspections
A paint survey is often most useful alongside a full pre-purchase survey, where the finish is assessed as part of the vessel's overall condition, or during a new-build programme, where stage inspections and paint acceptance run hand in hand. If you are not ready to commission a site visit at all, the remote Yacht Purchase Review covers advice on the vessel and its documentation from photographs and listings.
Frequently asked questions
What is a yacht paint survey?
A paint survey is an independent inspection of a yacht's painted finish — topsides, superstructure, coachroof, deck, cockpit and fittings. It records the visible condition and workmanship of the coating, documents individual defects with photographs, locations and measurements, and, where required, includes instrumental gloss measurement. The output is a written report you can use to accept the work, require rectification, or support a warranty or purchase decision.
When should I commission a paint survey?
The most common points are: before accepting new paintwork or a full repaint at the end of a yard period; before a builder's or paint contractor's warranty expires; before taking delivery of a new build; when a finish looks inconsistent and you need an independent opinion; and before selling or buying a yacht where the quality of the finish will affect value. A paint survey also complements a pre-purchase survey where the finish is a particular concern.
What defects do you look for?
Everything that affects the appearance, fairness and integrity of the finish: pinholes and pinhole clusters, inclusions and dust nibs, fisheyes and craters, runs, sags and curtains, dry spray and overspray, sanding marks and scratches, orange peel and texture variation, print-through, colour and gloss variation, reflected-image distortion, poor fairness, blistering, cracking, peeling and delamination. Each defect is photographed, measured, located and classified by its effect on coating integrity and appearance.
Do you measure gloss?
Yes, where the project calls for it. Gloss readings are taken at 60° with the instrument repositioned between readings — three readings at each location, with the arithmetic mean recorded. Section-by-section statistics (minimum, maximum and mean) are reported so variations between areas are visible rather than buried in averages.
What standards do you assess the finish against?
Paint finishes are assessed against the coating manufacturer's technical requirements, recognised yacht coating practice and, where relevant, published coating inspection standards used as technical references. Acceptance criteria are set for the specific project and vessel — not presented as universal pass/fail limits — and the basis of assessment is stated clearly in the report so owners, builders and contractors know exactly what was applied.
Can you re-inspect after rectification work?
Yes. Defects are recorded with a status — open, rectification required, rectified, re-inspected or closed — so rectification work can be verified and the report updated. Re-inspection visits are the normal way a paint survey is closed out on new-build and repaint projects.
Where do you carry out yacht paint surveys?
Across the UK — Southampton, the Solent, the South Coast and South Wales — and across the Mediterranean and wider Europe, including attendance at builder's yards, refit yards and marinas. Travel to a specific yard or commissioning location can be arranged as part of a new-build or repaint programme.
Need a yacht survey?
Response within 24 hours · UK, Europe and worldwide coverage · Detailed written quotation
