New Build & Pre-Delivery
Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)
The final inspection before you sign for your new yacht. Independent verification that the boat matches contract, specification and quality expectations — before you take the keys.
A PDI is a structured final inspection covering every system, surface and document on a new vessel. SVG Marine attends on the owner's behalf — typically over one to several days — and produces a detailed punch-list of items requiring rectification before handover.
We attend factory acceptance, sea trials and final sign-off, and continue to track outstanding items until full closure.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pre-delivery inspection?
A pre-delivery inspection (PDI) is the final independent inspection of a new yacht before the owner accepts handover from the builder. It verifies that the boat matches the contract, the build specification and the agreed quality standard, and produces a punch-list of items requiring rectification.
Why use an independent pre-delivery inspector?
The shipyard's own quality check protects the shipyard. An independent PDI protects the owner — items that fall outside the builder's internal sign-off process get caught while the boat is still in the yard and easy to fix, rather than after handover when remedial work is harder, slower and more expensive.
How long does a PDI take?
Typically one to three days on board for a yacht in the 40–80ft range, plus sea trial attendance where arranged. Larger yachts and complex superyachts take longer. The punch-list is then tracked through to closure.
Does a PDI replace a pre-purchase yacht survey on a new boat?
Not exactly. A pre-purchase yacht survey is for second-hand vessels. A PDI is the equivalent quality and contract-compliance check on a new build at the shipyard — confirming that what's been delivered matches what was specified, contracted and paid for.
What happens to the punch-list after the PDI?
Every item is logged, prioritised and assigned a target closure date. SVG Marine tracks the punch-list through to closure with the shipyard, re-attending where necessary and re-issuing the list as items are signed off — so the owner takes delivery with a clear, agreed status.
Can you act as the owner's surveyor beyond the PDI?
Yes. Many owners ask SVG Marine to continue as owner's surveyor through warranty inspections, first-season defect tracking and any subsequent yard visits — keeping a single independent reference point for the life of the warranty.
Do you attend sea trials and harbour acceptance tests?
Yes. Where arranged, SVG Marine attends factory acceptance, harbour acceptance and sea trials, witnesses the test programme, and incorporates any anomalies into the PDI report and punch-list.
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