Yacht Surveys
Pre-Purchase Yacht Survey
The single most important investment you'll make before buying a yacht. A truly independent inspection that tells you what you're actually buying — and what it's worth.
A pre-purchase yacht survey is a detailed, structured inspection of a vessel before sale. SVG Marine attends the boat (afloat and ashore) as your independent yacht surveyor, inspects every accessible system, and delivers a written report covering hull, structure, machinery, electrics, rigging, safety equipment and onboard systems.
Reports are written in plain English with prioritised findings, photographs and valuation indicators — so you can negotiate price, plan remedial work, satisfy an insurer, or walk away with confidence.
We're independent — no broker, yard, builder or finance affiliation — and act only on your behalf as the buyer, throughout the UK, South Wales, Southampton, the Mediterranean and wider Europe.
What a pre-purchase survey looks at
From the main engine and propeller-shaft running gear to electrical distribution, freshwater systems and the underwater fairings — a pre-purchase yacht survey is hands-on, photographed throughout, and produces an evidence-based report you can negotiate with.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pre-purchase yacht survey?
A pre-purchase yacht survey is an independent inspection of a vessel's hull, structure, machinery, systems and equipment carried out before sale. It produces a detailed written report covering defects, safety and compliance issues, and a valuation indication — used to negotiate price, plan remedial work, insure the boat or walk away.
How much does a yacht survey cost?
Survey fees vary depending on the vessel's size, type, age, location and the scope of inspection required. Every enquiry is reviewed individually, and a detailed written quotation is typically provided within 24 hours.
When should a yacht survey be carried out?
A pre-purchase survey is carried out after your offer is accepted, subject to survey — and before the sale completes. The boat should be lifted out for the inspection so the underwater hull, keel, rudder and through-hulls can be examined.
What does a yacht survey include?
A pre-purchase survey includes inspection of the hull and structure (afloat and ashore), engine and machinery, rigging, sails and deck gear where applicable, electrical, plumbing and gas systems, safety equipment, and a sea trial where arranged. You receive a detailed written report with photographs, prioritised findings and a valuation indication.
How long does a pre-purchase survey take?
On-site time is typically one full day for vessels up to around 50ft, and two days for larger yachts. The written report is normally delivered within five to seven working days of the inspection.
Do you survey yachts in the Mediterranean?
Yes. SVG Marine surveys yachts throughout the UK south coast and South Wales and across the Mediterranean and wider Europe — including Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Croatia and the Netherlands.
Can you act as my yacht surveyor in Southampton and the Solent?
Yes. SVG Marine is based locally and regularly attends marinas across Southampton, Hamble, Cowes, Lymington, Hayling Island and Chichester. Local basing usually means an on-board pre-purchase yacht survey can be arranged within days rather than weeks.
Do you work as a yacht surveyor in South Wales?
Yes. SVG Marine covers the South Wales coast — Cardiff, Penarth, Swansea, Milford Haven and surrounding marinas — for pre-purchase, insurance and damage surveys on sail and motor yachts.
Is the survey truly independent?
Yes. SVG Marine works only for the buyer. There is no broker, yard, builder or finance affiliation, no commission and no referral arrangement on the vessels we inspect — the report is written entirely in your interest.
Can you also handle insurance, coding or tonnage at the same time?
Often, yes. If you intend to insure, code, register or commercially operate the vessel, the pre-purchase yacht survey can be scoped to also produce the documentation an insurer, MCA Certifying Authority or flag state will require, saving a second visit.
What happens if the survey reveals serious defects?
The written report prioritises findings and quantifies likely remedial cost in broad terms, so you can renegotiate the purchase price, require remedial work as a condition of sale, or walk away — most contracts include a 'subject to survey' clause specifically for this purpose.
Need a yacht survey?
Response within 24 hours · UK, Europe and worldwide coverage · Detailed written quotation
