Pre-Purchase · Antigua · Nov–Dec 2026
Pre-Purchase Yacht Survey Antigua
Independent pre-purchase surveys for buyers in Antigua across November and December 2026 — ARC arrivals, Antigua Charter Yacht Show brokerage stock and resident Caribbean charter fleets, all handled by a single MIIMS surveyor.
What this service involves
Antigua is the natural entry point to the Caribbean charter and brokerage market. English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour and Jolly Harbour see a concentrated wave of transatlantic arrivals each November as the ARC and ARC+ fleets clear St Lucia and move north — followed in early December by the Antigua Charter Yacht Show, where much of the world's brokerage sailing and motor-yacht stock is moored alongside.
For buyers, that two-month window is the single best opportunity in the year to view and survey serious Caribbean yachts. SVG Marine is in Antigua across November and December 2026 to cover that demand — independent, owner-paid, with no brokerage or yard relationships that could compromise the report.
A pre-purchase survey here covers everything a UK or European survey covers: hull and structure inspection in and out of the water, moisture mapping, rig and standing rigging assessment, machinery and tankage, electrical systems, electronics, safety and communications, sea trial, and a market valuation suitable for lenders and insurers. The deliverable is an IIMS-format written report with photographic evidence and a clear defects list.
Combined pre-purchase + insurance attendance is common at this time of year — many buyers complete the purchase in the Caribbean and then need cover in place before the yacht moves on, whether that is wintering in Antigua, cruising the Eastern Caribbean or shipping back to the Mediterranean.
Where we work
Attendances are based around English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, with regular mobilisation to Jolly Harbour for travel-lift work and to North Sound and the Catamaran Marina for multihulls. Onward attendance in St Lucia (Rodney Bay), St Martin, the BVI and Grenada can be added during the same window where the timing aligns.
- Nelson's Dockyard
- English Harbour
- Falmouth Harbour Marina
- Antigua Yacht Club Marina
- Jolly Harbour Marina & Boatyard
- North Sound Marina
- Catamaran Marina
- Rodney Bay (St Lucia)
- St Martin
- BVI (Tortola)
Frequently asked questions
When is SVG Marine in Antigua?
SVG Marine is attending Antigua across November and December 2026, timed around the ARC and ARC+ arrivals into Rodney Bay and Falmouth Harbour and the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December. Inspection slots in English Harbour, Falmouth, Jolly Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard can be booked for those windows.
Which Antigua yards and marinas do you cover?
Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour Marina, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Jolly Harbour Marina and Boatyard, North Sound Marina and Catamaran Marina. Travel-lifts at Jolly Harbour and the Catamaran Marina haul-out are used for the underwater inspection.
Can you handle ARC and ARC+ arrival surveys?
Yes. Boats arriving via the ARC and ARC+ rallies into Rodney Bay (St Lucia) and onward to Antigua are a natural fit for a Caribbean-side pre-purchase survey. Slots in late November and early December 2026 are reserved for ARC arrivals.
Do you attend the Antigua Charter Yacht Show?
Yes. The Antigua Charter Yacht Show in early December 2026 brings a large concentration of charter and brokerage yachts to Nelson's Dockyard and Falmouth Harbour. Buyer-side pre-purchase surveys, condition surveys and valuations are scheduled around the show.
What does the pre-purchase survey cover?
Hull, structure, deck and rig (where applicable); machinery, electrical, plumbing and tankage; navigation, safety and communications equipment; gel-coat and moisture mapping out of the water; sea trial; and a written report with photographic evidence and a market valuation if requested.
How long does a survey take in Antigua?
A full pre-purchase survey on a 40-60ft yacht is typically a day on board plus a separate half-day for the haul-out and underwater inspection. Larger vessels and catamarans are scheduled over two days. Reports are issued within five to seven working days.
Do you provide reports acceptable to UK and EU insurers and lenders?
Yes. SVG Marine surveys are accepted by UK, EU and US marine insurers and yacht-finance lenders. The format follows IIMS guidelines and includes the condition rating, valuation and a defects list categorised as critical, condition or recommendation.
Can you combine with insurance or coding work?
Yes — most buyers combine pre-purchase with an insurance survey and, if the boat is moving to UK charter, an MCA coding gap analysis on the same visit. Mobilisation to Antigua is the largest cost, so combining work usually pays for itself.
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