Pre-Purchase · Portland
Pre-Purchase Yacht Survey Portland
Independent pre-purchase yacht surveys for buyers in Portland and across Portland Harbour and Weymouth — buyer-paid, with no brokerage or yard relationships that could compromise the report. Handled directly by an MIIMS surveyor.
What this service involves
Portland is one of the busier broker and private-sale markets on this stretch of coast, and a pre-purchase survey here is the single biggest defence a buyer has against finding out about a problem after completion. Concentrating attendances around Portland Harbour and Weymouth — Portland Marina, Weymouth Marina and Castletown means most viewings can be surveyed within a week of the buyer's offer being accepted.
A pre-purchase survey covers everything a serious buyer needs: hull and structure inspection in and out of the water, moisture mapping, rig and standing-rigging assessment, machinery and tankage, electrical systems and electronics, safety equipment, sea trial, and a defensible market valuation suitable for lenders and insurers.
The deliverable is an IIMS-format written report with photographic evidence and a clear defects list categorised as critical, condition or recommendation — accepted by UK, EU and US marine insurers and yacht-finance lenders.
Combined pre-purchase plus insurance attendance is common — many buyers want cover bound the moment completion happens, and combining the two visits saves a second mobilisation. Buyers moving the boat from Portland after purchase can also have an MCA coding gap analysis added on the same visit.
Where we work
Attendances cover Portland Marina inside Portland Harbour, Weymouth Marina at the head of Weymouth Harbour, and Castletown moorings. Travel-lift and hardstanding work uses Portland Marina's yard. Onward attendance in Poole, Lymington, Dartmouth and the rest of the Jurassic Coast fits the same trip.
- Portland Marina
- Weymouth Marina
- Castletown
- Weymouth Harbour
- Portland Harbour
- Poole
- Lymington
- Dartmouth
Frequently asked questions
When is SVG Marine available in Portland?
Throughout the year — Portland attendances can usually be booked within seven to ten days of an offer being accepted, faster where a vendor's deadline is genuinely tight. Out-of-water inspections are scheduled around the yard's lift availability.
Which Portland yards and marinas do you cover?
Portland Marina, Weymouth Marina, Castletown, Weymouth Harbour and Portland Harbour are all covered routinely, with travel-lift and hardstanding work scheduled at whichever yard the vessel is already berthed at where possible.
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 Portland?
A full pre-purchase survey on a 30-50ft 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 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 in Portland combine pre-purchase with an insurance survey at the same visit. If the boat is moving to UK charter, an MCA coding gap analysis can also be added. One mobilisation, one report pack.
Can you survey catamarans and motor yachts?
Yes. Sailing yachts, catamarans and motor yachts up to and beyond 24 metres are all in scope. Larger vessels are normally scheduled over two days.
Do you work on a fixed fee?
Yes. Fees are quoted up-front on a fixed basis once the vessel, location and scope are confirmed. No hourly billing, no surprise extras for travel within the local area.
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