Pre-Purchase · Solent
Pre-Purchase Yacht Survey Solent
Independent pre-purchase yacht surveys for buyers in Solent and across the Solent — buyer-paid, with no brokerage or yard relationships that could compromise the report. Handled directly by an MIIMS surveyor.
What this service involves
Solent 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 the Solent — Cowes, Hamble, Southampton, Portsmouth, Gosport and Lymington 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 Solent after purchase can also have an MCA coding gap analysis added on the same visit.
Where we work
Solent attendances are batched into a single mobilisation that covers Cowes (East and West), the Hamble River yards, Southampton Water marinas, Portsmouth Harbour and Lymington. Travel-lift and hardstanding work uses MDL, Berthon, Endeavour Quay and the Hamble yards depending on the vessel.
- Cowes Yacht Haven
- East Cowes Marina
- Hamble Point Marina
- Mercury Yacht Harbour
- Port Hamble Marina
- Ocean Village Marina
- Haslar Marina
- Endeavour Quay
- Lymington Yacht Haven
- Berthon Lymington Marina
- Chichester Harbour
Frequently asked questions
When is SVG Marine available in Solent?
Throughout the year — Solent 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 Solent yards and marinas do you cover?
Cowes Yacht Haven, East Cowes Marina, Hamble Point Marina, Mercury Yacht Harbour, Port Hamble Marina, Ocean Village Marina, Haslar Marina, Endeavour Quay, Lymington Yacht Haven and Berthon Lymington Marina 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 Solent?
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 Solent 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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