PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY
The Pre-Purchase Survey provides a prospective purchaser with an independent assessment of the yacht’s apparent condition prior to acquisition, based on an inspection of visible and reasonably accessible areas and on tests expressly included in the agreed scope of the survey. Its purpose is to identify material defects, operational limitations, and matters requiring repair, further investigation, or consideration during the purchase process.
STANDARD SURVEY SEQUENCE
PHASE 1 – INSPECTION ASHORE
The inspection ashore covers the accessible underwater hull, appendages and external propulsion components, including hull surfaces, coatings, anodes, through-hull fittings, sea inlets and discharges, propellers, shafts, rudders, stabilizers and thrusters, as applicable. Visible evidence of impact, distortion, cracking, corrosion, osmosis, previous repairs, excessive play or abnormal wear is recorded.
PHASE 2 – SEA TRIAL
Following essential pre-departure checks and, where practicable, cold-start observations, the sea trial assesses the propulsion systems, transmissions, steering, controls and manoeuvrability under operating conditions. Engine speeds, temperatures, pressures, alarms, smoke, vibration, abnormal noise, visible leakage and the performance data available at the helm are observed and recorded, subject to weather, traffic and operational limitations.
PHASE 3 – INSPECTION AFLOAT & POST-SEA-TRIAL CHECKS
The inspection afloat comprises post-sea-trial checks of machinery spaces, bilges, shaft seals and accessible fuel, cooling, exhaust, lubrication and hydraulic systems for leakage, abnormal temperatures, odours or other signs of distress. Accessible structural areas, electrical installations, steering, navigation and communication equipment, bilge systems, fire-fighting and safety equipment, domestic services and auxiliary systems are inspected and function-tested where included in the agreed scope.
SCOPE OF INSPECTION
The scope of the survey is adapted to the yacht’s construction, equipment, age, operational profile and the agreed instructions. Unless otherwise stated, the inspection is non-destructive and limited to visible and reasonably accessible areas. Machinery, systems and equipment are function-tested only where safe, available and authorised. The standard scope normally includes the following principal areas.
IDENTIFICATION & DOCUMENT REVIEW
The yacht’s identity and principal particulars are checked against the documents made available, including builder, model, year, hull identification number, flag, registration, dimensions, tonnage and machinery identification where available. The review may also include registration documents, statutory or class certificates where applicable, manuals, equipment lists, and maintenance, repair and refit records supplied for the survey. The review is limited to the documents provided; legal ownership, title, mortgages, liens and other encumbrances are not verified unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
HULL, DECK & STRUCTURAL CONDITION
The visible and reasonably accessible hull, deck, superstructure, bulkheads, structural members, openings, hatches, windows, doors, railings and exterior fittings are examined for evidence of distortion, cracking, impact damage, corrosion, deterioration, water ingress, delamination, defective bonding, previous repairs or other material defects, as applicable to the yacht’s construction. Percussion testing and moisture measurements may be carried out where technically appropriate and included in the agreed scope. Concealed, inaccessible or permanently covered areas are not inspected unless specifically opened or made accessible.
MACHINERY & PROPULSION SYSTEMS
The visible and reasonably accessible main engines, gearboxes, generators, propulsion components, mountings, couplings, exhaust, cooling, fuel, lubrication, ventilation and control systems are examined for condition, installation, leakage, corrosion, deterioration and evidence of inadequate maintenance. Machinery is operated where safe, available and authorised. Internal condition, compression testing, electronic diagnostics, dismantling and specialist engine analysis are excluded unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
The visible and reasonably accessible AC and DC electrical installations, including batteries, battery switches, charging systems, shore-power connections, generators, inverters, converters, distribution panels, circuit protection, cabling, bonding and earthing arrangements, are examined for condition, installation, corrosion, damage and signs of overheating. Systems are function-tested where safe, available and authorised. Insulation-resistance testing, load-bank testing, internal dismantling and formal electrical certification are excluded unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
STEERING & CONTROL SYSTEMS
The visible and reasonably accessible steering gear, rudder stocks, linkages, hydraulic and electro-hydraulic components, helm and remote control stations, engine and gearbox controls, indicators, alarms, autopilot interfaces, emergency steering arrangements and thruster controls are examined for condition, installation, leakage, corrosion, abnormal play and correct response. Systems are function-tested at the berth and during the sea trial where safe, available and authorised. Internal dismantling, pressure testing, calibration and specialist electronic diagnostics are excluded unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
SEACOCKS, THROUGH-HULL FITTINGS & BILGE SYSTEMS
The visible and reasonably accessible seacocks, through-hull fittings, sea inlets, discharges, strainers, hoses, clamps, piping, bilge wells, bilge pumps, level switches, alarms and associated controls are examined for condition, installation, corrosion, leakage, security and operability. Accessible seacocks are operated where safe and practicable. Bilge pumps and alarms are function-tested where available and authorised. Concealed fittings, internal pipe condition, pressure testing and dismantling are excluded unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
DOMESTIC, SANITARY & AUXILIARY SYSTEMS
The visible and reasonably accessible fresh-water storage and distribution, hot-water, grey-water and black-water systems, sanitary appliances, holding tanks, pumps, macerators, watermakers, air-conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, galley, laundry and other domestic or auxiliary equipment are examined for condition, installation, leakage, corrosion and apparent operability, as fitted. Systems are function-tested where safe, available and authorised. Water-quality testing, internal tank inspection, refrigerant analysis, dismantling and specialist servicing are excluded unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
NAVIGATION & COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
The visible and reasonably accessible navigation and communication equipment, including chartplotters, radar, GNSS, AIS, depth and speed instruments, compasses, autopilot interfaces, VHF/MF/HF radios, satellite communications, intercoms, antennas and associated displays, are examined for condition, installation and apparent operability, as fitted. Equipment is powered and function-tested where safe, available and authorised. Accuracy, calibration, software status, chart licensing, transmission range, antenna performance and formal radio certification are not verified unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
FIRE-FIGHTING & LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES
The visible and reasonably accessible portable and fixed fire-extinguishing systems, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency shutdowns, fire dampers, ventilation closures, fire pumps, hoses, nozzles, hydrants, lifejackets, liferafts, lifebuoys, distress signals, EPIRBs, SARTs, man-overboard recovery equipment and associated signage are examined for presence, condition, accessibility, installation and recorded service status, as fitted and where applicable. Operational checks are limited to non-destructive tests that can be safely performed without discharging extinguishing agents, deploying liferafts or transmitting distress alerts. Formal certification, pressure testing, servicing, pyrotechnic validation and specialist inspection are excluded unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
DECK EQUIPMENT, ANCHORING & MOORING
The visible and reasonably accessible deck machinery and fittings, including windlasses, capstans, winches, anchors, chains, chain stoppers, hawse pipes, bow rollers, chain lockers, mooring lines, fairleads, chocks, bollards, cleats, rails, ladders, passerelles, cranes, davits and tender-handling equipment, are examined for condition, installation, corrosion, deformation, security and apparent operability, as fitted. Operational checks are carried out where safe, available and authorised. Proof-load testing, destructive testing, internal dismantling and formal certification are excluded unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
INTERIOR & ACCOMMODATION
The visible and reasonably accessible accommodation spaces, interior joinery, linings, deck and sole coverings, ceilings, furniture, berths, doors, drawers, lockers, companionways, stairs, handrails, glazing, escape routes and fixed outfitting are examined for condition, security, damage, deterioration, water ingress, staining, cracking, distortion, delamination, corrosion, mould and evidence of previous repairs, as applicable. Doors, drawers, locks, hinges, hatches and escape openings are function-checked where safe and practicable. Concealed structures, hidden fastenings, internal insulation, fire integrity behind linings and destructive dismantling are excluded unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
TENDERS, TOYS & AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
The visible and reasonably accessible tenders, personal watercraft, rescue boats, launching appliances, cradles, securing arrangements, lifting points, outboard engines, batteries, fuel systems, controls and associated auxiliary equipment are examined for general condition, installation, security, corrosion, leakage, damage and apparent operability, as fitted. Operational checks are carried out where safe, available and authorised. Sea trials, proof-load testing, lifting-equipment certification, engine diagnostics, registration or title verification, and specialist inspection of diving or high-risk recreational equipment are excluded unless expressly included in the agreed scope.
PRE-PURCHASE SURVEY REPORT
The written report records the agreed scope, inspection conditions, documents reviewed, tests performed, material findings, photographs, limitations and items not tested or verified. Defects and matters requiring attention are prioritised, with recommendations where appropriate, to assist the purchaser’s decision-making. The report reflects the yacht’s apparent condition at the time and place of inspection and does not constitute a warranty against latent or future defects.
OPTIONAL TESTS & SPECIALIST SERVICES
Additional tests and specialist services may be arranged where required, including oil, coolant and fuel analysis; electronic engine diagnostics; borescope inspection; compression or leak-down testing; thermal imaging; ultrasonic thickness measurements; moisture mapping; coating inspection; internal tank inspection; and attendance by approved engine, electrical, hydraulic or other specialist contractors. Such services are not included in the standard survey unless expressly identified in the quotation and agreed scope, and may be subject to third-party availability, access, dismantling and separate charges.
QUOTATION BASIS
The quotation is determined by the yacht’s dimensions, construction, age, location, systems complexity, accessibility, operational status and agreed scope. Unless otherwise stated, the standard fee covers survey planning, the agreed inspection phases, review of the documents made available, analysis of findings and preparation of the written report. Inspection ashore, sea trial and inspection afloat may be priced separately. Haul-out, launching, berth and yard charges, travel and accommodation, sea-trial operating costs, specialist contractors, laboratory analyses, dismantling, translations, urgent reporting and other third-party costs are excluded unless expressly included. Any change in scope, access, schedule or yacht availability may require a revised quotation.
REQUEST A PRE-PURCHASE SURVEY
To request a quotation, please provide the yacht’s principal particulars, current location, intended scope and preferred inspection dates. JLS Yacht Consulting will confirm availability, survey requirements and a tailored quotation.