Buying or owning a yacht is a thrilling experience, but it comes with responsibilities. One of the most important steps in protecting your investment is getting a thorough yacht survey. However, understanding the costs involved can be confusing. I want to break down yacht survey costs for you in a clear, practical way so you know what to expect and how to plan your budget. What Influences Yacht Survey Costs? Yacht survey costs vary widely depending on several factors. Knowing

A recent assignment provided the opportunity to survey a well-regarded example of a Finnish-built motor sailor — a Nauticat 331 — combining a full structural inspection ashore with operational assessment during sea trial. These projects are always interesting, not only because of the vessel itself, but because they highlight the importance of understanding builder heritage, real-world performance, and condition in context. Built by Siltala Yachts of Finland, this was a beauti

Today’s assignment involved a focused hull structure inspection of a cruising catamaran ashore in Aktio. This was not a pre-purchase survey, but a targeted assessment requested by the owner following historic repair work and with the intention of gaining clarity on overall structural condition before marketing the vessel. These types of surveys are often some of the most interesting, as they allow a deeper look into construction methods and how different inspection techniques

Buying or owning a yacht is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most important steps to protect your investment is conducting a thorough inspection. Whether you’re purchasing a new yacht or maintaining your current one, having a clear and effective yacht inspection checklist is essential. It helps you spot potential issues early, avoid costly repairs, and ensure your vessel is safe and seaworthy. In this post, I’ll walk you through how t

Buying or owning a yacht in Greece is an exciting adventure. But before you set sail, it’s crucial to understand the importance of yacht surveys. These inspections help you avoid costly surprises and ensure your vessel is safe and seaworthy. I’ve put together this guide to walk you through everything you need to know about yacht surveys in Greece. Whether you’re buying a new yacht or maintaining your current one, this guide will help you make informed decisions. Understanding

Buying or owning a yacht in Greece is an exciting adventure. But before you set sail, there’s an important step you shouldn’t skip: a marine survey. This inspection helps you understand the condition of the vessel and avoid costly surprises later. One of the most common questions I get is about the cost of marine inspections . How much should you expect to pay? What factors influence the price? And is it really worth the investment? Let’s dive into these questions together. W

This week’s pre-purchase survey took place at Cleopatra Marina on the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469 “CHILLED.” It was a perfect example of how a professional inspection should be conducted. Windy conditions kept things lively outside, but once on board, the focus shifted to methodical access, full exposure of critical areas, and a thorough assessment of the vessel from keel to mast. Understanding the Background of "CHILLED" “CHILLED” is an ex-charter yacht from Sunsail. With forme

A full day on site for a pre-purchase survey is always a reminder of why proper inspections matter so much, especially in today’s market where appearances can be misleading. This yacht was a good example of a vessel that, at first glance, presented well, but as always, it was the detail that told the real story. The weather conditions were ideal, which allowed a calm and methodical inspection of the hull, deck, structure, machinery, rig, and onboard systems. These days make a

Buying or owning a yacht in Greece is an exciting adventure. But before you set sail, there’s an important step you can’t skip: a yacht survey. It’s your best tool to avoid surprises and protect your investment. However, understanding yacht survey pricing can be confusing. I’ve been through this process many times, and I want to share what I’ve learned about the costs involved, so you can plan better and feel confident. What Does a Yacht Surveyor Do? Before diving into costs

Yesterday’s job was a full pre-purchase condition survey on a Lagoon 450 F catamaran at Aktio Marina, Preveza. It was one of those classic winter survey days in the Ionian: cold, clear, and ideal for a proper structural inspection with the boat ashore and everything accessible. These are always the surveys I enjoy most, because they allow a vessel to be assessed methodically and without compromise. A pre-purchase survey is not just about finding faults. It is about understand

Why Aluminum Hull Inspection Tips Matter Aluminum hulls behave differently than fiberglass or steel. They resist corrosion well but can suffer from fatigue, dents, and galvanic corrosion if not properly maintained. Understanding these unique traits helps you spot potential issues early. For example, aluminum can develop tiny cracks from stress or impact. These cracks might not be obvious at first but can lead to serious problems if ignored. Also, aluminum’s conductivity means

Buying or owning a yacht in Greece is an exciting adventure. The stunning Ionian Islands and the Aegean Sea offer some of the best sailing experiences in the world. But before you set sail, you need to make sure your investment is safe and sound. That’s where a yacht surveyor comes in. Choosing the right professional to inspect your yacht can save you from costly surprises and give you peace of mind. I’ve learned a lot about this process, and I want to share some practical ti