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Marine surveyor conducting yacht sea trial inspection in Greece Why a Sea Trial Is an Essential Part of a Yacht Survey Buying a yacht is a major investment, and while a detailed inspection ashore can reveal a great deal about the vessel’s condition, the true behaviour of a yacht is often only revealed when she is underway. For this reason, a sea trial forms an important part of a comprehensive pre-purchase survey. During a sea trial the vessel is operated under normal conditi

Yesterday was one of those satisfying days on the water. Two vessels were sea-trialled in the Ionian sunshine following pre-purchase surveys: a Moody in the morning and a Jeanneau 50 in the afternoon. Sea trials can be an essential part of the survey process. While a vessel can look perfectly presentable ashore or alongside the pontoon, the true test comes when systems are operating under real conditions. During a sea trial we assess engine performance, cooling systems, steer

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

Understanding the Nauticat 331 A recent assignment allowed me to survey a well-regarded example of a Finnish-built motor sailor — a Nauticat 331. This project combined a full structural inspection ashore with an operational assessment during a sea trial. These surveys are always intriguing. They not only highlight the vessel itself but also emphasize the importance of understanding builder heritage, real-world performance, and condition in context. The Nauticat range, built b

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