Bavaria 37 Survey in Preveza – A Classic “Project Boat”. Would you take it on?

3 days ago
3 min read

Bavaria 37 yacht ashore in Preveza boatyard during marine survey inspection

Last week I carried out a full condition survey on a Bavaria 37 located in Margarona Boatyard, Preveza — a really good example of what I’d call a “project boat with solid fundamentals.”

Bavaria 37 Pre-Purchase Survey in Preveza Greece

The owner, interestingly, is also a surveyor based in Scandinavia, which made for a great discussion around approach, standards, and expectations. He had already identified the boat as a refurbishment project, and the goal of the survey was to clearly define the starting point before beginning the work.

First Impressions

At first glance, the yacht showed all the typical signs of having been left unattended for a number of seasons:

Flat batteries
General dirt and weathering
Damp internal areas
Systems not operational

None of this is unusual — and importantly, none of it tells you anything about the structure of the boat.

That’s where a proper survey matters.

The Key Finding: Structure First

The most important part of any survey is always the structure — hull, keel, deck, and internal framework.

On this Bavaria 37:

Hull moisture readings were low throughout
Percussion soundings were consistent and solid
Keel structure and internal matrix were in good condition
Deck and coachroof showed no structural concerns

In simple terms:👉 the boat is fundamentally sound

And that’s the difference between a good project and a bad one.

What Needed Attention

As expected, the majority of findings were related to recommissioning rather than defects.

These included:

Water ingress into aft cabins and around deck fittings
Completely depleted battery bank
Steering system stiffness due to lack of use
Gas hose replacement required
Corroded lifeline terminals
General servicing across systems (winches, pumps, engine, etc.)

There were also a few practical issues:

Broken rope clutches
Damaged wind sensor
Minor deck hardware defects
Damp upholstery

Again — all typical for a yacht that has been sitting idle.

A Good Example of “Deferred Maintenance”

This yacht is a perfect example of something I see regularly in Greece:

A boat that hasn’t been abused… just not used.

There’s a big difference.

No structural damage
No major failures
Just time, weather, and lack of maintenance

These are often the best opportunities — if you go in with your eyes open.

The Real Value of the Survey

The purpose of this survey wasn’t to “find faults” — it was to:

✔ Confirm structural integrity✔ Identify safety-critical items✔ Define a clear recommissioning plan✔ Support realistic valuation

The result?

Current value (as is): €48,000 – €55,000
Post-recommissioned value: €65,000 – €72,000

That gap is where the opportunity sits.

Bavaria 37 yacht survey in Preveza showing low moisture meter readings on GRP hull

Final Thoughts

This Bavaria 37 is a solid yacht that simply needs bringing back to life.

With the right approach:

Fix the leaks
Replace consumables
Service the systems
Clean and present properly

…it will become a very attractive boat in the current market.

And that’s exactly why surveys matter.

Because the difference between:👉 a risky purchase and👉 a smart investment

is understanding the boat properly before you start.

Thinking of Buying a Yacht in Greece?

If you’re considering a yacht in Preveza, Lefkada, or anywhere in the Ionian:

I’m always happy to take a quick look at a listing and give you an honest first opinion before you commit.

📩 www.yachtsurveysgreece.com📱 WhatsApp: +30 6973220554

News update!