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Enhanced Marine Surveys - Yacht Surveys Greece

  • Writer: Steven Truss MIIMS
    Steven Truss MIIMS
  • Jun 5
  • 6 min read

Thinking about buying a yacht in Preveza and need help?
Thinking about buying a yacht in Preveza and need help?

Intelligence-Enhanced Marine Surveys in the Ionian Islands

Beyond Standard Inspection - We Research Your Vessel Before We Board

Based in Preveza, Greece | Operating throughout the Ionian Islands since 1995


What Makes Our Surveys Different?

Standard marine surveys inspect what's visible. Our intelligence-enhanced surveys know what to look for.

Before stepping aboard your vessel, we conduct comprehensive research into known defects, common failures, and manufacturer-specific issues for your exact make, model, and year. This intelligence-driven approach ensures we focus inspection time on the problems that matter most for your specific vessel - especially critical for the many ex-charter boats available in Greek waters.

The Result: More thorough inspections, fewer surprises, and better-informed purchase decisions.

⚠️ Known Defects and Common Survey Findings on Bavaria Yachts

Structural and Hull-Related

  • Delamination in deck-core areas: Especially around stanchions and fittings where water ingress occurs.

  • Bulkhead bonding failure: Inadequate tabbing or bonding of interior bulkheads to the hull, particularly in high-stress areas like chainplates.

  • Keel joint movement: Evidence of stress around keel bolts or the keel stub, often due to hard groundings or insufficient support.

  • Rudder stock corrosion or play: Especially in models fitted with composite rudder stocks or stainless steel shafts prone to pitting.

Deck and Rigging

  • Deck hardware bedding failure: Leaks around chainplates, stanchions, and deck hatches due to poor or deteriorating sealant.

  • Low-quality rigging fittings: OEM rigging terminals and turnbuckles occasionally show premature wear or corrosion.

  • Mast step corrosion: Internal mast steps on keel-stepped rigs can accumulate water and corrode, especially if drainage is inadequate.

Interior Joinery and Systems

  • Veneer delamination and swelling: Particularly around galley and head areas, due to inadequate sealing against moisture.

  • Weak floorboard retention: Floorboards often inadequately secured, leading to movement and creaking under load.

  • Compromised access to service areas: Engine and plumbing access often limited, complicating maintenance and survey inspection.

Plumbing and Tanks

  • Leaking water tanks: Especially polyethylene tanks with poorly bonded fittings or tanks without baffles leading to stress cracks.

  • Sanitary hose permeability: Odours from original hose installations due to lack of odor-blocking specifications.

  • Pump failures: Electric freshwater or bilge pumps with low-grade switchgear often exhibit early failure or wiring faults.

Electrical and Electronics

  • Undersized wiring: In older models, original wiring may be below modern ISO/ABYC standards, leading to overheating or voltage drop.

  • Poor grounding systems: Limited bonding between metallic components, increasing risk of galvanic corrosion.

  • Original switch panels prone to malfunction: Particularly rocker switches and fuse panels mounted in high humidity zones.

Steering and Propulsion

  • Steering cable stretch or wear: Common in wheel systems without proper sheaves or tension adjustment.

  • Saildrive seal issues: Volvo Penta saildrives on some models have had reports of seal leaks or premature diaphragm aging.

  • Exhaust system corrosion: Wet exhaust elbows or poorly supported exhaust hoses may show signs of internal corrosion or leaks.


Why Vessel-Specific Intelligence Matters

Every yacht has a story written by hundreds of previous owners and charter seasons. We find these stories before your survey, not after your purchase.


Our Enhanced Survey Process for Greek Waters

1. Pre-Survey Intelligence Research

  • Comprehensive analysis of owner reports and charter industry data

  • Focus on Mediterranean charter boat wear patterns

  • Identification of manufacturer-specific defects common in Greek fleets

  • Priority ranking of known problem areas for your vessel type

2. Charter-Aware Inspection Protocol

  • Standard comprehensive survey protocols per International Institute of Marine Surveying standards

  • Plus: Enhanced focus on charter boat stress points

  • Plus: Assessment of Mediterranean-specific issues (salt corrosion, intense UV exposure)

  • Plus: Evaluation of charter company maintenance standards

3. Comprehensive Intelligence Report

  • Standard survey findings and recommendations in plain English

  • Plus: Context of issues within manufacturer history

  • Plus: Charter boat wear assessment and recommendations

  • Plus: Local repair facility and parts availability guidance


Real Example: Intelligence at Work

Recent Survey: 2008 Bavaria 40 (Ex-Charter)


Standard Survey Would Have Found: Some deck hardware looseness, minor engine room leaks, worn interior

Our Intelligence-Enhanced Survey Revealed:

  • Deck fitting leaks were the known Bavaria silicone sealant failure - requiring complete re-bedding with Sikaflex (€2,800 repair)

  • Rudder bearing wear was consistent with known Bavaria weakness - recommended immediate reinforcement (€1,500 preventive vs €8,000 emergency)

  • Saildrive showed early signs of the known 1999-era failure pattern - budget €15,000 replacement within 2 years

Client Impact: Armed with this intelligence, our client negotiated €18,000 off the purchase price and avoided a potential emergency repair situation.


Service Packages

Standard Marine Survey

  • Comprehensive hull, mechanical, and systems inspection

  • Detailed written report with recommendations in plain English

  • Digital photos and documentation

  • €12 per foot (minimum €350)

Intelligence-Enhanced Marine Survey ⭐ RECOMMENDED

  • Everything in Standard Survey PLUS:

  • Pre-survey defect intelligence research

  • Charter boat wear pattern assessment

  • Manufacturer-specific inspection focus

  • Known issue assessment with Greek market context

  • Enhanced reporting with vessel intelligence

  • €15 per foot (minimum €450)

Premium Charter Boat Package

  • Everything in Enhanced Survey PLUS:

  • Charter history investigation

  • Fleet maintenance standard assessment

  • Post-survey consultation on findings

  • Local vendor recommendations for identified issues

  • 30-day follow-up support

  • €18 per foot (minimum €550)


What Our Clients Say

"The intelligence research was invaluable for our Bavaria 40 purchase. Knowing about the common rudder and saildrive issues helped us negotiate €15,000 off and plan for proper maintenance."— James M., UK Buyer, 2024
"Other surveyors just looked at the obvious. This enhanced survey found the known Bavaria deck fitting problems before they became expensive leaks. Worth every euro."— Sarah K., German Owner, 2024
"As first-time buyers in Greece, the charter boat intelligence was crucial. We knew exactly what wear to expect and what was actually concerning."— Robert T., Dutch Buyer, 2025

Common Issues We Research For Popular Greek Charter Boats

Bavaria Yachts:

  • Systematic deck fitting leaks requiring Sikaflex re-bedding

  • Rudder bearing weakness and keel attachment concerns

  • Wobbly stanchion bases (usually not structural)

  • Saildrive maintenance and replacement timing

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey:

  • Charter fleet maintenance variations

  • Deck hardware stress from charter use

  • Engine mounting and alignment issues

  • Interior wear patterns and hidden damage

Beneteau Oceanis:

  • Charter company modification quality

  • System accessibility for maintenance

  • Known electrical and plumbing routing issues


Why Choose Yacht Surveys Greece?

Operating in Ionian Islands Since 1995Member of International Institute of Marine SurveyingOver 3,700 Vessels Surveyed to DateEnhanced Intelligence Research ProtocolsComprehensive Insurance CoverageReports in Plain EnglishLocal Greek Market KnowledgeCharter Boat Expertise


Coverage Areas

Primary Base: Preveza, Greece

Service Areas: Ionian Islands, Corfu, Athens, and surrounding areas

Charter Bases Covered: Lefkada, Corfu, Athens, Lavrion, Kos, Preveza


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you research vessel-specific defects? A: We analyze owner forums, manufacturer data, charter company reports, and marine industry databases to identify patterns of known issues for your specific make, model, and year - with particular focus on charter fleet experience in Greek waters.

Q: Why is charter boat intelligence important? A: Many boats for sale in Greece are ex-charter vessels. Charter boats experience different wear patterns and maintenance standards than private boats. Our intelligence research helps identify what's normal charter wear versus concerning problems.

Q: Does this add time to my survey? A: The research is conducted before your survey appointment. On-site inspection time may be slightly longer due to enhanced focus areas, but scheduling remains the same.

Q: Do you cover boats outside the Ionian Islands? A: Yes, I regularly travel to Athens, Corfu, and other areas. Travel time may apply for distant locations - please inquire.

Q: Can you help with Greek registration and paperwork? A: While I focus on technical surveys, I can recommend reliable local agents for registration, insurance, and legal requirements.


Ready to Make an Informed Decision?

Don't let unknown defects become expensive surprises in Greek waters.

Our intelligence-enhanced surveys give you the knowledge to negotiate confidently and budget accurately for your vessel purchase, whether it's a pristine private yacht or a well-used charter boat.

Contact Information:


Recent Intelligence Discoveries in Greek Waters

2019 Bavaria 40 - Lefkada Marina✅ Identified systematic deck fitting failures✅ Found known rudder bearing wear✅ Revealed charter company electrical modifications

Client saved €15,000 in negotiations

2015 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 - Athens✅ Predicted engine mount stress issues✅ Identified charter fleet interior wear patterns✅ Found known electrical routing problems

Client avoided €8,000 in surprise repairs

2010 Beneteau Oceanis 40 - Corfu✅ Researched known deck hardware issues✅ Identified typical charter boat modifications✅ Found systematic maintenance shortcuts

Client negotiated €12,000 price reduction




 
 
 

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