Pre-Purchase Survey on Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 “Aurora” – Preveza, Greece

A full pre-purchase survey was completed this week on Aurora, a 2019 Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran, inspected ashore in Preveza. The survey was commissioned by a private buyer and carried out to full International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) codes of practice.

The Saona 47 is one of the most popular mid-size cruising catamarans from Fountaine Pajot, offering impressive performance under sail combined with an exceptionally comfortable layout. Aurora was found to be a well-maintained and privately used example, presented in very good order both structurally and cosmetically.

Condition and Findings

The hulls and underwater surfaces were in excellent condition, showing no signs of osmotic activity, distortion, or prior repair. Moisture meter readings were within normal ranges, and all structural laminates were sound.The deck and coachroof were firm underfoot with no soft areas detected, and only a few small cosmetic stress cracks were noted around hardware fastenings — typical of normal use and easily addressed.

Both Volvo Penta D2-60 engines and saildrives were clean, dry, and in serviceable condition, with only routine maintenance items due, such as the replacement of the saildrive diaphragm seals and propeller anodes. The Fischer Panda generator and Robusto diesel heater were tidy installations and reported to be fully operational.

The rig and spars were inspected visually and supplemented by a RigEye™ drone survey to assess upper fittings and spreader terminations. The standing rigging remains original from 2019 and appeared in good condition, with renewal recommended in line with normal seven-to-ten-year intervals.

Internally, the vessel presented beautifully — dry bilges, clean systems, and a well-maintained interior with no evidence of leakage or structural movement.

A Few Maintenance Notes

As with all yachts of this age, a few small items were noted for attention:

• Renewal of the saildrive diaphragm seals (now at the 5-year service interval)

• Replacement of the BBQ gas hose, which is beyond its date

• New propeller anodes at next lift-out

• Light gelcoat repair at the lower anchor roller moulding

• Monitoring of UV-affected PVC skin fittings at the waterline (see image above).

All of these are routine service items and do not detract from the vessel’s excellent overall condition.

Valuation

After comparing recent Mediterranean listings and recent sales of similar 2018–2020 Saona 47 models, Aurora was assessed at a fair market value of around €635,000. Comparable examples in Greece and Croatia currently range between €650,000 and €700,000, placing Aurora within the upper market bracket depending on inventory and VAT status.

A Word on Professional Yacht Surveys

Every pre-purchase survey I carry out follows IIMS best practice — a detailed, impartial inspection of the structure, machinery, and systems, backed by moisture testing, percussion sounding, and an independent valuation. The goal is to provide clear, evidence-based reporting so buyers can proceed with confidence and sellers can demonstrate transparency.

This particular Saona 47 survey in Preveza was a pleasure to complete. It’s always encouraging to see a catamaran that has been carefully maintained and properly prepared for sale.

For professional yacht and catamaran surveys in Preveza, Lefkada, Cleopatra Marina, Aktio Marina, and the Ionion region, visit www.yachtsurveysgreece.com

Steven Truss MIIMSMarine Surveyor – Yacht Surveys GreeceMember, International Institute of Marine Surveying