


Pre-Purchase - Buyers Survey
Pre-Purchase Survey – A complete inspection of a vessel you are considering purchasing, covering all accessible areas and systems. The survey includes examination of the hull for damage or moisture-related issues, assessment of onboard systems such as engine, electrical and plumbing installations, inspection of the mast, rigging and sails, review of safety and navigation equipment, evaluation of the interior condition, and an informed opinion on the vessel’s current market value. The purpose of the survey is to provide a clear understanding of the vessel’s condition, identify any hidden defects, support price negotiations, assist in planning future maintenance or upgrades, facilitate insurance requirements, and enable a confident purchase decision. The inspection typically takes 6–8 hours on site, after which a detailed, photo-supported report is provided, with findings explained in straightforward terms and prioritised according to their significance.
Insurance Survey
Insurance Survey – A detailed inspection of a vessel carried out to satisfy insurance company requirements, confirming that the boat is in a safe, serviceable condition and has been properly maintained. The survey includes assessment of the hull structure and overall integrity, verification of safety equipment and compliance, inspection of electrical and gas installations for safe operation, evaluation of engine condition, review of fire prevention and firefighting systems, examination of navigation equipment, and provision of a current market valuation. The purpose of the survey is to enable the issue or renewal of insurance, potentially reduce premiums, identify any safety concerns, ensure compliance with applicable standards, and formally document the vessel’s condition and value. The inspection is focused on safety and seaworthiness, with reports prepared to meet the requirements of major marine insurers, and is typically completed within 4–6 hours.
Damage Survey
Damage Assessment
What it is: An inspection after an accident or incident has damaged your boat. We document the damage and recommend repairs.
What we check:
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Extent of visible damage
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Hidden damage that might not be obvious
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Structural impacts
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Affected systems
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Cost estimates for repairs
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Whether the boat is safe to use
Why you need it:
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Support insurance claims
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Get fair compensation
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Ensure all damage is found and fixed
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Plan effective repairs
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Understand if the damage affects boat value
Our approach: We carefully document all damage with detailed photos and descriptions. Our report helps you work with insurance companies and repair yards to get your boat fixed properly.
Sea Trials
Sea Trials Service
What it is: A practical test of the boat while it's operating on the water. We check how all systems work when the boat is actually sailing or motoring.
What we check:
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Engine performance under load
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Steering response and handling
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Sail plan and rigging under tension
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How the boat handles in different conditions
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Water systems operation
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Navigation equipment in use
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Electrical systems under operating conditions
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Hull performance and stability
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Unusual sounds or vibrations
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Bilge dryness after operating
Why you need it:
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See how the boat actually performs, not just how it looks
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Test if engine problems appear only during operation
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Check comfort and handling characteristics
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Verify sailing performance for sailboats
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Identify issues that only show up when systems are working
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Make a fully informed buying decision
Our approach: We join you on the water for 2-4 hours to test all aspects of the boat in operation. We usually conduct sea trials after a satisfactory preliminary inspection. The sea trial includes testing the boat at various speeds, checking maneuverability, and testing all onboard systems under real conditions. For sailboats, we assess sail handling, balance, and performance on different points of sail.
Recommendation: A sea trial is strongly recommended as part of any pre-purchase process. Many critical issues only become apparent when the boat is being used as intended on the water.
Valuation Report
Valuation Report
What it is: A professional assessment of your boat's current market value, based on its condition, age, model, and the current market.
What we check:
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Boat's overall condition
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Equipment and extras
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Recent sales of similar boats
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Current market trends
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Builder's reputation
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Special features or upgrades
Why you need it:
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Set a fair selling price
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Insure your boat correctly
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Settle estate matters
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Divide assets in legal proceedings
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Document value for loans
Our approach: We combine a physical inspection with market research to determine a fair, accurate value. Our valuation reports are accepted by banks, insurance companies, and legal authorities.
Osmosis Testing Survey
Hull condition surveys/osmosis checks are limited surveys, focusing exclusively on the condition and integrity of the vessel's hull. We will start by removing multiple areas of antifouling, as this is necessary to inspect the gelcoat surface for signs of wicking or blistering, and relative moisture content will be measured using a Sovereign moisture meter. Where necessary, we can advise on the required treatment options, and oversee the repair work, signing off on each of the key stages.
If you would like more information about a particular service please get in touch.
Sellers Survey
Our Seller’s Survey assists the yacht owner or broker in gaining an independent insight into the condition of his yacht and protect his interests throughout the sales process. This will also enable the seller to address any issues found that would result in a negotiated reduction in price, all findings are totally confidential.
Stage 1: We inspect the vessel either in and/or out of the water with particular attention given to any aspects that may become potential issues during the sales process. The process can be as little as a walk through half day review of the vessel through to a full pre-purchase survey with sea trials.
Stage 2: We issue you with a confidential condition report including a market value if requested. Whilst the report is confidential we will allow the owner to use the report as part of the sales material.
Stage 3 (optional): If serious defects are found, we can arrange for the repairs before sales viewings commence, or manage the process at the shipyard for the owner at an extra cost. We can also return to inspect post repairs ensuring works are completed to a satisfactory standard if the owner chooses to manage works himself.
Stage 4: We attend all or part of the pre-purchase survey on the seller’s behalf to ensure that all procedures are carried out correctly and any findings or defects discovered are substantiated. In the event of a legal dispute we provide an expert witness service on the owner’s behalf.
Inventory Service: A full or partial inventory of the vessel’s equipment and interior furnishings can also be provided.
Drone Surveys
In addition to full pre-purchase and insurance surveys, I offer professional drone inspections for yachts and masts throughout the Ionian region. Using high-resolution aerial imaging, I am able to inspect spars, standing rigging, spreaders, mastheads, radar mounts, solar gantries, deck areas, and hard-to-reach structures safely from ground level. This provides clear visual evidence of condition without the risks or delays associated with climbing aloft, and is particularly useful where marina regulations restrict mast access. Drone surveys are ideal for insurance inspections, pre-purchase assessments, post-storm checks, and routine condition monitoring. All imagery can be supplied to clients and insurers as part of a formal report where required.
