Pre-Purchase Yacht Survey
Find out what the vessel really is before you commit. An independent report backed by measured values you can use in the negotiation.
- Engine diagnostics — compression and injector test, true running hours, fault history
- Hull moisture map and ultrasonic thickness readings
- Sea trial included — most defects only show under load
- Findings graded urgent / short-term / monitor
- Estimated repair cost against every item
- No commission ties with brokers or vendors
A pre-purchase yacht survey documents the true present condition of the boat you intend to buy, using measuring instruments rather than opinion. Hull and fittings ashore, systems in the engine room, and the boat under load at sea. On a 40 ft boat the field work takes about 1.5 working days.
What the survey covers
A pre-purchase survey establishes what the vessel actually is today, in measurable terms. The aim is not to find a flawless boat — it is to know which defects exist, which are urgent, and what they will cost, before you are committed.
The inspection runs in three stages.
Ashore
The vessel is hauled and the hull pressure washed. Moisture readings are taken across the underwater hull, and the laminate is checked for osmotic blistering and delamination. Skin fittings, seacocks, anodes, shaft, propeller, cutless bearing and rudder stock are each examined. The keel joint and keel bolts receive particular attention.
Onboard systems
In the engine room the main engine, gearbox, cooling circuit, fuel system and exhaust run are observed under load with a thermal camera. The electrical panel, battery bank and charging system are measured. Deck laminate is percussion tested, and hatch and window seals checked. Rig terminals are examined for cracking by dye penetrant testing.
Sea trial
Once afloat, the engine is run under load and speed, temperature and vibration values recorded. Steering, autopilot, navigation electronics and sailing gear are tested underway. A great many defects only reveal themselves at this stage.
What sets us apart
In Turkey a pre-purchase survey is usually run as a visual inspection: hatches are opened, the engine is run for a while, the hull is looked over. We run the same inspection with instruments, and tie every claim to a number.
| Common practice | What we do |
|---|---|
| The hour meter on the dash is read | True running hours are read from the ECU, with their distribution across rev bands and the fault history |
| The engine is run and listened to | A compression (cylinder balance) and injector test is performed |
| The hull is looked at | The surface is scanned on a grid and a moisture map is produced |
| “The electrics look fine” | Panel and battery connections are scanned with a thermal camera; sockets are tested for polarity and earth continuity |
| Defects are listed | Defects are graded by urgency with an estimated cost range |
The surveyor spent 28 years in the Turkish Coast Guard and Navy and inspected more than 350 boats and vessels; he is also a qualified marine mechanic and master instructor. The person taking the engine readings is the person interpreting them.
How the report is delivered
Every finding is photographed and placed in one of three urgency classes:
- Immediate — safety defects to be rectified before going to sea
- Short term — items to be addressed within the season
- Monitor — conditions that pose no present risk but should be watched
After delivery we go through the findings together by phone, so that the purchase decision, the negotiating position and the repair priorities are clear.
Duration and fee
Field work takes about 1.5 working days on a 40 ft boat; above 60 ft this extends to 2-3 days. The written report is delivered the same day.
| Scope | Fee |
|---|---|
| Pre-purchase yacht survey | 26 € / ft |
Example: 50 ft × 26 = 1,300 € + VAT.
Fees vary with the length of the boat, where she lies and the season. For a firm price call us — tell us about the boat and we will give you the number on the phone.
From the field
What this work looks like on board
8 frames
These frames were taken during real surveys. None of them are stock: each one is a measurement or a check described on this page.
Inspecting a hull hauled ashore 
Diagnostic read-out on the laptop 
Thermal reading across the block 
Equipment check in the saloon 
Noise measured in the cabin 
Readings worked into the report 
Navigation electronics tested 
Sweeping the underside with a lamp
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
How long does a pre-purchase yacht survey take in Turkey?
Does the boat need to be hauled out?
Can I use the survey report to negotiate the price?
Do you work for the buyer or the seller?
Services
Other services
- SURVEY
Damage Survey
The true extent and repair cost of the damage, documented independently — a report you can put in front of your insurer.
26 € / ft - SURVEY
Yacht Valuation
The vessel's real market value, grounded in technical findings — a reasoned valuation for sale, insurance or legal use.
25 € / ft - SURVEY
Pre-Season Check
Every system checked in one pass before the season; findings delivered as a priority-ordered work list you can hand straight to the yard.
18 € / ft
Contact
Book your survey
Tell us where the vessel lies and your approximate date — we reply the same day.
Serkan Kotel
Yacht surveyor · IIMS · ABYC · MCA — the person who answers the phone, walks the boat and signs the report is the same person.
Phone
+905320595917Service areas
Bodrum · Yalıkavak · Turgutreis · Milas · Göcek · Fethiye · Marmaris · Datça · İstanbul · Ayvalık