Pre-purchase yacht boat survey

Yacht Pre-Purchase Survey

Acquiring a yacht is a significant investment decision. Whether it is a 12-metre cruising sailboat, a 30-metre motor yacht or a super yacht of more than 50 metres, a vessel's actual technical condition can differ considerably from its sales presentation. The pre-purchase survey carried out by Franck Gachet is an essential first step before any serious transaction.

Structural and engine inspection

The inspection covers the entire structure: composite or steel hull using sonic hammer and thickness gauge, deck, superstructures, gratings and cockpit area. The propulsion system, main diesel engines, pumps, heat exchangers, shaft line, propellers and gearboxes, undergoes a full functional check, including engine hours readings, review of maintenance logs and, if required, oil sampling for laboratory analysis. The 12V, 24V, 220V and 380V electrical systems are inspected, the distribution panels checked, the batteries tested, and the chargers and converters verified.

Navigation, safety and administrative documents

The navigation equipment, VHF, AIS, radar, depth sounder, autopilot and chartplotting systems, together with the safety equipment, life rafts, EPIRBs, fire extinguishers and survival rafts, is subject to a thorough inventory and a check of expiry and inspection dates. The administrative documents, registration certificate depending on the flag, tonnage certificate, latest classification or periodic survey, and classification society reports where applicable, are examined and their validity verified.

The survey report

The pre-purchase survey report provided to the client is a comprehensive document, illustrated with captioned photographs, organised by system, listing the defects found in order of severity and accompanied by an estimate of the repair work required. It enables the buyer to negotiate from an informed position, or to walk away from a purchase that presents disproportionate risks.