What is a pre-purchase yacht survey?

A pre-purchase survey is an independent inspection conducted by a certified marine surveyor (SAMS or NAMS accredited) who physically examines the vessel above and below the waterline, tests all systems, and produces a written report assessing the vessel's condition and fair market value.

Do I need a survey when buying a yacht?

Yes — a survey is strongly recommended for every pre-owned yacht purchase. Lenders also require it for financing.

How much does a yacht survey cost?

Survey costs typically range from $20–$35 per foot of vessel length.

What is a sea trial and why does it matter?

A sea trial is an on-water test of the vessel — checking engine performance, handling, and how systems perform under load. Some issues simply can't be evaluated at the dock, which is why survey and sea trial are done together, not as substitutes for each other.

What happens if the survey or sea trial finds a problem?

Whether that lets the buyer renegotiate price, request repairs, or cancel with the deposit returned depends on the specific contingency terms written into the purchase agreement.

Buying Guide

Yacht Survey and Sea Trial Explained

A pre-purchase survey and a sea trial are the two inspections that should happen before any yacht purchase closes.

A pre-purchase survey and a sea trial are the two inspections that should happen before any yacht purchase closes. The survey is a certified marine surveyor's written condition report; the sea trial is an on-water test of how the vessel actually runs.

Both are typically written into the purchase agreement as contingencies — and depending on the contract terms, a problem found in either one can let the buyer renegotiate or cancel with the deposit returned.

Survey: an independent inspection by a SAMS or NAMS accredited surveyor, typically $20–$35 per foot.
Sea trial: an on-water test of engine performance, handling, and systems under load.
Both are usually done the same day, as contingencies in the purchase agreement.
Findings can be grounds to renegotiate, request repairs, or cancel with the deposit returned.

Dan Ribeiro, CPYB · IYBA member

Independent yacht broker serving Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach.

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