Buying
Yacht purchase closing and handover checklist
Final walkthrough, document transfer, and handover checklist for used yacht purchases in the EU — what to verify before the last payment leaves your account.
Introduction
Closing day is not ceremonial — it is the last moment you can withhold payment or pause transfer if something material changed since survey. Engines get winterized differently, inventory lists shrink, or registration papers "are coming next week."
Use this checklist after negotiation and survey sign-off. Pair with sea trial notes from your earlier visit.
Before you wire the balance
- Sale contract signed with agreed credits and repair clauses documented
- Survey conditions met — repairs done or credit applied per addendum
- Title and VAT files complete — title search checklist satisfied
- Encumbrances released — finance, marina, or lien clearance in writing
- Insurance start date aligned with transfer of risk
- Registration transfer process understood (flag state / national rules)
Do not pay the final tranche into an unverified account — confirm bank details through a known broker or lawyer channel.
Final walkthrough (same day as payment)
Hull and deck
- Match hull identification to contract and survey report
- No new damage since survey photos
- Through-hulls and seacocks operate
- Deck hardware and rig match survey inventory
Engine and systems
- Cold start; check alarms, charging, temperature
- Bilge pumps tested
- Heating / water / heads functional if seasonal
- Fuel and water tanks as agreed (level note in handover protocol)
Inventory and keys
- Inventory list signed — sails, fenders, tools, safety gear
- All keys, fobs, and codes (chartplotter, VHF, locks)
- Manuals and service records physically on board or digitally transferred
- Safety equipment within service date or credit applied
Documents to receive at handover
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bill of sale / transfer signed | Legal ownership |
| Registration deletion or transfer forms | Flag / national registry |
| VAT / import evidence | EU compliance |
| Survey report copy | Insurance and records |
| Service and rigging invoices | Maintenance baseline |
| Inventory and handover protocol | Dispute prevention |
Scan everything before leaving the marina. Store with model name and hull number.
First 48 hours after closing
- Notify insurer — confirm coverage active
- Submit registration if not done at closing
- Change marina contract and keys
- Photograph baseline — date-stamped condition record
- Book urgent Tier A work from survey if deferred
Plan seasonal commissioning using ownership guides for your region.
FAQ
Q: Seller wants payment before I step on board — normal?
A: Common structure: deposit earlier, balance at handover after walkthrough. Avoid full prepayment without escrow or strong contract protection.
Q: What if inventory is missing at handover?
A: Reference signed inventory; withhold agreed amount or document credit before transfer completes.
Q: Cross-border delivery?
A: Add transport insurance and export/import steps to the timeline.
Next steps
Review red flags if walkthrough surprises appear, browse yacht models, or contact advisory for closing support.