Ownership
How to read a yacht survey report
Understand condition grades, moisture readings, and recommended repairs in pre-purchase survey reports.
Start with scope
A pre-purchase survey lists what was opened, tested, and excluded. Read the scope paragraph first — a report without engine strip or rig aloft is not a full technical audit.
Common sections
| Section | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Hull and deck | Moisture map — localized vs widespread |
| Engine | Compression, service history, hour meter trust |
| Rigging | Age of wire and rod — replacement budget if near end |
| Electrical | RCD test, corrosion on panel backs |
Negotiation lens
Separate safety items (must fix before sea trial) from deferred maintenance (price adjustment). Model guides show what is typical for that design — compare survey findings to typical problems where available.
FAQ
Is "fair for age" good enough?
Only if your budget covers listed recommendations — get quotes for top three items before final offer.
Cross-read yacht survey cost guide and red flags inspection.