Before you travel
- Confirm exactly where the yacht is lying, and which yards nearby can lift it
- Appoint an independent surveyor near the vessel rather than flying one in blind
- Agree survey scope, sea trial and haul-out responsibilities in writing
- Check the report language and turnaround
- Understand the deposit, survey allowance and acceptance conditions in the purchase agreement
On site
- Attend at least part of the survey if you can
- Ask the surveyor to walk you through significant findings verbally
- Photograph areas of concern for later discussion
- Note which items would need a specialist follow-up inspection
Documentation and transaction
- Registration and title history
- VAT, duty or import status where relevant to your intended use
- Service records, refit invoices and previous survey reports
- Equipment inventory as included in the sale
Tax, import and registration treatment varies by country and by your circumstances. Take professional advice specific to your situation.