Buying a Catamaran in Turkey: Pre-Purchase Survey Checklist

Catamarans have become one of the most popular choices for cruising and charter in Turkish waters. They offer space, stability and shallow draft; they also have two of almost everything and a structure that behaves differently from a monohull. A catamaran survey is not simply a monohull survey done twice. This checklist explains what we look at when surveying a catamaran for a buyer.

1. The bridgedeck and bulkheads

The bridgedeck joins the two hulls and carries significant loads in a seaway. Its structure, and the bulkheads that connect it to the hulls, are central to a catamaran survey.

• Bulkhead attachments to the hulls and the bridgedeck are inspected where accessible.
• The underside of the bridgedeck is checked for slamming damage and cracking.
• Door and locker alignment is noted as an indirect sign of structural movement.
• Where the builder has run an inspection or reinforcement programme for a particular model, we ask for the record of that work.

2. Both hulls, separately

Each hull is sounded and moisture-read on its own, with keel stubs or skegs, rudder areas and through-hull fittings inspected in both. Damage from grounding or contact is sometimes present in only one hull.

3. Saildrives or shafts, times two

Most cruising catamarans have one engine in each hull, often driving saildrives.

• Saildrive seals and their replacement dates, in both hulls.
• Saildrive leg corrosion, anodes and gear oil condition.
• Engine hours and service history for each engine; hours can differ between the two.
• Cooling, exhaust and fuel systems for each engine.

4. Steering

A catamaran’s steering links two rudders, often via cables or rods across the boat. Rudder bearings on both sides, the linkage, and play at the wheel are checked. The emergency tiller and how it fits are confirmed.

5. Forward crossbeam and trampoline

On boats with a forward crossbeam, its attachments to the hulls and the forestay fitting carry high loads. The beam, its fittings and the trampoline and its lashings are inspected.

6. Rig and sails

Catamaran rigs are typically under high static loads. Standing rigging age, terminals, chainplates and the mast base are checked. Sails are inspected for condition and age.

7. Systems

Catamarans are often system-rich: generator, air-conditioning, watermaker, several heads and a large electrical system. Each is run and checked; charging and battery capacity are assessed against the boat’s loads.

8. Charter history

Many catamarans for sale in Turkey have a charter history. Maintenance records, the number of seasons and the work done at fleet exit are reviewed. See our guide to buying an ex-charter yacht.

9. Haul-out and sea trial

Catamarans need a travel lift wide enough for their beam, which limits the marinas and yards that can lift them. Check availability early. On the sea trial, both engines are run under load, manoeuvring on each engine is tested, and the boat’s behaviour under sail is assessed in suitable conditions.

10. Paperwork

Registration and ownership, VAT and customs status, CE documentation and service records should be reviewed before the survey. Anything without records is noted in the report as “could not be verified”.

Our catamaran survey page sets out the full scope; for an instant estimate use the survey quote calculator.

11. Electrical system and charging

Catamarans often carry large battery banks, inverters, solar panels and a generator. The survey checks battery condition and installation, cable sizes and protection, the shore power connection and whether the charging sources can keep up with the boat’s loads. Additions made over the years are a common source of problems and are reviewed against good practice.

12. Deck, hatches and windows

Large saloon windows and many deck hatches mean many seals. Leaks show as water marks on headlining and in lockers, and around window frames inside. Deck hardware bedding is checked, and sounding around fittings looks for water in cored decks.

What a buyer should do before the survey

• Ask the seller for maintenance records and any builder bulletins that apply to the model.
• Confirm that a lift is available for the boat’s beam at the chosen date.
• Agree the sea trial arrangements and who will skipper the boat.

Frequently asked questions

Does a catamaran survey take longer?

Usually yes: there are two hulls, two engines and two steering systems, and often more systems overall.

Which marinas can lift a catamaran?

Only those with a wide enough travel lift or a crane; check beam limits with the marina before booking the survey.

What is the most important check on a catamaran?

The structural connection between the bridgedeck and the hulls, together with the condition of the saildrives or shafts in both hulls.