Buying a yacht in Istanbul? Turkey's largest city has an enormous second-hand boat market — from Ataköy Marina's modern berths to Tuzla's historic shipyards. An independent ABYC-certified survey protects you from Bosphorus-specific wear and hidden maintenance gaps. English report within 24 hours.
Istanbul sits at the crossroads of two seas. The Bosphorus current, Marmara's brackish water, and harsh winters create a unique set of challenges that boats in the Aegean rarely face. Shaft and propeller wear from strong currents, galvanic corrosion from mixed-salinity water, and freeze-thaw damage to deck fittings are common — and none are visible during a dockside walkthrough.
We survey across Ataköy Marina, Pendik Marina, Kalamış, and the Tuzla shipyard district. The patterns we see in Istanbul are distinct from the Aegean: more mechanical wear from current-heavy mooring, more corrosion from industrial harbour water, and more collision damage from dense Bosphorus traffic.
An ABYC-certified independent survey documents every system with photographs and clear priorities — giving you the evidence to negotiate fairly or to walk away with confidence.
We work exclusively for buyers. We have no relationship with sellers, Danışmans or yards — which is the only way an independent survey has any value at all.
The Turkish Aegean has been one of Europe's most active charter markets for thirty years. The same waters that make Istanbul irresistible to buyers have put thousands of hours on boats that look spotless at a glance.
We have surveyed more than 450 vessels across Istanbul, Yalıkavak, Turgutreis and Güllük. The patterns are consistent: osmosis in hulls built between 1985–2005, rigging fatigue from sustained charter loads, aging electrical installations re-wired locally, and deck-to-hull joint seepage masked by sealant.
An ABYC-certified independent survey puts hard numbers and photographs against every system on board. It gives you a negotiation document, a repair priority list, and the peace of mind that the boat you're buying is the boat you think you're buying.
We work exclusively for buyers. We have no relationship with sellers, Danışmans or yards — which is the only way an independent survey has any value at all.
From first WhatsApp to report in your inbox — here's exactly what happens.
Send us the boat details on WhatsApp. We confirm availability, provide a written fee quote and agree a survey date — usually within the same day.
We coordinate the travel lift booking with the marina on your behalf. The boat is hauled out and left dry for 4–12 hours before the inspection begins.
Structural, mechanical, electrical, rigging, sails and safety equipment. Moisture readings on the hull. Sea trial where agreed. Everything photographed.
A prioritised written report — Critical / Advisory / Note — with photos is delivered to your email within 24 hours. We're available by phone to walk you through the findings.
Get a ballpark in 30 seconds. A formal written quote follows on WhatsApp, same day.
We work for you only. No commissions from sellers, no relationships with yards or Consultants. Our only obligation is an accurate report — which is the only kind worth paying for.
The American Boat and Yacht Council credential is exceptionally rare in Turkey. It is the standard required by Lloyd's, British, German and Scandinavian marine insurers and by most international lenders.
Every report is written in plain English — not translated from Turkish, written in English from the start. Findings are categorised as Critical, Advisory or Note. Your surveyor is available by phone for questions.
Survey, Danışman service, licensed captain — one team. After the survey, we can help with price negotiation, Turkish title transfer (noter devir), and deliver the boat to your home port.
Ataköy, Pendik, Tuzla, Kalamış — we understand how Bosphorus conditions affect boats differently from the sheltered Aegean coast, and we know which yards have the right equipment for every vessel type.
We assist international buyers with Turkey-specific requirements: transit log, Turkish flagging, VAT status, notarised purchase contracts, and temporary importation rules. You don't need to navigate Turkish bureaucracy alone.
Show us the boat, we handle the marina coordination. Survey appointments available 7 days a week during season.
While not legally required, a pre-purchase survey is essential. Istanbul's charter market has put significant wear on many boats that look well-presented at first inspection. An independent survey consistently reveals osmosis, rigging fatigue, electrical deficiencies and deck-to-hull seepage — issues that typically cost €3,000–€15,000 to correct. The survey fee is one of the best returns on investment in any yacht purchase.
Survey fees in Turkey start at approximately €450–€600 for boats under 35 ft, €600–€1,200 for 35–50 ft, and €1,200–€3,500 for larger yachts. The fee depends on boat length, type, age and package selected. The haul-out (travel lift) cost is paid separately to the marina and typically runs €200–€500. A formal written quote is issued promptly after enquiry.
Yes. Our ABYC-certified surveys are accepted by Lloyd's of London syndicates and the major European marine insurers including British, German, Dutch, French and Scandinavian underwriters. If you are financing through a bank, ABYC certification is the standard most international lenders require. We issue the report in the format insurers expect.
Yes. Our partner holds a Turkish Danışman licence and assists with the full purchase process: price negotiation supported by survey findings, preparation of the notarised purchase contract (noter devir), Turkish coast guard registration, VAT status verification, and transit log if you plan to sail to Greece. You do not need a Turkish lawyer for a standard private boat purchase.
Yes. Our licensed captain provides professional yacht delivery across Turkey and to Greek ports. Routes regularly include Istanbul to Rhodes, Kos, Athens, and through the Greek islands. We handle transit log documentation, weather routing, insurance confirmation and daily position reports. A signed handover document is provided on arrival at the destination marina.
March to May and September to November are the strongest windows. Prices are more negotiable in autumn as owners want boats off their hands before winter lay-up costs begin. Spring surveys are popular ahead of the summer season. Mid-summer (July–August) is slow for transactions — owners know buyers are in holiday mode and prices firm up. We are available year-round for surveys.
Send us the boat details on WhatsApp — we respond within the hour during business hours, and often within minutes.