A motor yacht or gulet over 24 metres is not a small boat scaled up: the number of systems, the documents and the way it is used turn the survey into a project. This page explains how such a survey is planned.
1. Why a large yacht survey is different
- System density: several generators, central air-conditioning, watermakers, stabilisers, hydraulics and extensive power distribution.
- Documents: class status where applicable, flag-state documents, and compliance with the relevant yacht codes for commercial use.
- Time: hull inspection ashore, system tests afloat and the sea trial spread over several days.
- Team: some systems call for coordination with the maker's service or a specialist (engines, stabilisers, rig).
2. How the survey is planned
- Desk review: documents, maintenance records, class and flag status are requested and read before the survey.
- Scope: which systems a specialist will inspect, and extra tests such as oil analysis, are set out in the quote.
- Ashore: hull, underwater gear, drives and cathodic protection; thickness readings on steel and aluminium.
- Afloat: each system tested under load, and the sea trial.
- Report: findings graded A-B-C with cost ranges; specialist reports attached.
3. Documents to request
- Registration and flag documents; class certificates and latest class survey reports where applicable.
- For commercial use, the relevant certificates and inspection records.
- Machinery, generator and stabiliser service records; invoices for major overhauls.
- Refit history and yard work lists.
- Crew records and the vessel's log, if available.
4. Working with the captain and crew
On a large yacht the captain and engineer are the best source of knowledge about the boat. We work alongside them throughout the survey, but findings are written independently, based only on measurement and observation. The seller's crew know a great deal; that knowledge does not replace the report.
Our 149 GT yacht captain qualification also helps when planning the handover and delivery after the survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on length, systems and documents; usually several days. The exact time and any specialist involvement are set out in the written quote.
A class survey checks compliance with class rules; a pre-purchase survey reports today's condition and the costs from the buyer's point of view. One does not replace the other.
Which system is inspected by whom is a separate item in the quote; no extra specialist is called without the buyer's approval.
Related Pages
Motor Yacht SurveyBy boat typeGulet SurveyCharter and private guletsSteel / Aluminium SurveyThickness readingsOil AnalysisInside the machineryStabilisersFin and gyroSurvey BookingDates and quote
Quote for a large yacht survey
Send length, build year, flag and location; we reply with scope, duration and price in writing.
💬 WhatsApp 📝 Written quote 📞 +90 501 5 SURVEY