The specification is the one document that makes quotes comparable. This sample shows, section by section, what goes into one for a 14 m composite sailing yacht.
In short
- A specification defines what you want, not what the yard wants to build.
- Every line is measurable: make, model, value, tolerance, standard.
- A specification without acceptance criteria only postpones the argument.
1. Sample Specification
A section-by-section skeleton for a 14 m composite cruising yacht. Fill the lines for your boat; an empty line means an ambiguous quote.
SAMPLE BUILD SPECIFICATION, 14 m COMPOSITE CRUISING YACHT
1. General and definitions
- Type of boat, intended use and operating area
- Design category (ISO 12217) and intended conformity route (RCD 2013/53/EU / class)
- Order of precedence: contract › specification › drawings › equipment list
2. Principal dimensions and weight
- LOA, LH, BH, draft, light displacement (ISO 8666 definitions)
- Weight commitment and tolerance (e.g. ±5%; price reduction and rejection threshold beyond it), staged weighing/calculation record
- Tank capacities: fuel, water, holding
3. Structure and materials
- Composite: laminate schedule, fibre type and weight, resin system, core material and density
- Metal: plate thicknesses, section list, welding procedure (ISO 15614), welder qualification (ISO 9606)
- Wood: species, moisture content, fastening material
- Scantlings: ISO 12215 or the chosen class rules
4. Propulsion and machinery
- Main engine make/model/power, gearbox ratio, shaft diameter and material, propeller
- Flexible mounts, alignment tolerance, exhaust run and waterlock
- Generator, air conditioning, watermaker: make, model, capacity
5. Electrical
- DC and AC single-line diagrams; ISO 10133 / ISO 13297, ABYC E-11 principles
- Battery bank capacity and chemistry, charging sources, protection
- Cable type (tinned copper), sizing calculation, labelling, galvanic isolation/earthing and bonding diagram
6. Fuel, water and plumbing
- Fuel system to ISO 10088; hose class, filter arrangement, tank material and test pressure
- Seacock type and material, raw-water circuits
- Bilge pumping to ISO 15083: number and capacity of pumps, alarms
7. Deck, rig and hardware
- Spar maker and section, wire/rod sizes and material
- Winches, windlass, mooring hardware; backing plates
- Deck covering and non-slip
8. Interior
- Layout plan, materials and finishes
- Ventilation, insulation, noise target
- Galley and heads equipment by make/model
9. Safety and fire protection
- Fire protection to ISO 9094, fixed extinguishing system (if any)
- Life-saving equipment for the operating area
- LPG installation and leak test
10. Paint and coatings
- Paint maker and system sheet; dry film thickness per coat
- Surface preparation standard, application conditions (humidity, temperature)
11. Performance commitments
- Maximum and cruising speed at a stated load
- Fuel consumption at cruising speed
- Cabin noise levels (if specified)
12. Tests and acceptance criteria
- Tank pressure tests, insulation and continuity tests
- Watertightness test, pre-launch checks
- Speed trial: loading condition (e.g. half fuel/water, set number of people), sea and wind limits, method (GPS, reciprocal runs on the same line averaged), rpm-speed-fuel table; a price reduction per 0.25 knot below the committed speed, with a rejection right past a set threshold
- Sea-trial protocol: stepped load, temperatures, vibration, steering, manoeuvring
- Inclining experiment and stability documentation
13. Documents and handover
- As-built drawings and diagrams, equipment list with serial numbers
- Owner's manual (ISO 10240), CE declaration of conformity
- Warranty documents and maintenance schedule
2. Weak and Strong Wording
| Line | Weak wording | Strong wording |
|---|---|---|
| Generator | "A quality generator" | Make X, model Y, 9 kW, 230 V, sound shield, on rails in the engine room |
| Laminate | "Strong hull" | Vacuum infusion, vinylester resin, bottom at least X mm, laminate schedule annex 3 |
| Wiring | "To standards" | Tinned copper, ISO 10133 / ABYC E-11, 3% voltage drop, every end labelled |
| Performance | "A fast boat" | Full fuel and water, four people aboard: cruising speed 7.5 kn, consumption at most X l/h |
3. Specification and Quote
A yard's quote should refer to the specification's section numbers, so three quotes price the same job and differences show line by line. For the quote itself see the new-build proposal sample, and for refits the refit proposal sample.
4. Working in Turkey: Local Practice
The full list of items Turkish yard and marina practice requires in a quote (currency and tax, stamp duty, yard charges, right of retention, contract for work) is in the refit proposal sample. For this type of document the key points are:
- Language: in a bilingual specification, which text prevails.
- CE and class: the conformity route stated at the start of the specification.
- Local supply: make and certification of locally made equipment in the specification.
5. International References and Trade Practice
International references and trade practice are listed together in the refit proposal sample.
Related Pages
Technical SpecificationService and methodNew-Build Proposal SampleStage payments and clausesRefit Proposal SampleScope and hold pointsRepair Quotation SampleExtras and materials clausesNew-Build SupervisionFrom contract to handoverYard Quotation ReviewQuotes on the same basis
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