A new boat does not arrive perfect. Every boat leaving a factory has installation, adjustment and missing items, that is normal. What is not normal is finding them after the warranty clock has started.
A pre-delivery inspection is an independent examination before you accept the boat. Its purpose is not to find fault but to put the shortfalls on record while they are still a condition of handover.
What Is Examined
| Area | Check |
|---|---|
| Compliance with specification | Is the contracted equipment actually fitted; do make and model match |
| Installation quality | Seacocks and clamps, cable support and protection, bulkhead penetrations, sealing |
| Electrical | Circuit labelling, protective device ratings, bonding continuity, battery connections, heating at the panel (thermal camera) |
| Machinery | Shaft alignment, mounts, exhaust run, cooling circuit, behaviour on first start |
| Rig (sailing yachts) | Tension readings, terminals, mast step, furling system |
| Surfaces | Gelcoat and paint defects, deck covering, interior fit and fittings |
| Sea trial | Staged load, temperatures, vibration, reaching contracted speed, steering and autopilot |
| Documents | CE/RCD file, manuals, warranty documents, certificates, spare keys |
| Safety | Equipment scope and expiry dates, fire system, bilge pump and alarm |
The Output: a Numbered Snag List
You receive a photographed, numbered snag list. For each item: what was found, where, which specification clause it relates to, and whether it should be rectified before handover or under warranty.
That list is the agenda for the handover meeting with the yard. A handover meeting without one runs on memory, and memory works differently for each side.
When It Applies
- Taking delivery of a new boat, from builder or dealer
- On an imported boat, on arrival, transport damage included
- At handover after a refit, compared against the scope document
- On a used boat still under warranty, before transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
Let us plan the inspection before handover, so the snag list supports your balance payment.
💬 WhatsApp 📝 Written quote 📞 +90 501 5 SURVEYTools and related pages
Scope: The survey is non-destructive and nothing is dismantled; details on the survey types page.