On a sailing yacht most findings sit on three load paths: where the keel meets the hull, where the rig meets the deck, and where hardware meets the deck core. The survey follows each of them.
1. What Is Checked on a Sailing Yacht
Keel attachment
Keel bolts, floors, internal grid and the keel-hull joint. Grounding history is the most common source of findings here.
Rig and chainplates
Wire age and terminals; every wire measured with a Loos & Co. tension gauge. Chainplates for corrosion and water tracks. More: rig survey.
Deck core
Moisture readings and sounding around hardware fastenings; a wet core becomes a soft deck over time.
Rudder
Play, bearings, stock; moisture in the blade.
Sails and deck gear
Sail age and cloth, winches, clutches, furling systems.
Engine and drive
Auxiliary under load; shaft seal or saildrive diaphragm; alignment.
2. How the Survey Runs
- Ashore: hull moisture (at least a week out of the water), sounding, seacocks, rudder, drive.
- On deck and below: structure, watertightness, electrics, gas, safety equipment.
- At sea: engines, steering and systems under load.
- Report: 70+ pages with readings and photos, A-B-C priorities; 2-3 working days.
3. Notes by Make
Separate guides for Beneteau, Bavaria, Jeanneau, Hanse, Dufour and Elan: Beneteau, Bavaria, Jeanneau, Hanse, Dufour, Elan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scope: The survey is non-destructive and nothing is dismantled; details on the survey types page.
Findings we often see on site
- Opening at the keel-hull joint: A clear crack and paint separation along the keel joint, at the leading edge.
- Play in the rudder bearings: The rudder blade moves sideways when pushed by hand; play is felt in the bearing.
- Hairline crack in a rigging terminal: A lengthwise hairline crack at the neck of a lower shroud terminal, seen under the loupe.
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