The survey is the one step no buyer should skip, and the one that most often pays for itself. Here is how the process runs on the Riviera, what should be in scope, and how to convert findings into price.
Choose a surveyor with no relationship to the selling broker, accredited and experienced in your type of vessel — GRP planing motor yacht, aluminium displacement, or performance sail are different disciplines. Agree scope and fee in writing, and confirm the yard lift-out slot early: in season, haul-out availability, not the surveyor, is usually the bottleneck.
Hull below the waterline, osmosis and moisture readings, keel and keel bolts, rudder bearings, saildrive or shaft alignment, propellers, anodes, seacocks and through-hulls, and any evidence of grounding or repair. Photograph everything; these are the items that most commonly move the price.
Structure and bulkheads, deck and fittings, rigging age and condition, engines and generator with oil analysis where available, fuel and water systems, electrics and batteries, steering, bilge pumps, gas installation, navigation electronics, and mandatory safety equipment with expiry dates. On a sailing yacht, standing rigging over ten years old is a normal renewal item and should be priced in.
Run the boat in conditions close to your intended use. Check cold start, full-throttle RPM against the engine's rated figure, smoke, vibration, steering at speed and astern, autopilot, instruments, and how the boat tracks. On sail, hoist and reef every sail and load the winches. Note anything you cannot check — such as a system the owner says is disconnected for winter — and make it a condition of the sale.
Split findings into safety-critical items, defects to fix within a season, and cosmetic notes. Ask for quotes from a yard on the first two categories, then either request a price reduction, ask the seller to complete the work before handover, or walk away. A well-documented report and a written quote is a far stronger negotiating position than a general complaint.
Agree a handover protocol: keys and codes, manuals, spares and tool inventory, tender and outboard details, berth arrangements, insurance start, and a familiarisation session with the previous owner or crew. Confirm registration transfer and deletion from the previous registry, and that all outstanding yard and marina invoices are settled at completion.
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