PRE-PURCHASE SURVEY
FUEL & OIL ANALYSIS
INSURANCE SURVEY
STRUCTURAL SURVEY
DAMAGE SURVEY
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
TONNAGE
CODE OF PRACTICE
SURVEYING EQUIPTMENT
ARRANGING THE SURVEY
HOW YOU CAN HELP
GLOSSARY
BOATS SURVEYED
CASE STUDIES

ARRANGING THE SURVEY

YACHT BROKER SALE

When the purchase of a yacht is made through a Yacht Broker, the survey may be carried out usually only after a purchase agreement has been signed by the Purchaser and a deposit paid with the Broker.

Jim Pritchard will arrange a mutually convenient date for the survey with the boatyard, which may need to lift the vessel. Arrangements to lift the vessel will be made by Jim Pritchard through the Broker and at the cost of the Purchaser.

Jim Pritchard will request full service and repair records of the vessel from the Broker, who will also provide the keys for access. He will arrange for all equipment to be on board and the batteries to be in a charged condition.The Broker will normally accompany Jim Pritchard on sea trials, if they are to take place, and will have command of the vessel and responsibility for insurance of the vessel. Purchasers are welcome to attend sea trials. Jim Pritchard will expect to take the controls of the vessel during sea trials.

PRIVATE SALE

A purchase that does not pass through a Yacht Broker should be protected by using a Purchase Agreement. A Purchase Agreement can be obtained from the RYA website and the RYA can also provide valuable guidance when buying privately.

The Purchaser should also be satisfied with regard to past ownership of the vessel and that there is credible documentation with regard to the VAT status of the vessel. For a vessel originating from outside the European Community, as well as European vessels built since 16th June 1998, he must also ensure that it holds a certificate that has been issued by a Notified Body with regard to the Recreational Craft Directive. If this sounds too much of a headache, then the Purchaser would do well to employ a Yacht Broker on a flat fee, to manage the transaction and handle the paperwork.

On receiving instructions to carry out the survey, Jim Pritchard will make contact with the Owner to arrange access to the vessel including all locker and engine keys and he will also arrange a boatyard to lift the vessel if it is currently afloat, and at the Purchaser’s expense. He will also request the Owner to ensure all the equipment is on board, the batteries are charged, and the service and repair records are available.