A Technical Assessment to Avoid Pitfalls When Buying a Boat

Even a boat that appears to be in good condition can hide hidden flaws or costly problems to repair. Hence the value of calling on a marine surveyor, who will scrutinize every critical element of the boat:

The hull and structure: cracks, osmosis (for polyester hulls), impacts on the keel.
The rigging and sails (for sailboats): condition of the mast, shrouds, backstay, and sails.
The engine: corrosion, leaks, excessive consumption, condition of electrical circuits.
Electronics and onboard equipment: GPS, depth sounder, autopilot, batteries.
Hydraulic and electrical installations: tanks, pumps, control panel.

According to one specialist, "Many buyers, even experienced ones, underestimate the hidden wear of certain parts, especially on boats that have sailed in tropical waters. An engine may seem clean, but its cooling system may be corroded by salt. A survey helps avoid disappointments after the purchase."

Concrete Example: A boater spots a 12-meter sailboat for €70,000. The survey reveals an impacted keel and an engine requiring reconditioning. Estimated cost of repairs: €15,000. Thanks to this analysis, the buyer can either renegotiate the price or avoid a bad deal.

A Powerful Negotiation Tool

A marine survey is not just a diagnostic tool: it is also a formidable negotiating argument. When a defect is detected, the buyer can request a price reduction or demand that certain repairs be taken care of before the sale.

"It is rare for a used boat to be perfect. The value of the survey is that it allows you to quantify the work to be done and use these elements to renegotiate the price with the seller. On a boat listed at €100,000, you can often get a 5 to 15% discount thanks to the survey. There are always points to note, and this allows the buyer not only to have a good technical snapshot of the boat, but also negotiating levers to either reduce the sale price or have the required repairs carried out," explains the marine surveyor.

Concrete Example: A sailboat estimated at €80,000 has worn standing rigging and neglected antifouling paint. The buyer obtains a reduction of €10,000, which is more than enough to finance the restoration.

Gilles Chiori

A Mandatory Step for Insurance and Financing

Insurance companies and banks often require a marine survey before granting a loan or insurance coverage, especially for:

Boats over 10 years old, which require a technical verification.
Units intended for offshore navigation, where safety requirements are higher.
Bank loans, where a reliable assessment of the boat’s price is necessary.

The professional confirms: "Many buyers discover after the fact that their insurer requires a survey report before issuing a contract. A marine surveyor not only validates the condition of the boat, but also its compliance with safety standards."

Concrete Example: A boater buys a catamaran for a long cruise. Thanks to the survey, he obtains comprehensive insurance coverage and proves to the bank that the value of the boat justifies his loan.

Peace of Mind for the Buyer

Buying a boat is often based on a whim. A boater may be seduced by a beautiful hull or a neat interior, but not see the invisible problems. A marine surveyor brings a neutral and technical perspective, avoiding impulsive decisions.

"Emotion plays a huge role in buying a boat. My role is to bring rationality into the decision, by explaining to the buyer what work needs to be done in the short and medium term," says the marine valuation specialist.

Concrete Example: A novice boater is considering a First 31.7 for coastal cruising. After analysis, the surveyor advises him on a model more suited to his navigation program.

How Much Does a Marine Survey Cost?

The cost of a pre-purchase survey depends on several factors, including size, age, and equipment:

Size is the main criterion, expect around €1,200 including VAT for a 10-meter boat, excluding engine oil analysis.
A 15-meter boat, around €2,400 including VAT, also excluding oil analysis.

Even if the investment may seem significant, it avoids much larger expenses in case of hidden problems.

Photo taken by Gilles Chiori, during a survey at the top of a boat mast

A Profitable and Indispensable Investment

Calling on a marine surveyor to buy a used boat is an essential security measure. It allows you to:

Detect any structural or mechanical problems.
Negotiate the price with solid technical arguments.
Obtain insurance and financing more easily.
Buy with complete peace of mind, without unpleasant surprises afterwards.

"I still see too many buyers who trust the seller’s good faith or who rely solely on their own analysis. A survey is a guarantee of safety, but also a way to buy a boat with a clear vision of its real condition and future costs. But above all, to fully understand the notion of seaworthiness, that is to say, a boat that is ‘safe’ to navigate," concludes our contact.

A big thank you to Gilles Chiorri for his advice and expertise, which will undoubtedly allow future owners to navigate with peace of mind.

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