What sellers need to know
- Define scope and responsibility in writing
- Prepare safe access and a cold engine
- Treat findings by materiality
- Record agreed remedies
From an offer to a documented handover
A planning sequence, not a legal timetable. The signed agreement and applicable requirements control the transaction.
- 1
Agree the terms
Record the price, inventory, conditions, deadlines and deposit arrangements.
- 2
Check the yacht
Complete the agreed survey, sea trial and document checks.
- 3
Resolve the conditions
Record accepted findings and any agreed changes or remedies.
- 4
Prepare settlement
Confirm payment arrangements, any finance discharge and required paperwork.
- 5
Complete & hand over
Confirm completion under the agreement, then record keys, inventory and handover.
Agree Scope, Timing and Responsibility
The contract should explain the survey, sea-trial and finance conditions, deadlines, who chooses and pays the professionals, and what happens after an unsatisfactory result.
Confirm haul-out booking, marina rules, insurance, authorised operators and responsibility for damage before moving the yacht.
Prepare the Yacht Without Hiding Condition
Make lockers, bilges, batteries, seacocks, machinery and identification accessible. Charge batteries, provide sufficient fuel and arrange a genuinely cold engine start if requested.
Do not conceal alarms, warm the engine secretly or coat over evidence. Give the surveyor safe working space and the available records.
- Keys and access
- Current inventory
- Service and rig records
- Safe operating equipment
- Haul-out and trial plan
Run a Useful Sea Trial
Agree the intended checks and safe operating area. A trial may include starting, manoeuvring, steering, engine load, temperature, vibration, electronics and sailing systems where conditions permit.
A sea trial is not a delivery voyage or permission for uncontrolled testing. The skipper retains responsibility for safe operation.
Respond to Findings by Materiality
Ask the buyer to identify the material findings and remedy requested. Separate immediate safety or structural concerns from age-consistent maintenance and optional improvements.
Possible outcomes include repair, price adjustment, specific retention, acceptance without change or termination under the contract. Record the agreed outcome in writing.
Yacht Survey and Sea Trial Guide for Sellers FAQs
Who pays for the yacht survey and haul-out?
The contract should say. Buyers commonly arrange and pay for due diligence, but haul-out, relaunch and damage responsibility must be agreed for the transaction.
Should the seller attend the survey?
The seller or representative is often needed for access and operation, but should allow the independent surveyor to work without interference.
Must a seller fix every survey item?
Not automatically. The contract, prior disclosure, materiality and negotiation determine the result. Record any repair or price agreement clearly.
This independent guide is general educational information. Verify current registration, legal, tax, insurance and professional requirements for your vessel and transaction. Read our editorial policy.