Sailing Yacht Surveys
Buying, selling, or insuring a sailing yacht is a major decision — and a professional survey is the only way to protect that investment. At UK Boat Surveys, we provide detailed sailing yacht surveys for vessels up to 24 metres. Whether you are purchasing your first cruising yacht, renewing insurance for an offshore passage, or confirming the condition of a high-performance racing yacht, our independent reports give you the clarity and confidence you need.
We are experienced, fully insured, and trusted by yacht owners, insurers, and brokers across the South Coast and beyond.
Types of Sailing Yacht Surveys We Offer
Every yacht and every owner has different needs. That’s why we offer tailored surveys, including:
- Pre-Purchase Surveys – a full structural and systems inspection carried out before you commit to a yacht. Essential for identifying defects, safety concerns, and potential repair costs.
- Insurance Surveys – condition and valuation surveys accepted by all major insurers to support new policies or renewals.
- Valuation Reports – independent market value assessments for finance, sale, or probate.
- Damage & Repair Inspections – impartial investigation of accident or storm damage, with written recommendations for repairs and costings.
- Sailing Sea Trials – a hands-on test under sail to evaluate performance, handling, rig trim, steering response, and onboard systems in real conditions. A sea trial often reveals issues that remain hidden during a static survey, making it one of the most powerful tools for buyers who want full confidence before committing.
Types of Sailing Yachts We Survey
Our expertise covers the full spectrum of sailing yachts, from traditional classics to modern high-performance yachts. Whatever you sail, we can survey it:
- All
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Family Cruisers
Popular production GRP sailing yachts designed for leisure and coastal cruising with occasional cruising further afield.
Performance & Racing Yachts
Lightweight, high-performance yachts where rig tension, keel attachment, and hull integrity are critical.
Bluewater Cruisers
Long-range cruising yachts built for ocean passages, often with unique layouts and heavy-duty systems.
Classic and Wooden Yachts
Wooden, clinker and traditional build yachts requiring a detailed eye for age-related wear, restoration quality, and fastenings.
Luxury Sailing Yachts
Catamarans & Multihulls
Twin-hull yachts and Trimarans where structural survey methods differ, especially around deck and crossbeam areas.
What Our Sailing Yacht Surveys Cover
Our surveys are thorough, practical, and written in plain English. Key areas inspected include:
Hull & Structure
We assess GRP, wood, steel, or composite hulls for moisture content, structural integrity, osmosis, keel attachment, and rudder condition.
Deck & Fittings
Inspection of chainplates, rigging bases, stanchions, hatches, portlights, and deck hardware for leaks, movement, or fatigue.
Rig & Sails
Visual examination of mast, spars, standing and running rigging, furling systems, and sails (from deck level). For full aloft or destructive rigging tests, we can coordinate with rigging specialists.
Systems & Safety
Checks on electrical and plumbing systems, fuel and gas installations, seacocks, engine and stern gear overview, navigation lights, and safety equipment.
Interior
Assessment of bulkheads, structural joinery, signs of leaks or delamination, and overall condition of the accommodation.
Sailing & Motoring Seatrails
Test under sail to evaluate performance, handling, rig trim, steering response, and onboard systems in real conditions.
Why Choose Our Sailing Yacht Surveys?
Specialist sailing yacht knowledge – from family cruisers to offshore racing yachts.
Professional indemnity insured – recognised by leading insurers, finance houses, and brokers.
Clear, independent reporting – comprehensive photographs, findings, and practical recommendations.
Southern UK coverage – Hamble, Lymington, Poole, Portsmouth, Chichester, Weymouth, and beyond.
We are independent and impartial — we work for you, not the seller or broker.
FAQs - Your Sailing Yacht Surveys Questions Answered
We know booking a Sailing Yacht Survey can feel daunting – but it does not have to be. Here are answers to the most common questions we get from Yacht owners across the UK.
What types of sailing yachts do you survey?
We survey cruising and racing sailing yachts of all sizes and constructions — from coastal cruisers to offshore blue‑water yachts, including monohulls and multihulls.
Do you inspect rigging, mast and sails as part of the survey?
Yes — our sailing yacht surveys cover mast, rigging, standing and running gear, sails, and deck hardware, in addition to hull, systems and structure.
How long does a sailing yacht survey usually take?
The time depends on the size, complexity and condition of the yacht, but typically a full survey takes between 8 and 12 hours.
Can the survey report be used for insurance or purchase purposes?
Absolutely — we provide independent condition, valuation and pre‑purchase surveys. Reports are accepted by insurers, brokers and finance providers, and they include detailed photos, findings and recommendations.
How quickly will I receive my sailing yacht survey report?
We aim to deliver your full written report, including photographs and findings, within 24‑48 hours following the inspection.
Do you survey sailing yachts across the UK and overseas?
Yes — we cover sailing yacht surveys throughout the UK and can also arrange surveys abroad; talk to us about your location and requirements.
Do I need a sailing yacht survey before buying?
Yes — a professional survey gives you peace of mind, ensures the yacht is seaworthy for its intended use and can uncover hidden issues that may affect value or safety.
How much does a sailing yacht survey cost?
Survey fees vary depending on yacht size, construction, location and complexity. Please use our quote tool for a tailored estimate based on your yacht.
Ready to Book one of our Sailing Yacht Surveys?
Fast, professional, and fully independent boat surveys across the UK coastline – from Lowestoft to Milford Haven.