A marine survey is a comprehensive inspection of a yacht performed by a qualified, independent marine surveyor. The purpose of a survey is to evaluate the overall condition, safety, and value of the vessel before you complete your purchase.

During a survey, the surveyor typically examines:

Hull and Deck – Checking for structural integrity, damage, or moisture intrusion.

Engines and Mechanical Systems – Assessing performance, wear, and service history.

Electrical Systems – Inspecting wiring, batteries, and connections.

Safety Gear – Ensuring equipment like life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flares meet Coast Guard requirements.

Rigging and Sails (for sailboats) – Reviewing standing and running rigging, sails, and mast components.

Underwater Gear – Inspecting props, shafts, rudders, and thru-hulls during a haul-out.

A survey protects both buyer and lender by identifying potential issues before closing. Most financing companies and insurers require a current survey for approval, and even if you’re paying cash, it’s your best safeguard against unexpected repairs.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we always recommend working with an AMS® (Accredited Marine Surveyor) through the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®). This ensures your survey will be recognized by lenders and insurance providers, and that you’ll receive a professional, detailed report to guide your decision.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from scheduling the survey to interpreting the results — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.

A sea trial is essentially the yacht’s “test drive.” It takes place after your offer has been accepted and gives you — along with your surveyor — the chance to see how the vessel performs on the water. Sea trials are a critical step in the buying process because they confirm that the yacht not only looks good at the dock but also functions properly under real operating conditions.

During a sea trial, the following are typically evaluated:

Engines & Performance – The yacht is run at idle, cruising, and top speeds to check for smooth operation, overheating, or unusual vibration.

Steering & Controls – Testing helm responsiveness, throttle, and shifting.

Electronics & Navigation – Verifying that GPS, radar, autopilot, and other systems work underway.

Generators & Systems – Ensuring air conditioning, refrigeration, pumps, and other onboard systems operate while the vessel is running.

Rig & Sails (for sailboats) – Hoisting sails, checking furling systems, and evaluating balance and handling.

Noise, Comfort & Handling – Observing how the yacht rides, how it handles in turns or chop, and how comfortable it feels overall.

Your surveyor will take notes and often run specific tests during the trial to support their inspection. Any issues that come up can be discussed afterward and factored into your decision, negotiations, or repair requests.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we coordinate with the seller, yard, and surveyor to make sure your sea trial is organized, thorough, and productive. It’s one of the most exciting parts of the buying journey — the moment you truly experience the yacht underway.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from offer to closing — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.

A marine survey and a sea trial are two separate but complementary parts of the yacht-buying process. Both are designed to protect your investment, but they serve different purposes.

Marine Survey – A detailed inspection of the yacht, typically performed dockside and during a haul-out. The surveyor examines the hull, deck, engines, systems, rigging (for sailboats), electrical components, and safety equipment. The goal is to document the vessel’s condition and market value, and to identify any maintenance or repair needs. Most lenders and insurance companies require a current survey before approval.

Sea Trial – A practical test of the yacht on the water, often conducted with the surveyor onboard. It’s similar to a “test drive” and confirms how the yacht performs underway. The sea trial allows the surveyor to check systems under load, observe handling, and verify performance at different speeds. For sailboats, it also includes hoisting sails and testing rigging and furling systems.

In short, the survey looks at the yacht’s structure and systems, while the sea trial tests how it actually runs and handles. Together, they give you the complete picture of the vessel’s condition before you make your final decision.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we coordinate both the survey and sea trial to ensure nothing is overlooked. Our role is to make the process seamless so you can buy with confidence, knowing your yacht has been thoroughly evaluated inside and out.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from offer to closing — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.

The buyer is responsible for the cost of both the marine survey and the sea trial. These expenses are part of the due diligence process and protect you by ensuring the yacht is in the condition you expect before closing.

Here’s how the costs typically break down:

Marine Survey Fee – Paid directly to the surveyor you hire. The fee varies depending on the size and complexity of the yacht, and sometimes additional specialists (engine surveyors, rigging inspectors) are recommended.

Haul-Out Fee – If a haul-out is required to inspect the hull and underwater gear, the buyer pays the boatyard directly for the lift.

Sea Trial Costs – The seller provides the yacht and skipper, but the buyer typically pays for fuel, oil analysis, and other associated expenses.

Additional Testing – If you request extras like fluid analysis or a rigging inspection, those costs are also your responsibility.

While the buyer covers these costs, it’s important to remember that the survey and sea trial are an investment in peace of mind. They help avoid unexpected expenses later and can provide leverage in negotiations if issues are discovered.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’ll connect you with trusted surveyors and boatyards, coordinate scheduling, and guide you through the process so it runs smoothly.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from offer to closing — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.

It’s very common for a marine survey to uncover issues — after all, yachts are complex vessels with many systems that require maintenance. The key is understanding which findings are minor and which may affect your decision to move forward.

If the survey reveals problems, you generally have three options:

Proceed with the Purchase – If the issues are minor or already expected, you may choose to move forward as planned.

Renegotiate – Buyers can request that the seller make repairs, provide a credit at closing, or adjust the purchase price to account for the survey findings.

Withdraw from the Deal – If significant issues are uncovered that you’re not comfortable with, you may walk away and have your deposit returned (provided you included a survey contingency in your contract).

Examples of common findings include outdated safety equipment, worn hoses or clamps, or cosmetic wear — items that don’t typically derail a sale. Larger concerns, such as structural damage, engine problems, or rigging issues, may require more negotiation or careful consideration.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we act as your advocate throughout this process. We’ll help you interpret the survey, guide negotiations, and work with all parties to keep the transaction on track whenever possible.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from survey to closing — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.

Yes — oil and fluid analysis is an inexpensive but valuable addition to a marine survey, especially for yachts with inboard engines or generators. These tests provide insights into the health of critical systems that aren’t always visible during a visual inspection or sea trial.

Here’s what oil and fluid analysis can reveal:

Wear Metals – Detects early signs of engine, transmission, or generator wear by identifying trace metals in the fluids.

Contaminants – Identifies water, fuel, or coolant contamination that could point to leaks or internal damage.

Lubricant Condition – Evaluates whether fluids are still effective or breaking down prematurely.

Trends Over Time – If past samples are available, results can be compared to show whether a condition is worsening.

Most buyers choose to test engine oil, transmission fluid, and generator oil at a minimum. The cost is relatively low, and results usually return within a few days. If issues are detected, you’ll have the opportunity to renegotiate, request repairs, or walk away with peace of mind.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we encourage oil and fluid analysis as part of your due diligence. We’ll help coordinate the sampling during the survey and make sure you understand the results so you can make an informed decision.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from survey to closing — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.

A haul-out is when a yacht is lifted out of the water at a boatyard so the hull and underwater components can be inspected during a marine survey. While it adds some cost to the buying process, it’s a critical step because many issues can only be detected when the vessel is out of the water.

During a haul-out, the surveyor typically inspects:

Hull Condition – Looking for blisters, cracks, delamination, or signs of damage.
Through-Hulls & Seacocks – Checking fittings, hoses, and valves for corrosion or leaks.
Propellers, Shafts & Rudders – Assessing wear, alignment, and signs of vibration issues.
Anodes (Zincs) – Ensuring they’re still effective in protecting against corrosion.
Keel (for sailboats) – Inspecting the keel root and fastenings for stress or movement.
Bottom Paint – Evaluating condition and determining whether repainting is due.
The buyer is responsible for the cost of the haul-out, which is paid directly to the yard. Scheduling can sometimes take time, so it’s important to coordinate this early once your offer is accepted.

Without a haul-out, you’re essentially buying the yacht without knowing the true condition of its most important components. That’s why lenders, insurers, and experienced buyers all expect this step to be part of the survey process.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we coordinate haul-outs with trusted boatyards and surveyors to ensure your inspection is thorough and seamless.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from survey to closing — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.

The final marine survey report is one of the most important documents in the yacht-buying process. Prepared by your surveyor, it provides a detailed record of the vessel’s overall condition, safety, and market value. This report not only helps you make an informed decision but is also required by most lenders and insurance companies.

A comprehensive survey report typically includes:

General Vessel Information – Year, make, model, builder, dimensions, and identification numbers.

Hull & Deck Assessment – Notes on construction, condition, and any damage, blistering, or moisture intrusion.

Mechanical & Electrical Systems – Findings on engines, generators, batteries, wiring, and onboard systems.

Safety Equipment – Verification of U.S. Coast Guard requirements such as fire extinguishers, life jackets, flares, and navigation lights.

Rigging & Sails (for sailboats) – Condition of standing and running rigging, sails, mast fittings, and furling gear.

Underwater Gear – Observations from the haul-out, including props, shafts, rudders, anodes, and through-hulls.

Recommendations – A list of suggested repairs or items that need attention, often prioritized by urgency.

Fair Market Value – An estimated value of the yacht based on its condition and comparable sales.

The report is usually delivered in writing (digital or hard copy) and may include photographs. Buyers should review it carefully, discuss any concerns with their broker, and use it as a guide for next steps — whether that means proceeding, renegotiating, or walking away.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we work with experienced surveyors to ensure you receive a clear, professional report. We’ll also help you interpret the findings so you can move forward with confidence.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from survey to closing — so you can move forward with peace of mind. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.

It’s not mandatory to attend the survey and sea trial in person, but it’s highly recommended. Being present allows you to see firsthand how the yacht performs, ask the surveyor questions on the spot, and gain a much clearer understanding of the vessel you’re about to purchase.

Here’s why attending adds value:

Direct Insight – You can observe the surveyor’s inspection process and hear immediate feedback, rather than waiting to read it in the report.

Hands-On Learning – Watching the sea trial gives you a feel for the yacht’s handling, noise levels, and comfort underway.

Q&A Opportunity – You can ask the surveyor about maintenance, repairs, or upgrades and get professional advice in real time.

Confidence in the Purchase – Seeing the yacht under way and hearing a surveyor’s observations in person often gives buyers peace of mind.

If you’re unable to attend, your broker will represent your interests, take notes, and review the findings with you in detail afterward. Some surveyors also provide photos or video summaries to keep absent buyers informed.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we encourage buyers to attend whenever possible and will coordinate everything to make the process seamless. Whether you’re onboard or relying on us to represent you, our goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make a confident decision.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from survey to closing — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.

In many cases, yes — especially if the yacht has larger inboard engines, high-performance systems, or older machinery. A standard marine survey covers the vessel as a whole, but most surveyors are generalists and may not perform a full mechanical tear-down of the engines and transmissions. That’s where an engine survey comes in.

An engine survey is performed by a certified marine diesel or gas mechanic who specializes in the make and model of your yacht’s engines. It typically includes:

Engine Diagnostics – Using manufacturer tools to read error codes and performance data.

Compression or Cylinder Testing – Evaluating internal health.

Oil and Fluid Analysis – Detecting wear metals, contamination, or coolant leaks.

Cooling System Inspection – Checking heat exchangers, impellers, hoses, and seals.

Exhaust System Check – Looking for corrosion, leaks, or overheating signs.

Sea Trial Monitoring – Observing engine performance under load, including RPM, temperature, and vibration.

While it adds cost, an engine survey can save you thousands by identifying hidden issues before purchase. In fact, many lenders and insurers require it for yachts with larger engines or significant value.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’ll advise whether a separate engine survey is recommended for your vessel and help connect you with trusted mechanics who specialize in your engine brand. It’s an important investment in peace of mind and helps ensure you’re making a smart decision.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from survey to closing — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.

Yes — especially if the rigging is older than 10 years. If you are purchasing a sailboat, a rigging inspection is strongly recommended. While a marine surveyor will visually check the mast, boom, and rigging during a standard survey, most are not rigging specialists. A professional rigger can provide a much deeper evaluation of the mast and standing rigging, ensuring the yacht is safe and ready to sail.

A rigging inspection typically includes:

Standing Rigging – Checking shrouds, stays, chainplates, mast tangs, turnbuckles, and terminals for corrosion, cracks, or wear.

Running Rigging – Inspecting halyards, sheets, and lines for chafe, stiffness, or UV damage.

Mast & Boom Fittings – Examining spreaders, gooseneck, mast heel, sheaves, and other hardware for alignment, lubrication, and wear.

Sails & Furling Gear – Assessing sail condition, furling drums, and swivels to ensure smooth operation.

Safety Concerns – Identifying potential failure points that could compromise performance or safety.

Rigging components are under constant load and exposed to harsh conditions, so issues may not be obvious until they lead to costly or dangerous failures. Many insurers require rigging inspections — and in some cases replacement — once rigging reaches 10 years of age.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we help coordinate rigging inspections with trusted professionals so you have a clear understanding of the sailboat’s condition. For buyers planning offshore or extended cruising, this step is invaluable in ensuring confidence and safety under sail.

At All Points Yacht Sales, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process — from survey to closing — so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today and let’s start making your boating dreams a reality.