What a pre-purchase survey covers in Turkey, what it costs, and why you should never buy a used boat without one.
Buying a used boat in Turkey can be excellent value — Turkish shipyards, gulets and well-kept motor yachts attract buyers from all over the world. But value only holds if you know exactly what you are buying. A professional pre-purchase survey is the single best investment you will make in the process.
What a survey covers
A proper pre-purchase inspection examines hull moisture and osmosis, engine condition and compression, shaft and steering systems, electrics, seacocks and safety equipment. None of these can be judged by eye during a sunny marina visit. Our survey and inspection service delivers a written report you can rely on.
Sea trial
Insist on witnessing a cold engine start — smoke colour, vibration and warm-up behaviour reveal more than any brochure. During the trial, test steering response, gear changes and navigation electronics.
Paperwork matters as much as the hull
Registration records, tonnage certificate, seaworthiness documents and any liens on the vessel must be verified before money changes hands. Our team handles registration and title checks as part of every brokerage transaction.
Negotiating with the report
Survey findings are your strongest negotiation tool: realistic repair estimates either adjust the price or define the seller's to-do list before closing.
Buying from abroad?
If you are considering a Turkish-flagged or foreign-flagged boat located in Turkey, read our complete guide to buying a boat in Turkey, and browse our current yachts for sale. We manage the entire process — survey, negotiation, transfer and after-sale care — under one roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a boat survey cost in Turkey?
Fees depend on the vessel's length and location, but a full survey typically costs a small fraction of the purchase price — and routinely saves buyers many times its cost in negotiation or avoided repairs.
Can I use a foreign surveyor in Turkey?
Yes, but a local surveyor familiar with Turkish build standards, gulet construction and local yards will usually spot issues faster and can coordinate lift-out and sea trials more easily.
Do you assist foreign buyers remotely?
Yes. We regularly represent buyers who cannot travel: video-documented surveys, bilingual reports and full transfer handling are part of our brokerage service.