EIGHT CHECKLISTS · 48 PRACTICAL CHECKS
Every stage. Every open question.
Use this checklist to organise the buying process and record the things that need a closer look.
HOW TO USE THIS PAGE
Use the checklist as an evidence trail
A tick means you have recorded or followed up an item. It does not certify a yacht, approve a repair or replace an inspection. Use the list to notice gaps before the next decision becomes expensive.
Before the viewing
Read the advert, request records and ask for permission to take photographs. Agree access, the demonstrations you want and who will operate the yacht.
During the visit
Record observed, reported and not-checked information separately. Use exact locations and equipment identifiers so a specialist can understand the concern later.
After the visit
List unanswered questions, assign each to the appropriate person and decide whether the yacht still fits. Do not progress merely because you have already spent time travelling to it.
See 12 red-flag examples before working through your checks →
Saved only in this browser. Print a copy before clearing browser data. This workbook covers one yacht at a time. Print its record before replacing entries for another yacht.
0 completed · 0 not applicable · 48 still open
Completed means you have recorded the evidence or follow-up, not that the yacht has passed an inspection. Explain any “not applicable” choice in the stage notes.
CHECKLIST 01
Find a yacht that fits
A shortlist based on your crew, waters, storage and complete budget.
Record intended waters, typical trips, crew experience and handling needs.
Ask about availability, depth, yacht dimensions, access and a written cost estimate.
Include purchase, inspections, essential work, storage, insurance and a reserve.
Record listing links, asking prices and what each figure includes.
Record whether the seller is private or using a broker, who the broker represents and who holds any deposit.
List reasons to reject a candidate before an attractive listing changes your priorities.
CHECKLIST 02
Read the listing and resolve red flags
Claims matched to evidence, with questions for the seller.
Identify the actual sails, electronics, tender and equipment included.
Request the history and available records of groundings, leaks, damage and modifications.
Ask for invoices, installation dates, component identities and remaining exclusions.
Record time unused, storage conditions and maintenance during that period.
Ask what “ready to cruise” means, who assessed it and what remains unfinished.
Identify which unanswered questions must be resolved before spending on travel or inspection.
CHECKLIST 03
Inspect at the viewing
Observations by location, plus a list for independent professionals.
Record permission for photos, accessible areas and who will operate equipment.
Note the location of staining, movement, leaks or damage without diagnosing their cause.
Record each sail’s age evidence, use, repairs, storage and whether it was opened or demonstrated.
Collect dated invoices and note inaccessible components for a rigger’s agreed assessment.
Note engine model, stated hours, service records, whether a cold start was observed and what was not tested.
Assess boarding, berths, working space and handling arrangements; list inaccessible areas and outstanding demonstrations.
CHECKLIST 04
Appoint and brief your surveyor
Written scope, responsibilities, access arrangements and reporting deadline.
Ask about experience with the yacht’s construction, size and intended use, sample reports and relevant professional cover.
Discuss pre-purchase needs and any report requirements requested by your proposed insurer.
Ask what the survey includes, what cannot be accessed and which systems need separate specialists.
Confirm whether a mechanic, rigger or sailmaker is needed and who is arranging each appointment.
Confirm yard booking, permissions, operator, costs, weather alternatives and access with everyone involved.
Agree when the report arrives, how priorities are explained and who will resolve incomplete checks.
CHECKLIST 05
Turn findings into a negotiation
A reasoned proposal and a clear point at which you stop.
Separate documented defects, incomplete checks and personal upgrade preferences.
Record labour, parts, access, yard time, commissioning, GST treatment and exclusions.
Add known work to your budget and keep unresolved amounts visibly separate.
Write the amount, inclusions, intended conditions and evidence behind your position.
Record who defines the scope, pays, verifies completion and deals with incomplete work.
Identify unresolved findings or total costs that would make you pause or withdraw under the agreed terms.
CHECKLIST 06
Contract, cover and handover
Documents and practical arrangements checked before each commitment.
List ownership evidence and relevant searches to resolve with your adviser.
Have questions about deposit, conditions, deadlines, withdrawal and risk transfer resolved before signing.
Record the insurer’s required information, exclusions, conditions and agreed start time.
Use a trusted contact method and record the agreed settlement process; keep banking details out of this worksheet.
Check inclusions, completion evidence and any remaining obligations before handover.
Arrange keys, manuals, demonstrations, berth, transport or delivery and responsibility for the yacht.
CHECKLIST 07
Plan repairs and upgrades
A staged work list with scope, owner, cost and verification.
Keep the source, unresolved questions and professional advice with each task.
Ask the relevant professional which issues must be resolved before your intended sailing.
Avoid spending your necessary-work allocation on comfort or cosmetic additions.
Discuss space, loads, compatibility, access and installation implications with the contractor.
Record scope, scheduling, quotes, exclusions and the person coordinating the work.
Collect invoices, manuals, demonstrations, commissioning results and any follow-up requirements.
CHECKLIST 08
Prepare your first season
A practical familiarisation and training plan for the regular crew.
Record gaps in docking, sail handling, navigation and yacht-system familiarity.
Ask about course outcomes, teaching format, prerequisites and suitability for your crew.
Agree the scope with an appropriate instructor and confirm insurance arrangements.
Create a list of systems, communications and procedures to learn and practise.
Record intended conditions, route, support and reasons to postpone with your instructor or skipper.
Revisit training needs, actual costs, maintenance and upgrades after gaining experience.