Guides
Before travelling to view a used yacht: what to request from the seller
Before booking travel, establish which individual yacht is being offered, which important questions remain unanswered and what access will be available during the viewing. This preparation checklist does not establish a yacht's condition or make a purchase safe on the basis of photographs.
Message to copy
Hello, I am interested in the yacht in this listing: [link]. Before arranging a visit, please provide:
- the exact model, the year shown in its documents, engine version and present location;
- confirmation of whether you own the yacht or are acting for its owner;
- a list of the ownership and registration documents available, plus service records and records of major repairs;
- details of known faults, collisions, groundings, flooding or significant modifications, including repaired damage;
- the current photographs listed below and an inventory of equipment included in the price;
- confirmation of access to the engine and bilges, demonstrations of equipment and access for an independent marine surveyor.
Please also confirm whether the yacht is afloat or ashore and which additional arrangements must be booked beforehand. Please clarify who arranges and pays for launching or lifting out, a sea trial and a mechanic's attendance if agreed. Please provide the hull identifier recorded in the documents, where present; we can agree how to compare it securely with the marking on the yacht before the visit. I would like to agree the scope of the visit before buying travel tickets.
Do not request an identity-document copy or a full set of unredacted private documents in your first message. Establish which records exist and agree a secure verification process.
Documents: purpose and limits
| Material | What it helps with | What it does not establish alone |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition documents and identification of the owner | Preparing checks of the seller's authority and identifying gaps | Authenticity of a copy or freedom from debts and other interests |
| Registration documents, where registered | Comparing the yacht's identity across records and the listing | Universal proof of ownership: the significance depends on the register |
| Engine service invoices and major repair records | Questions about dates, work performed and the contractor | Present condition of the equipment |
| Inventory included in the sale | Agreeing which photographed items will stay aboard | A photograph is not an agreed sale inventory |
| Available tax, import and conformity records | Identifying which transaction-specific questions need checking | A universally sufficient document package for every country and history |
| Manuals and previous survey reports, if available | Preparing questions about systems, repairs and earlier findings | A substitute for a current independent inspection |
The RYA recommends checking ownership documentation, service history and records relevant to the transaction. It is a UK organisation: its guidance on registration, tax and conformity must not be presented as the law for Poland, Germany or another country.
Request targeted photographs
This is an editorial preparation list, not a remote condition assessment:
- Engine and surrounding space: an overall view and readable model identification, to establish which engine will be viewed.
- Bilges and accessible under-floor areas: an overview and any area the seller has mentioned, to plan access and questions.
- Hull and deck: current views of both sides, stern and bow, plus the location of any reported repair, to connect the account to a specific area.
- Interior layout: each cabin and bathroom, to avoid travelling to see an unexpected layout.
- Items needing work: a detail and a wider view, to brief a surveyor and agree the inspection scope.
Ask when the photographs were taken. A problem not visible in a photograph has not been ruled out.
Travel, clarify or obtain help first?
| Situation | Next step |
|---|---|
| The yacht is identified, answers are consistent and viewing access can be agreed | Arrange a visit and retain a list of matters to check on board |
| A document, photograph or repair detail is missing | Identify the gap and who can explain it; missing material alone does not prove fraud |
| Authority to sell is unclear, details conflict or clarification is refused | Pause travel bookings and financial commitments while arranging independent verification |
For significant repairs or unclear technical condition, discuss an independent surveyor's involvement. Agree the scope, access and any sea trial or out-of-water inspection. BoatUS distinguishes its preliminary checklist from inspection by a competent marine surveyor and engine mechanic. This checklist is not a diagnosis.
Compare individual boats
Oceanis 30.1, Oceanis 37.1 and C42 are examples in the catalogue. A model page helps organise listings; it does not establish an individual used boat's history, equipment or condition. Use the same enquiry and questions for each seller.
Models
Current listings
Browse boat listingsSources
- RYA — Tips for buying or selling a boat — checked: 2026-11-05
- BoatUS — Boat Evaluation Checklist — checked: 2026-11-05