When you’re buying a used boat in Greece, a marine survey is essential. It’s your safeguard against hidden structural issues, engine failures, or paperwork nightmares that could cost you tens of thousands after purchase.
But what does a boat survey actually cost in Greece?
The short answer: more than you think. The advertised “survey fee” is only part of the story. By the time you add travel, haul-out, and unexpected logistics, the bill can be much higher.
This guide breaks down:
- Typical per-foot and flat-rate fees in Greece.
- The hidden costs buyers often forget.
- What drives the price up.
- How to avoid wasting €1,000+ on boats that aren’t worth it.
And I’ll share a real-world story where a 40-ft survey ended up costing me €2,804.
Average Survey Costs (€ per foot / flat rates)
Marine surveyors in Greece typically charge based on boat length.
- Expect to pay at least €20 per foot (before VAT).
- Realistically, most buyers end up closer to €30 per foot, plus travel and extras.
Examples:
- 35 ft yacht → €700–€1,050
- 40 ft yacht → €800–€1,200
- 45 ft yacht → €900–€1,350
Some surveyors instead quote flat rates, e.g.:
- €1,000 for boats up to 40 ft
- €1,000–€1,500 for boats in the 40–55 ft range
Some surveyors charge separately for add-ons like rigging inspections (€200–€400) or engine oil analysis (€100–€200) which can push the cost even higher.
👉 The bottom line: the “headline fee” is just the beginning.
Real Buyer Story: When a 40-ft Survey Cost €2,804
On paper, surveying a 40-ft yacht should cost about €1,200 (€30/ft before VAT). But in reality, things don’t always go smoothly.
I once had to survey a 40-ft sailboat in a boatyard on a remote island called Leros. The base fee was reasonable, but the logistics doubled the cost:
- Because flights to the island were limited, the surveyor had to fly in the day before, which incurred extra fees.
- I also had to cover his travel and accommodation.
- To make things worse, scheduling the survey dragged on (lots of email ping-pong with the surveyor, boatyard, and owner), and by the time we confirmed, his return flight was fully booked, which meant yet another night in a hotel and rebooking his return from a different island the following morning.
By the end, I paid €2,804 for a survey that should have been half that price.
💡 Lesson learned: Always budget above the “per-foot” number. If the boat isn’t in Athens or Lefkas (or another easy to reach location), expect higher costs due to travel and potential delays.
Haul-Out Costs
Beyond the survey fee itself, there are unavoidable extras:
- Haul-out fees: To inspect the hull, the boat needs to be lifted. Greek yards usually charge €12–€18 per foot.
- 40 ft yacht haul-out → €480–€720
- Day storage fees: €50–€100 if the boat sits on the hard for inspection (some boatyards won’t charge extra for this but best be prepared).
👉 Combine survey fee + haul-out + travel, and it’s easy to hit €1,500 for a single survey.
Factors Affecting Price
Location
- Athens (Alimos Marina): Biggest pool of surveyors → no, or minimal travel costs.
- Lefkas & Preveza: Ionian hub, but peak-season demand can push prices up.
- Islands (Rhodes, Kos, Corfu): Fewer surveyors available → travel costs almost guaranteed.
Boat Type
- Monohull sailboats (30–45 ft): Standard baseline.
- Catamarans: Double hulls = longer inspection → often €200–€300 more.
- Motor yachts: More systems (engines, generators, hydraulics, stabilizers) = higher survey fees.
Surveyor Experience
- Highly accredited surveyors (IIMS, YDSA, SAMS) charge more, but their reports carry more weight with insurers and banks.
- Local surveyors may charge less, but expect shorter or less detailed reports, and potentially translator fees.
How to Save Money
Surveys are necessary, but you don’t need to spend €1,500+ on every boat you consider. Here’s how to cut the risk and cost:
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Start with a First Look inspection.
For €120, a local ‘First Mate?A Clearhull First Mate is an experienced sailor who visits the boat on your behalf, taking detailed photos, videos, and filling out a 75-point structured checklist. Book Your First Mate Here’ can visit, take photos and videos, and fill out a checklist. It’s a cheap filter before you spend €1,000+ on a full survey.
👉 Learn more: First Look Inspection in Greece: Save €500+ Before You Travel. -
Shortlist carefully.
Confirm VAT status, review documents and maintenance records before booking.
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Plan logistics.
Travel costs for surveys in remote locations don’t just mean higher survey prices, but additional travel costs for you too.
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Agree scope in advance.
If you only need a condition & valuation report (not a full pre-purchase survey), ask for a lighter version at a lower price. Although insurance providers often require full pre-purchase surveys.
Final Thoughts
The real boat survey cost in Greece isn’t just the per-foot fee. It’s a combination of:
- €20–30 per foot for the survey itself.
- €400–€700 for haul-out.
- €150–€300 (or more) in travel expenses.
- Optional extras like rigging or oil analysis.
👉 Total: €1,000–€1,500 on average, with stories like mine showing it can reach nearly €3,000 for average sized boats.
A marine survey is worth every euro if it confirms your dream boat is sound. But don’t burn cash on boats that aren’t worth pursuing. Start smarter with a First Look inspection, then commit to a full survey once you’re serious.
Clearhull helps buyers save money, avoid wasted trips, and buy with confidence. Book a First Look inspection today.