If you’re planning to buy a used boat in Greece, one of the first questions you’ll face is whether you really need a marine survey. After all, surveys can cost over €1,000 once you add haul-out and travel expenses. So when is a survey essential, and when can you get by with a simpler inspection?
Having gone through this process myself, I’ve seen how critical a survey can be. A few years ago, I fell in love with a Moody 40 that looked perfect—great layout, full of new electronics, and solid engine hours. But when the surveyor did moisture readings, he found humidity inside the deck core. It wasn’t visible from the surface, yet it indicated trapped water and possible future delamination—a costly structural issue that could worsen over time. That survey saved me from buying a boat with hidden problems that would have haunted me later.
When You Absolutely Need One
A pre-purchase marine survey is non-negotiable if:
- You’re about to make an offer or sign a contract.
- The boat is worth a significant amount (usually €30,000+).
- You’re financing or insuring the purchase.
- You suspect underlying issues that can’t be spotted visually.
A qualified surveyor will:
- Inspect the hull and deck for moisture, delamination, or osmosis.
- Check systems such as rigging, steering, electrical, and plumbing.
- Review safety equipment and documentation.
- Deliver a report that gives you negotiation leverage or peace of mind.
Even if you think you’ve found “the one,” skipping the survey could mean missing hidden structural or moisture problems like the one on my Moody 40.
When a First Look May Be Enough
If you’re still early in your search or the boat is far away, a First Look inspection may be all you need for now. For €120, a Clearhull 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 the boat, take detailed photos and videos, and go through a structured 75-point checklist.
This type of inspection helps you eliminate boats that clearly aren’t worth pursuing—before you spend €500+ on flights, hotels, and car rentals. Once you’ve confirmed the boat is promising, you can then decide whether to commission a full survey.
You can learn more about how this works on our First Look Inspection in Greece page.
Legal & Insurance Implications
In Greece, a marine survey isn’t legally required for a private sale, but it often becomes necessary later:
- Insurance: Most insurers require a current survey before covering the vessel.
- Financing: Banks will insist on a survey report for valuation.
- Registration: For flagging under certain jurisdictions, an inspection or survey may be mandatory.
Even without these requirements, a professional survey protects you legally by documenting the boat’s condition at the time of purchase.
Typical Survey Outcomes
A survey doesn’t just uncover problems—it gives you a roadmap. Common findings include:
- Minor issues like corrosion, worn rigging, or electrical faults.
- Moderate issues such as osmosis, moisture in the deck or hull, or aging systems.
- Serious red flags like structural cracks, keel movement, or delamination.
The goal isn’t to find a “perfect” boat—it’s to understand what you’re buying, what repairs are needed, and whether the asking price still makes sense.
Avoid Surprises Before You Book a Survey
A First Look inspection can save you time, money, and frustration by identifying whether a boat is worth surveying in the first place. It’s the smart first step before committing to travel or hiring a surveyor.
👉 Book a First Look inspection in Greece and make sure your next survey is on a boat truly worth your investment.