If you’re planning to buy a used boat in Greece, you’ve likely come across two key terms: marine survey and First Look inspection. They sound similar, but they serve very different purposes in the buying process.
This guide explains what each one involves, when to use them, and how they complement each other to help you buy smarter and avoid wasting money.
Scope of a Marine Survey
A marine survey is a full technical assessment of a boat’s condition. It’s typically required by insurers, banks, and buyers before completing a purchase.
Professional marine surveyors in Greece examine every accessible area of the vessel, often both in-water and out-of-water. Their inspection usually includes:
- Hull, deck, and superstructure condition (including moisture and osmosis testing)
- Keel, rudder, and steering systems
- Engine and mechanical systems
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Rigging and sails (when accessible)
- Safety equipment, interior condition, and compliance with CE or flag requirements
A surveyor’s report provides a comprehensive written evaluation that helps buyers understand the boat’s current condition and likely repair costs.
Typical cost: €20–30 per foot (before VAT), plus expenses for haul-out or travel. A 40-ft yacht survey can easily total €1,000–€1,500.
Marine surveys are essential for:
- Confirming a boat’s seaworthiness and market value
- Meeting insurance or financing requirements
- Negotiating the final price based on findings
Scope of a First Look Inspection
A First Look inspection gives a good overview, a pre-travel assessment designed to filter boats before you fly to Greece.
For €120 flat, 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 visits the boat in person, takes 50–100 photos and videos, provides unbiased notes, and goes through a 75-point checklist that covers all visible systems and equipment.
It’s not a technical survey—no moisture meters or haul-outs—but it’s the perfect first step to avoid spending €500+ on travel for a boat that isn’t worth pursuing.
You’ll receive:
- A concise photo/video report
- A summary of findings (accessible areas, visible issues, missing elements)
- Honest, unbiased notes from an inspector who’s not affiliated with the seller or broker, but is your personal representative
When to Use Each
Use a First Look inspection when:
- You’re still narrowing options early in your search.
- You want to avoid spending €500+ on travel before seeing photos and notes.
- You need a quick, affordable filter before committing to a survey.
Use a Marine Survey when:
- You’re serious about purchasing and need a full technical report.
- Insurance or bank financing requires it.
- You’re negotiating final price and need evidence of condition.
For most international buyers, the First Look → Survey sequence saves both money and frustration.
How They Work Together
A First Look inspection and a marine survey aren’t competitors—they’re two steps in the same process.
- Start with a First Look: Get photos, videos, and honest feedback from 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 before traveling.
- Then book a survey: If the boat looks promising, hire a marine surveyor for a detailed evaluation and formal report.
This approach ensures you’re only investing in full surveys for boats that truly pass the initial filter.
You can see how this fits into the full buying process in our How to Buy a Used Boat in Greece (2025 Guide).
Final Thoughts
Think of the First Look inspection as your filter and the marine survey as your final safeguard. Together, they form a smart, cost-effective path to buying a used boat in Greece with confidence.
👉 Book a First Look inspection in Greece and take the first step toward a safer, more informed boat purchase.