First impression service

Most wasted money in a yacht purchase is spent before the survey. Travel to view a boat that was never viable, deposits on a vessel that does not survive scrutiny, survey fees on the wrong candidate. The First Impression Service exists to prevent that.

It covers remote listing reviews, accompanied viewings, comparison between candidate yachts, help with shortlisting, and a clear go/no-go recommendation. It is deliberately quick and inexpensive relative to a full survey.

Remote listing review

A review of listings anywhere in the world, based on the photographs, description, asking price, specification and any documentation available online or from the broker.

A surprising amount is visible in a listing to someone who knows what to look for: signs of previous repair in the way a hull is photographed, rigging age inferred from fittings, deferred maintenance visible in deck hardware, inconsistencies between the stated history and what the images show, and asking prices that imply something not yet disclosed.

The output is a written opinion on whether the vessel merits a viewing, what to ask the broker before travelling, and what to examine first if you go.

Accompanied viewing

In-person technical guidance during a viewing — significant issues identified on the spot, with realistic expectations set for what a full survey would be likely to find.

Viewings can also be attended entirely on your behalf, wherever the boat is lying — with a clear recommendation reported back before you travel. This is used regularly by clients buying in another country, and it routinely saves a wasted trip.

Viewings can usually be arranged within a few days, subject to availability and location. Mallorca and the Balearics are the home ground, but viewings are attended across mainland Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and elsewhere in Europe, with travel agreed beforehand.

Comparing candidates

Where several boats are in play, they can be assessed against each other rather than in isolation — condition relative to asking price, the likely cost of bringing each up to the same standard, and which represents the better proposition once that work is priced in. Two boats advertised at the same price are rarely the same purchase.

Where this service sits

It is a first opinion, not a survey: nothing is dismantled, no moisture readings are taken, and there is no formal report. Its job is to help you spend the full survey on the right boat.

First Impression Service — FAQ→