Yacht surveys in Ibiza

Westmar Surveys works throughout the Balearic Islands. In Ibiza that means the yachts berthed in Marina Ibiza, Marina Botafoch, Sant Antoni and Santa Eulària, and in La Savina on Formentera. Buyers come from all over Europe. The survey is arranged around the boat's berth and the yard that lifts it. You can attend, or Westmar attends for you.

Where the boat comes out of the water

Ibiza has three yards that can lift a 40-foot yacht. Varadero Ibiza is in the port of Ibiza town, next to the fishing dock. It has a 160-tonne travel lift and takes yachts up to 45 metres. The boats berthed in Marina Ibiza are hauled there. Marina Botafoch, on the north side of the same harbour, has its own yard with a travel lift of about 60 tonnes. Marina Santa Eulalia has a 70-tonne travel lift, a hardstanding and a paint tent. In Sant Antoni, the Es Nàutic club lifts up to 20 tonnes and 18 metres, but its beam limit is 4.40 metres. That rules out many modern 40-footers, so the beam is checked before the lift is booked. On Formentera, Varadero Formentera in La Savina lifts up to 28 tonnes and 17 metres. It also offers a short lift in the slings for inspection.

Pre-purchase surveys

A full pre-purchase survey covers the hull, deck and structure, the engine and drive train, the electrical installation, plumbing and tanks, the rig and deck hardware, and the safety equipment. Findings are ranked by urgency, each with its likely cause. The report is issued within two to four working days, in English, Spanish, French or German.

A haul-out is strongly recommended. Keel attachment, seacocks, rudder bearings and stern gear cannot be properly checked afloat. The lift is booked with the yard. The hull needs time ashore to dry before moisture readings mean anything. How long depends on the weather. The engine must not be started on the day of the survey before the surveyor arrives. A cold start shows what a warm engine hides.

A viewing before you commit

For a buyer flying in, the listing is reviewed first: the photographs, the specification and the documents. This is the First Impression service. It tells you whether the boat is worth the trip and what to ask the broker first. If it is, Westmar can view the boat with you, or view it for you and send a written summary.

Rigging inspections and sea trials

Every pre-purchase survey of a sailing yacht includes a rigging inspection from deck level. An inspection aloft can be added when the age or history of the rig calls for it. One hour of sea trial is included. Longer sea trials, standalone sea trials and standalone rigging inspections for a boat you already own are available separately.

Fees

Pre-purchase surveys cost €28 per foot LOA for sailing yachts and €26 per foot for motor yachts, with a minimum of €900. The full fee card is on the fees page. Travel to Ibiza is agreed with you before the survey is booked, so the quotation is complete before the day. Haul-out, lifting and yard charges are paid to the yard.

Buying in Ibiza

Ibiza has a large charter fleet, and many of the yachts for sale there have been chartered. That is not a problem in itself. The hours are real and the maintenance is usually documented. The survey looks at what that use has left behind: engine hours checked against the log, wear on the gelcoat and deck, rudder bearings, stern gear and sails.

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