Yacht surveys in Menorca

Westmar Surveys works throughout the Balearic Islands. In Menorca that means the yachts berthed in Maó, one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, and in Ciutadella, Addaia and Fornells. 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

Menorca's main yard is the public boatyard in the port of Maó, on the Cós Nou quay, known as Varadero Menorca. It has three travel lifts of 30, 50 and 150 tonnes, two basins and room for yachts up to 40 metres. The owner chooses the contractors. It is the only lift of that size in the harbour, so the boats berthed in Marina Mahón, Marina Port Mahón, Marina Menorca and the Club Marítimo all come out there. At the other end of the island, Varadero Ciutadella hauls boats with a 25-tonne crane on a small hardstanding. On the north coast, Port Esportiu Addaia has a 20-tonne Sublift for boats up to 15 metres. Fornells has moorings and a slipway but no lift. A yacht lying there is inspected afloat and hauled at Addaia or Maó.

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 Menorca 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 Menorca

Menorca is quieter than its neighbours. More of the boats for sale there have been privately cruised than chartered. A boat that has been used gently still needs a full survey. Low hours can mean an engine that has sat idle for long periods. A yacht that has wintered afloat for years shows it in the seacocks and anodes. The survey reports the condition the boat is in, whatever its history.

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