Question 1

What is a yacht survey and why do I need one in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

A yacht survey is a professional inspection of a vessel's hull, deck, structure, rigging, engine, electrical systems, and all onboard equipment, carried out by a certified marine surveyor. In Turkey, where the second-hand yacht market includes locally built gulets, imported sailing yachts, and motoryachts with varying maintenance histories, a pre-purchase survey is essential before any acquisition. The Turkish market lacks a centralised vessel condition registry, so a survey is the only reliable way to verify what you are actually buying. An IIMS-certified surveyor produces a report recognised by insurers, banks, and flag registries internationally.

Question 2

How much does a yacht survey cost in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Bora Yachting charges a base rate of €30 per foot of vessel length, plus VAT. The final price depends on the boat's length, age, construction material (GRP, aluminium, steel, or wood), the marina where the vessel is located, and whether a sea trial is included. Travel costs outside Istanbul are added separately. For example, a 40-foot sailing yacht in a standard Istanbul marina would typically cost from around €1,200 before travel and VAT. An exact quote can be requested via email at alper@borayachting.com or by calling +90 505 649 4396.

Question 3

How long does a pre-purchase yacht survey take?

Accepted Answer

A full pre-purchase survey of a typical sailing or motor yacht between 30 and 50 feet takes one full day on site. This includes a land inspection (hull, keel, underwater gear, deck, rig), an internal systems inspection (engine, electrical, plumbing, bilge), and a sea trial for engine and systems testing. The written report, which includes photographs and recommendations, is typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days after the inspection. Larger or older vessels, or those with complex systems, may require additional inspection time.

Question 4

What credentials should I look for in a yacht surveyor in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

You should look for membership of an internationally recognised surveying body — primarily IIMS (International Institute of Marine Surveying) or SCMS (Society of Consulting Marine Engineers and Ship Surveyors). These organisations require surveyors to complete formal training, pass examinations, and follow a professional code of conduct. For tonnage surveys required for UK flag registration, the surveyor must be specifically approved by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency). Bora Yachting holds active membership in IIMS and SCMS and is MCA approved, ensuring that survey reports are accepted by insurers, banks, and flag registries worldwide.

Question 5

Is a yacht survey required to get marine insurance in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Most marine insurers require a current condition or valuation survey for vessels over a certain age — typically 10 to 15 years old — before issuing or renewing a policy. For vessels being insured for the first time following a purchase, a pre-purchase survey report is usually accepted in place of a separate insurance survey. The survey must be prepared by a surveyor recognised by the insurer, which generally means IIMS or SCMS membership. Bora Yachting reports are prepared to IIMS and SCMS standards and include all the information insurers require: structural assessment, equipment list, valuation, and recommendations.

Question 6

What is an MCA tonnage survey and who needs one in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

An MCA tonnage survey is an official measurement of a vessel's gross tonnage, carried out by an MCA-approved surveyor. It is required for any vessel applying for Part 1 British registration under the UK flag or under British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories flags, including Guernsey, Isle of Man, British Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, Jersey, and Cayman Islands. Many yacht owners in Turkey choose a British flag for legal, commercial, or fiscal reasons. Bora Yachting is MCA approved to carry out tonnage surveys and issue the tonnage measurement certificates required for the registration process.

Question 7

Can Bora Yachting survey a yacht anywhere in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bora Yachting is based in Istanbul and carries out yacht surveys throughout Turkey, including the Aegean coast (Bodrum, Marmaris, Göcek, Fethiye, Cesme, Izmir), the Mediterranean coast (Antalya, Kemer, Finike, Kas), the Marmara Sea, and the Black Sea. Travel costs outside Istanbul are calculated and included in the quote. Surveys can also be arranged for vessels in other Mediterranean countries where the vessel cannot be moved to Turkey prior to purchase.

Question 8

What is included in a Bora Yachting survey report?

Accepted Answer

Every survey report produced by Bora Yachting follows IIMS and SCMS standards and includes: a full structural analysis of the hull, deck, and keel; findings from NDT inspection methods (moisture meter readings, thermal imaging, ultrasound where applicable); an assessment of the underwater gear (propeller, shaft, rudder, keel bolts, seacocks); engine room inspection and sea trial results (performance, temperatures, vibration); electrical system assessment; rigging and sails (where applicable); a complete equipment inventory; a prioritised list of defects and recommendations with estimated repair implications; and a market valuation. The report is signed and stamped, accepted by international insurers, banks, and flag registries.

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