For many sailors, the Ionian remains one of the most attractive cruising grounds in the Mediterranean. The warm climate, reliable summer breezes, and well-developed marinas around Preveza, Lefkada, Aktio and Nidri make this region a hub for yacht ownership and sales. Each year I meet buyers who fly in with excitement and good intentions, but without a clear plan of what to look for before they even step aboard. A well-prepared buyer makes smarter decisions, avoids costly surprises, and ultimately chooses a yacht that truly suits their plans.
Based on thousands of yacht inspections in the Ionian since the 1990s, this is an essential checklist every buyer should work through before viewing a yacht in Preveza or Lefkada.
1. Confirm the Ownership and Paperwork in Advance
Before travelling, request copies of the title documents, RCD/CE paperwork, VAT status, registration certificate, and any builder’s documentation. In Greece, misunderstandings around VAT or missing registration papers are common. Ensuring the yacht’s title is clean and transferable saves time and avoids legal complications later.
A good seller or broker should willingly send copies of documentation ahead of your visit. If they cannot, or hesitate, that’s already a red flag.
2. Review the Full Inventory List Carefully
Most buyers underestimate the importance of the inventory. In Greece, many items that appear in photos—such as tenders, outboards, spinnakers, safety gear, cockpit cushions—are sometimes not included in the sale unless specifically listed. Go through every line and question anything that feels ambiguous.
When I prepare survey reports, the inventory forms the foundation for verifying the vessel’s equipment and ensures buyers are getting what they believe they’re buying.
3. Ask for Service History and Maintenance Records
This is particularly important in the Ionian, where many yachts spend summers being actively used by owners or charter companies and winters on the hard in Aktio, Preveza Marina, Ionion Marine or Cleopatra. A complete history gives you a clear picture of how well the yacht has been maintained.
Key items to verify:
• Engine servicing intervals
• Standing rigging age
• Sail replacements or repairs
• Antifouling history
• Keel bolt checks (if applicable)
• Major upgrades or system renewals
A yacht with consistent, documented care almost always presents better during survey.
4. Study the Photographs Closely – They Tell a Story
Brokers’ photos can reveal more than you think. Look for:
• Moisture marks around hatches
• Interior staining
• Evidence of leaks
• Gelcoat repairs
• Corrosion around deck fittings
• Damaged topsides or fenders marks
Zoom into every detail. Good yachts look good because they’ve been well cared for. If a yacht looks tired even in photos, it will rarely look better in real life.
5. Understand the Model’s Known Strengths and Weaknesses
Every design has its characteristics. Bavaria, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Hallberg-Rassy, Amel – each has typical traits, recurring issues, and particular areas to check. Research the yacht’s design, keel type, construction method, and any recurring structural or mechanical points that a surveyor will eventually look at in detail.
When buyers arrive with model knowledge, their viewing becomes more focused and productive.
6. Check the Haul-Out and Sea Trial Feasibility Early
In Preveza and Aktio the lifting schedules vary by yard and season. Some yards, such as Aktio or Ionion Marine, may not launch yachts outside specific windows. If you want a sea trial, confirm well in advance whether the yacht can be launched, whether a crane booking is required, and who is responsible for haul-out fees.
Avoid booking flights or hotels until you know the boat can actually be moved.
7. Prepare a Clear List of Your Own Priorities
Before stepping aboard, decide what matters most to you. For example:
• Offshore capability
• Cabin layout
• Engine hours and reliability
• Sail condition
• Draft for the Ionian’s shallow bays
• Costs of ownership in Greece
• Refit potential and budget
Be honest about your expectations. Many yachts for sale in the Ionian are well-used, older ex-charter boats that require refreshment. Others are owner-maintained and in excellent order. Knowing what you are realistically prepared to take on helps you evaluate the yacht properly during the viewing.
8. Be Ready for Reality, Not Brochure Condition
The Mediterranean sun, UV exposure, high temperatures and seasonal humidity take their toll. Expect faded gelcoat, worn canvas, tired teak, and systems ageing after many summers afloat. These are normal and not necessarily deal-breakers, but they must be factored into your post-purchase budget.
If a yacht looks immaculate for its age, that usually indicates exceptional maintenance.
9. Book a Professional Survey Early
Yachts in Preveza and Lefkada can sell quickly, especially those in good condition. If you are serious about a yacht, reserve your survey date as soon as your offer is accepted. A proper pre-purchase survey will inspect the hull, structure, rig, mechanical systems, safety gear, and all onboard equipment to IIMS standards.
A survey does not just tell you what is wrong – it verifies what is right, helps confirm fair market value, and gives you a clear understanding of what to expect in the first year of ownership.
10. Plan an Honest Budget Beyond the Purchase Price
Factor in:
• First-year maintenance
• Antifouling
• New batteries if required
• Standing rigging if over 10 years old
• Upgrades such as solar, lithium, or electronics
• Greek mooring and winter storage fees
A realistic budget protects you from disappointment later and helps you choose a yacht you can genuinely enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Viewing a yacht in Preveza or Lefkada should be an enjoyable experience. With clear preparation, the right questions, and a structured approach, you will make the most of your time and spot both the strengths and weaknesses of any vessel you view. The Ionian is an exceptional place to own and maintain a yacht, but early diligence makes all the difference between a confident purchase and a costly mistake.
If you are considering buying a yacht in the Ionian and would like professional guidance or a full pre-purchase survey, I am always available to help. With decades of experience surveying yachts in Preveza, Lefkada and across Greece, I provide detailed IIMS-standard reports, valuations, and clear recommendations to support your decision.
Feel free to get in touch to discuss your plans or upcoming viewings.
