Short answer: before a yacht delivery, make sure the boat’s documents and insurance are in order for the whole route, service the engines and systems, check the rig, steering and safety equipment, and give the delivery crew a clear handover of the boat. A well-prepared yacht is safer, gets there faster and avoids costly delays on the way.
Use this owner’s checklist from the captains at Nordic Crew Worldwide. Not every point applies to every boat — your delivery skipper will go through it with you.
1. Documents and insurance
- Registration certificate (original or certified copy, as required by the flag state)
- Proof of ownership and, if the owner is not on board, a written authorisation for the skipper
- Insurance that covers the delivery voyage, the route and a professional delivery crew — check cruising limits and any crew requirements with your insurer before departure
- VAT / tax status documents where relevant, especially when leaving or entering the EU
- Radio licence (ship station licence) and EPIRB registration in the owner’s name
- Manuals for engines and main systems
2. Engines and machinery
- Engine service: oil and filters, fuel filters, impellers, belts and coolant
- Spare filters, impellers and belts on board
- Clean fuel tanks — contaminated diesel is one of the most common causes of breakdowns at sea
- Batteries, charging and the generator tested under load
- Bilge pumps (electric and manual) working, with float switches tested
3. Hull, rig and steering
- Through-hull fittings and seacocks free and working
- Steering system, autopilot and emergency tiller checked
- Sailing yachts: standing and running rigging inspected, sails in good repair, reefing systems working
- Anchor, windlass and chain in working order
4. Safety equipment
- Life raft serviced and in date, sized for the delivery crew
- Lifejackets with crotch straps and lights, harnesses and jacklines
- EPIRB, flares, fire extinguishers and fire blanket in date
- First-aid kit suitable for offshore passages
- VHF/DSC radio, AIS and navigation lights tested
5. Navigation
- Up-to-date electronic charts for the full route, and paper back-ups where appropriate
- Pilot books and almanac for the route
- Working compass, plotter, depth and wind instruments
6. The handover to the delivery crew
- Walk the skipper through the boat and its quirks — especially anything that has been repaired recently
- List known faults honestly; it makes the passage safer and the plan more realistic
- Agree how often you want updates, and who to call if repairs are needed underway
- Agree the handover at the destination: marina, berth, keys and cleaning
Not sure your boat is ready?
With our Complete Care Passage we coordinate repairs and preparation with yards on your behalf, and the First Guest Ready package delivers the yacht clean and charter-ready. Read our guide to what a yacht delivery costs, or request a free quote.