Who this guide is for

• Buyers looking at several older bluewater yachts and not locked into one model.

• People reviewing boats from the 1978–2005 era that share similar construction methods, failure modes, and aging patterns.

• Anyone who wants a professional-grade inspection process before deciding which boats are worth paying the surveyor for.

What this guide is

A universal survey-prep framework covering the structural, mechanical, electrical, and under-the-skin issues that repeat across classic cruising yachts. It gives you a repeatable method to compare multiple listings side by side and eliminate bad candidates early.

How it differs from model-specific guides

• Model-specific guides give deep details about one exact boat.

• This universal guide gives you a broad, structured inspection method that applies to dozens of models from the same era.

• Helps you narrow your shortlist before buying the model-specific guide for the final candidate.

What’s included

• Full 82-page inspection method. (The biggest of our guides)

• Deck, hull, chainplate, core, tabbing & rig structure checks

• Universal red flags and green flags

• Photo/video checklist for remote assessments

• Owner interview templates

• Negotiation strategy

• SE Asia–specific maintenance notes

• PDF digital download (instant access)

Best for

Buyers shopping multiple boats, remote/offshore buyers, refitters, and first-time cruisers evaluating classic bluewater designs.