Charter Yacht Handover Checklist: 47 Things to Check

Saturday afternoon in a Mediterranean marina. You've flown in, transferred to the base, and the charter company is waving you aboard a gleaming 40-footer. The temptation is to dump your bags, crack a cold one, and start plotting your first night's anchorage. Resist it. The next 30 to 60 minutes will determine whether you get your full deposit back at the end of the week, or lose up to €3,000 arguing over a scratch you didn't cause.

This checklist covers every item to inspect before you sign the handover form. Print it, screenshot it, or bookmark it. If you're planning your first charter booking, read this alongside your packing list before you travel.

Before You Sign: Why the Handover Matters

The handover, sometimes called the check-in or takeover, is a formal walk-through conducted by a charter base technician. It typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, though complex catamarans can take up to 90 minutes. During this time you'll receive the boat's documentation, learn the quirks of that specific vessel, and sign a form confirming the yacht's condition.

That signature is legally binding. Once you've signed, every scratch, dent, or missing item becomes your financial responsibility. The security deposit on a 40-foot monohull ranges from €1,500 to €2,500. On a charter catamaran, expect €2,500 to €3,000 or more. Some companies offer deposit-reduction insurance, typically €150 to €250 per week, which lowers your exposure to €500 to €800. Even that threshold hurts when the damage wasn't yours.

The golden rule: never sign until you've checked everything. If the technician is rushing you, slow them down. You're protecting thousands of euros, and any reputable base will respect thorough charterers.

External Check: Hull, Deck, and Hardware

Start outside, ideally while the boat is still on the dock and you can walk around it. Work systematically from bow to stern, port side first, then starboard.

Hull and Topsides

• Gelcoat scratches and gouges , Run your hand along the waterline area. Note every scratch longer than 5 cm and photograph it with a coin for scale.
• Rub rail condition , Check the rubber or PVC fender strip that runs around the hull edge. Sections often get torn during med mooring.
• Keel and rudder , If the water is clear enough, lean over and inspect the keel leading edge and rudder. On a monohull, a keel strike can cost €3,000 or more to repair.
• Through-hulls , Ask the technician to point out every through-hull fitting. Count them and ensure each seacock turns freely.

Deck Hardware

• Winches , Spin each winch handle to confirm smooth operation. A typical 40-footer has 4 to 6 winches; the genoa sheet winches are the most critical.
• Cleats and fairleads , Wiggle each one. They should be solid, with no play in the bolts.
• Stanchions and lifelines , Walk the full perimeter, pushing each stanchion. A loose one is a safety hazard. Flag it immediately.
• Non-skid surfaces , Check for worn patches on the side decks. These get slippery when wet, a real risk if you're sailing with kids.

Anchor System

• Anchor type and weight , Most charter yachts carry a 15 to 20 kg main anchor. Confirm it matches the inventory sheet.
• Chain length and condition , Standard provision is 40 to 60 m of chain. Check for rust or bent links in the first 10 m, which sees the most stress. For more on technique, see our step-by-step anchoring guide.
• Windlass operation , The electric windlass raises and lowers the anchor. Test it in both directions. Listen for grinding.

Dinghy and Outboard

• Inflation , The dinghy should be firm with no soft spots. Press each chamber.
• Outboard motor , Typically a 2.5 to 6 HP engine. Start it in water, not dry, and confirm it runs smoothly. Check the fuel level; you'll usually need to return it full.
• Oars and pump , Verify both are aboard. You'll need them if the outboard quits.

Engine and Systems

The engine is the most expensive single component on a charter yacht. A replacement Yanmar 40 HP diesel costs €12,000 to €18,000. You won't be paying for a new engine, but you need to establish the baseline condition before you leave the dock.

Engine Checks

• Oil level , Pull the dipstick. Oil should sit between the min and max marks, amber to dark brown in colour. Black, gritty oil suggests overdue servicing. Note it on the form.
• Coolant level , Check the header tank. Low coolant means potential overheating.
• Belt condition , Inspect the alternator and raw water pump belts for cracks or glazing. Press with your thumb; deflection should be about 10 mm.
• Start the engine , It should fire within 3 to 5 seconds. Let it idle for 2 minutes. Check that cooling water exits from the exhaust as a steady stream, not a dribble.
• Gearbox test , With the technician's guidance, engage forward and reverse. Listen for clunks.
• Engine hours , Record the hour meter reading on the handover form. Typical charter boats show 1,500 to 4,000 hours.

Fuel and Water

• Fuel tank level , Should be full or near-full. Note the exact gauge reading. You'll be charged €2.00 to €2.50 per litre for any shortfall on return.
• Water tank level , A 40-footer typically carries 300 to 400 litres. Confirm both tanks are full if the boat has two.
• LPG/gas system , Open the gas locker, check the bottle isn't expired, and confirm the shut-off valve works. Turn on a hob burner to test flow.

Electrical System

• Battery voltage , The house bank should read 12.5 V or above with the engine off. Below 12.2 V means the batteries are undercharged.
• Shore power connection , While on the dock, confirm the shore power cable is charging the batteries and powering the AC circuit.
• Solar panels , If fitted, check the controller shows charging output.

Safety Equipment

This section is non-negotiable. Missing or expired safety equipment should stop you from signing until it's replaced. You're carrying responsibility for every soul aboard. If you need a refresher on emergency procedures, read our man overboard guide before departure.

Item	Required Quantity (6 crew)	What to Check
Lifejackets (150N+)	6 adult + child sizes as needed	Inspect for CO2 cylinder, auto-inflate indicator (green = armed)
Safety harnesses & tethers	At least 2	Clips open/close smoothly, webbing not frayed
Flares (SOLAS-approved)	Minimum 6 (varies by flag state)	Check expiry date , typically 3 years from manufacture
Fire extinguishers	2–3 (galley, engine, cabin)	Pressure gauge in green zone, service date within 12 months
Liferaft	1 (sized for max crew)	Service sticker within 12 months. Don't open it , just verify the tag.
VHF radio	1 fixed + 1 handheld recommended	Turn on, tune to Ch 16, verify signal. Test DSC distress button cover opens.
First aid kit	1	Open it. Check for seasickness tablets, bandages, antiseptic. Note any missing items.
Horseshoe buoy & MOB light	1 set	Mounted on pushpit, quick-release bracket functional

If any flare has expired or a fire extinguisher shows a red gauge, insist on replacement before signing. This isn't fussiness. It's basic sailing safety.

Interior Check

Below decks is where most inventory disputes happen. A missing winch handle costs €60 to €120 to replace. A broken toilet pump can ruin a week aboard. Work through the inventory list cabin by cabin.

Galley (Kitchen)

• Count every plate, cup, glass, and piece of cutlery against the inventory sheet
• Open the fridge; it should be cold (under 5°C) and odour-free
• Test every hob burner and the oven if fitted
• Run the freshwater pump at hot and cold; confirm the water heater works (it typically needs engine or shore power)

Heads (Bathrooms)

• Flush every toilet 3 to 4 times. Marine heads are the number-one complaint on charter boats. Confirm they draw water, pump smoothly, and discharge without backing up.
• Check shower drain pump operation; water should clear from the sump within 10 to 15 seconds
• Inspect for mould or persistent odours, which point to a holding tank problem

Cabins and Saloon

• Test every hatch and portlight; they should open, close, and lock watertight
• Check cushion condition and stains; photograph any existing damage
• Verify the bimini and sprayhood zip and unzip cleanly
• Test all cabin lights and the main saloon lighting

If you're still weighing up yacht types for your trip, our charter type comparison explains how handover procedures differ between bareboat and skippered charters.

Electronics and Navigation

Modern charter yachts carry €5,000 to €15,000 worth of electronics. Test every instrument. A failed chartplotter 20 NM offshore is not a minor inconvenience.

• Chartplotter/GPS , Power on and confirm your position matches reality; it should be accurate to within 3 to 5 m. Check that charts are loaded for your entire sailing area.
• Depth sounder , Should display a reading consistent with the marina depth, typically 3 to 5 m.
• Speed/log , Difficult to verify at the dock, but confirm it powers on and displays zero.
• Wind instruments , Check the masthead unit is transmitting. The display should show wind speed and direction.
• AIS , Confirms nearby vessel traffic. Verify it's receiving targets. If the unit transmits (Class B), check your vessel details are correct.
• Autopilot , Ask the technician to show you how it works. Most charter autopilots are tiller or wheel-driven and save real fatigue on longer passages. Test both standby and active modes.
• Navigation lights , Turn on every light: port (red), starboard (green), stern (white), masthead/steaming (white), and anchor (white, 360°). A missing navigation light makes you invisible at night.

If you're still building your nautical vocabulary, ask the technician to label any switches or controls you don't recognise. Nobody will judge you for asking.

Document Everything: Photos Are Insurance

Your smartphone is your most powerful tool during handover. Follow this system:

1. Photograph every existing scratch, dent, or stain , Place a coin next to the damage for scale. Take at least 2 photos per item: one close-up and one showing the location on the boat.
2. Video walk-around , Film a slow 360° circuit of the hull, narrating the date and time. It takes under 3 minutes and is powerful evidence if a dispute arises.
3. Photograph the engine hour meter , This confirms the reading at handover.
4. Photograph the fuel and water gauges , Prevents arguments about levels on return.
5. Back up to cloud storage , Marina Wi-Fi is often poor, so upload when you can. Don't rely solely on your phone.

Write every defect on the handover form in ink. If the form has a damage diagram, mark each scratch or dent precisely. Get the technician to initial each noted item. Then photograph the signed form itself before you leave the office.

The Return Handover

The check-out mirrors check-in and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Arrive at the charter base by the specified time, usually 17:00 to 18:00 the evening before your final day, or 08:00 to 09:00 on your last morning. Late returns can bring fees of €100 to €500 depending on the company.

• Return the fuel tank at the same level as departure, or pay the base rate, which is typically 30 to 50% above harbour fuel prices
• Clean the interior; you won't be expected to scrub the hull, but leaving the galley and heads tidy reduces the chance of cleaning charges (€100 to €200)
• Walk the technician through any issues you encountered during the week
• Compare your check-in photos against the current condition

If new damage occurred during your charter, honesty is the fastest path to resolution. Most charter companies have fixed repair price lists, and claiming ignorance rarely works when they photograph every boat between charters.

Quick-Reference Checklist

Area	Key Items	Time Needed
Hull exterior	Gelcoat, rub rail, keel, through-hulls	10 min
Deck hardware	Winches, cleats, stanchions, lifelines	5 min
Anchor system	Anchor, chain, windlass	5 min
Dinghy & outboard	Inflation, motor start, oars, pump	5 min
Engine & systems	Oil, coolant, belts, start test, gearbox	10 min
Safety equipment	Lifejackets, flares, extinguishers, liferaft, VHF	5 min
Interior & inventory	Galley count, heads, hatches, cushions	10 min
Electronics	GPS, depth, wind, AIS, autopilot, nav lights	5 min
Photo documentation	Damage photos, video walk-around, gauges	10 min

Allow roughly 65 minutes for a thorough check. Shave time if you're experienced, but never skip sections. If you're heading to the Med for your first charter, pair this checklist with our guide to what to pack for a sailing holiday and our roundup of the best 40-foot charter yachts to make sure you're stepping onto the right boat in the first place.