Planning a Yacht Refit: 8 Things Every Owner Should Do Before the Yacht Reaches the Yard

A refit is one of the largest investments an owner makes after buying a yacht. It is also where budgets and schedules most often slip. In our experience, the outcome of a refit is largely decided before the yacht arrives at the shipyard — in the planning.

Here are eight steps we recommend to every owner.

1. Start with an honest condition survey

Before deciding what to do, know exactly what you have. A thorough technical survey of machinery, electrical systems, hull, piping, HVAC and safety equipment shows what is urgent, what can wait and what is already approaching the end of its life. Without it, the scope is guesswork.

2. Define the scope in writing — and prioritise it

Separate the work into three groups: what must be done (class, safety, reliability), what should be done (preventive work, upgrades that make sense now), and what would be nice to do. When the budget is tight, this list tells you what to protect and what to postpone.

3. Set a realistic budget with a contingency

Every refit uncovers surprises once panels are opened and systems are stripped. A budget without a contingency is not a budget. Agree in advance how much reserve you hold, and who can approve spending it.

4. Choose the yard for the job, not just the price

The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest refit. Look at the yard's experience with your type and size of yacht, its subcontractors, its slot availability and how it handles variations. Compare quotes line by line, on the same scope.

5. Put everything in the contract

Scope, specifications, schedule, payment milestones, warranty terms and — above all — the procedure for variations. Who requests a change, who prices it, who approves it, and in writing. Most refit disputes start with a verbal “just do it”.

6. Plan the timeline backwards from your season

If the yacht must be ready for the charter or cruising season, work backwards from that date. Allow time for parts with long lead times, class surveys, commissioning and sea trials. The last weeks are always the most compressed.

7. Keep the crew involved

The captain and chief engineer know the yacht better than anyone. Involve them in the scope, the inspections and the handover. A refit that the crew does not understand is a refit that will cause problems at sea.

8. Have someone on site who works for you

The yard works for the yard. Suppliers work for their own products. An independent owner's representative on site checks the quality of the work, controls variations, reports progress and costs, and protects your interests at every decision.

The bottom line: a well-planned refit is calmer, faster and cheaper than one that is improvised at the yard. If you are preparing a refit, we are happy to review your plans, survey the yacht or supervise the project on your behalf.

Mare Artis — independent, owner-side yacht consulting and refit supervision in Greece and Türkiye.

For your inquiries send us an email : infomareartis@gmail.com