Buyer Portal

When you’re ready to move forward your VYS Yacht Broker will help you:

• Decide on your offer price based on:
  • Comparable sales
  • Condition of boat
  • Time on the market
  • Recent Price Reductions

This determines a fair starting price.

•  Prepare the IYBA Purchase & Sale Agreement (PSA) to include:

  • Offer price
  • Deposit Amount (usually 10% deposit due with 3-5 days upon contract execution, fully refundable through your inspection period up until you sign the Acceptance of Vessel (AOV).
  • Survey and Sea Trial Contingencies
  • Financing Contingency (if applicable)
  • Closing Date
  • Any special terms (repairs, inclusions)

• Confirm timelines for survey, acceptance, and closing

• Present the offer professionally to the seller or their broker

This becomes the legally binding offer

Once your offer is accepted:

• You enter a conditional contract

• Funds are placed into secure VYS escrow

• Survey and sea trial are scheduled

• You gain a protected position while you evaluate the yacht

This is where the process becomes structured and time-driven; we manage all logistics for you.

Security Reminder

For your protection:

• VYS will never change wire instructions via email.

• Always verify instructions by phone with your VYS Broker or closing agent.

• Be cautious of any email urging urgency or last-minute wire changes.

Your financial security is extremely important to us.

This is the most important phase of your due diligence and usually occurs within 3 weeks of Acceptance of Vessel (AOV).

What to expect:

• A licensed marine surveyor conducts a full inspection of the vessel and its systems and issues a report with the findings.

• A haul out checks the hull, running gear, and underwater sections.

• A sea trial verifies engine performance, systems, and handling.

• You typically attend in person so that you can learn directly from your surveyor the condition of your vessel, but we support remote buyers as well.

Your broker will guide you through:

• Selecting the Surveyor

• • Use the right type of surveyor
    • A certified marine surveyor with credentials SAMS, NAMS
    • Avoid surveyors recommended by the seller, marina or boatyard
  • Surveyors must be independent
    • Avoid surveyors recommended by the seller, marina or boatyard
    • Your broker will suggest names, but the final choice should be yours.
  • Choose experience that matches the boat
    • power vs. sail
    • catamaran vs. monohull
    • experience with brand for known issues.
  • Ask the right questions – A good surveyor welcomes these questions.
    •  What is included in the survey?
    • How long will the survey take?
    • When will I receive the written report?
    • Will you speak with me after the survey to explain findings?
    • Do you carry Errors & Omissions insurance?
  • Costs
    • Based on length of boat
    • $20-$40 per foot (varies by surveyor, complexity, and region)

The best surveyors are often busy. A slight wait is worth it.

After reviewing the survey:

You may choose to:

• Sign the Acceptance of Vessel (AOV)

  • Accept the vessel as-is

    • Make sure all contingencies have been satisfied prior to signing (insurance, financing)

• Sign a Conditional Acceptance of Vessel (CAOV)

  • Request seller repairs issues found in survey that were not disclosed at time of offer.

  • Request a concession or credit to the agreed upon purchase price to allow the buyer to repair the items after closing.
• Sign a Rejection of Vessel (ROV)
  • withdraw the offer
  • Receive a full refund on deposit.

VYS navigates all negotiation strategy and communication. Our goal is to protect your interests and achieve a fair outcome.

Once terms are agreed upon:

• You sign an Acceptance of Vessel (AOV)

• Your deposit becomes non-refundable

• The vessel moves toward closing (10 business days)

At this point, the yacht is essentially yours pending final documentation and funds transfer.

Once terms are agreed upon:

• Make sure all contingencies in the PSA have been satisfied (Insurance, Financing, etc).

• You sign an Acceptance of Vessel (AOV) or a Conditional Acceptance of Vessel (CAOV)

• Your deposit becomes non-refundable

• The vessel moves toward closing

At this point, the yacht is essentially yours pending final documentation and funds transfer.

VYS coordinates:

• Introduction to closing coordinator who will explain what is needed from you as a buyer.
  • Closing documents are prepared and will be e-mailed to you for printing and notarization.
  • Signed documents need to be mailed back with tracking or can be signed in person if local to Annapolis.
• Payoff of existing liens

• Bill of Sale, Coast Guard or state registration

• Required state taxes and fees

• Any warranted equipment lists and manuals

Once the yacht is officially yours, your broker will help you with:

• Crew or training resources, if needed

• Dockage, transport, relocation support

We remain by your side long after the transaction; that’s the VYS difference.