Owning a superyacht is more than a luxury, it’s a legacy. Whether you’re a private owner, captain, or yacht management company, maintaining a yacht’s performance, safety, and aesthetic value over time requires foresight and planning.
This guide breaks down the essentials of superyacht refit planning, offering actionable insights to ensure your next project delivers on-time, on-budget, and beyond expectations.
What is a Superyacht Refit and Why It Matters
A superyacht refit involves the restoration, upgrade, or full-scale renovation of an existing vessel. It can include anything from technical overhauls and system replacements to full interior redesigns or full paint jobs.
Common triggers for a refit:
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Compliance with new maritime regulations (IMO, SOLAS, class societies)
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Sale preparation or value increase
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Machinery upgrades or efficiency improvements
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Interior modernization
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Charter repositioning
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Cosmetic updates (e.g., teak decking, repainting)
In Europe and the Mediterranean, most refits are scheduled during the off-season — typically between October and April — when yachts are laid up or between charters.
Key Questions to Ask Before You Begin
Refit success starts long before the first wrench turns. Begin by addressing these five critical questions:
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What is the goal? (Technical, aesthetic, regulatory, resale, charter repositioning)
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What is your timeline? (Is there a hard return-to-service date?)
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What is the realistic budget? (Including a contingency buffer)
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Who is the decision-maker? (Owner, captain, management company?)
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Where will the work take place? (Local vs. remote; accessibility to shipyards)
Choosing the Right Refit Shipyard
The shipyard you choose will define the quality, schedule, and reliability of your entire project. Evaluate partners based on:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Track Record | Proven experience with similar-sized yachts and scopes |
| Infrastructure | Travel lift capacity, enclosed sheds, in-house engineers, cranes, etc. |
| Project Management | Clear schedules, reporting systems, and dedicated points of contact |
| Certifications | ISO, ICOMIA Refit Group membership, classification approvals |
| Location | Proximity to cruising grounds or winter lay-up areas (e.g., East Med) |
| References | Testimonials from owners, captains, or yacht managers |
Example: KRM Yacht Refit & Rebuild, located in Tuzla, Istanbul, offers 900T lift capacity, full-service facilities, and a strong reputation for time-efficient delivery in the Eastern Mediterranean.
KRM Yacht Refit Yard
Creating a Scope and Getting Quotes
A well-defined refit scope of work (SOW) is the foundation of a successful project. It ensures transparency, accurate pricing, and prevents costly scope creep.
Your scope should include:
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Detailed list of works (categorized by discipline)
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Materials and equipment specifications
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Estimated work duration
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Class or regulatory requirements
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Optional items clearly separated
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Warranty terms
Pro tip: Send identical scopes to at least 2–3 yards to ensure a fair, apples-to-apples comparison.
Timeline: Phases of a Refit Project
Every yacht is different, but most refits follow a similar high-level process:
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Arrival & Survey: Yacht arrives at yard, initial inspections and drydock assessments begin.
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Strip Down & Diagnosis: Dismantling of affected areas, detailed scope validation, and unforeseen issues documented.
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Execution Phase: Structural, mechanical, electrical, interior, exterior works completed by skilled technicians.
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Testing & QA: All systems are reassembled and tested under supervision; sea trials scheduled.
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Delivery & Follow-Up: Handover documents finalized; post-refit support begins.
Ask the shipyard for weekly/monthly reports, photographic updates, and a cloud-based progress dashboard when possible — or choose KRM Yacht Refit & Rebuild and access all of this through our exclusive View Your Yacht platform, offering real-time project transparency and peace of mind.
Budgeting: What to Expect and How to Plan
Refit costs can vary widely depending on vessel size, work complexity, and material selection. Here’s a rough cost breakdown:
| Expense Category | Approximate Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Labor (skilled trades) | 30–40% |
| Materials & Equipment | 20–30% |
| Subcontracted Services | 10–15% |
| Yard & Dock Fees | 5–10% |
| Contingency | 10–15% recommended |
Unexpected costs happen. Always include a 10–15% buffer in your planning for things like hidden corrosion, urgent upgrades, or class survey changes.
Roles & Communication
A successful refit requires clear communication among the following stakeholders:
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Owner/Owner’s Rep – Sets vision and budget.
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Captain – Coordinates daily operations, monitors technical quality.
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Yacht Management Company – Oversees budget, contracts, compliance.
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Project Manager / Refit Supervisor – Manages timeline, quality control, and reporting.
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Shipyard PM – Your point of contact inside the facility.
Establish regular reporting calls, shared documents, and clear escalation paths before the project begins.
Documentation & Class Compliance
Make sure the following documentation is tracked and delivered:
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Work logs with dates and signatures
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Class approvals or certificates (e.g., Lloyd’s, RINA, BV)
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Warranty documentation
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Before & after visuals
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Owner’s manual updates (if applicable)
Having this on record will help future resale value, insurance renewals, and future maintenance.
Life After the Refit: What’s Next?
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Conduct a full sea trial before sign-off.
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Review remaining snags and document minor issues for warranty follow-up.
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Book a follow-up inspection 30–60 days after re-entry into service.
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Notify insurance and flag authority about the upgrades.
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Update charter marketing materials (photos, specs) if applicable.
Choosing KRM Yacht Refit & Rebuild for Your Next Refit
Located in Istanbul’s Tuzla shipyard zone an emerging hub for world-class superyacht services KRM Yacht Refit & Rebuild offers:
Capacity & Infrastructure
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900-ton travel lift – Largest in Türkiye
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40,000 sqm hard-standing area – Up to 50 vessels
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Repair quays for 15 superyachts – Up to 110 meters
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2,500 sqm workshop + 800 sqm storage
Facilities & Technology
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Fully enclosed, climate-controlled hangars
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Advanced tools and digital project tracking: View Your Yacht
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ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 certified from LRQA
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ICOMIA Refit Group member – International standards guaranteed
Expertise & Experience
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Specialists in 30–70m motor and sailing yachts
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200+ projects delivered, 92% return client rate
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15+ years of industry leadership
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In-house engineers, designers, and craftsmen
Strategic Location
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Based in Tuzla, Istanbul – Türkiye’s yachting hub
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Fast, high-quality, and cost-effective services
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A true refit destination enriched by culture and accessibility
Get in touch to request a yard visit or custom consultation: Contact Our Team
Final Thoughts
Planning a superyacht refit is a strategic investment, one that blends engineering, design, compliance, and passion. By following a structured process, choosing the right partners, and maintaining clear communication, you ensure not just a better vessel but a smoother ownership experience.
Whether you’re aiming to refresh your yacht’s look, enhance performance, or prepare it for charter or resale, the difference between a good refit and a great one lies in the planning.
