Short answer
A professional rig inspection in Australia is usually priced as a half-day or day rate plus travel, making it one of the cheapest risk-reduction purchases a yacht owner makes — typically a small fraction of a re-rig. Cost rises with mast height, whether the inspector goes aloft, and whether a written report is included.
Inspection pricing generally follows time rather than yacht value. The variables are mast height and access, how many trips aloft are needed, whether the furler or fittings are disassembled, and whether the deliverable is a verbal opinion or a written, photographed report.
Pay for the written report. A verbal "looks fine" has no value to an insurer, a buyer or your future self. A dated report with photographs becomes part of the yacht’s record and supports the next replacement decision.
Regional travel is often the largest single component outside the capitals. Where a rigger travels to the yacht, minimum callout and travel time can exceed the inspection itself — which is why owners in one region frequently coordinate inspections together.
Weigh it against what it prevents. An inspection costs a fraction of a re-rig and a far smaller fraction of a dismasting. See what a rig inspection covers.
Key facts
- Typical basis
- Half-day or day rate plus travel
- Cost drivers
- Mast height, trips aloft, disassembly, written report
- Regional factor
- Travel and minimum callout can exceed the inspection fee
- Always request
- A dated, photographed written report
Full background: read the guide