Yacht Consultancy vs Full Management — Which Model Truly Fits Your Yacht?

Owning a Yacht Is Freedom — Until Management Becomes the Challenge

Every yacht owner dreams of effortless cruising and true freedom at sea.
Yet soon after delivery, the practical side of ownership begins to unfold — maintenance planning, class inspections, documentation, and budgeting quickly become part of the routine.

That’s when an important question arises:

Do I really need full yacht management, or would targeted consultancy be enough?

The answer depends on how much control you wish to keep — and how much you truly need to spend.

What Is Yacht Consultancy?

Yacht consultancy is a flexible technical advisory service that helps yacht owners organize maintenance, control budgets, and ensure compliance without committing to a full management contract.
It’s the professional guidance you need, only where and when you need it.

What’s the Difference Between Management and Consultancy?

Full management means total delegation — a specialized team handles all operational, technical, and administrative aspects of the yacht with a fixed monthly cost.
Consultancy, on the other hand, provides professional structure and technical expertise while keeping the owner in command of every decision and expense.
You gain transparency, accuracy, and flexibility — without overpaying.

Full Management — Comfort at a Higher Cost

Full management covers all vessel-related operations:

• Preventive maintenance and repairs
• Crew management and payroll
• Class, flag, and safety compliance (ISM / ISPS / MLC)
• Budget planning and expense tracking
• Port formalities and operational logistics
• 24/7 technical and operational support

It guarantees security and consistency but comes with a higher fixed cost and less owner involvement.
Ideal for commercial yachts or owners with limited availability.

Consultancy — Expertise, Transparency and Control

Consultancy offers technical precision with flexibility.
The consultant analyzes, advises, and organizes, while the owner approves and decides.

Typical scope:

• Monthly technical advisory and maintenance planning
• Record keeping and documentation
• Pre- and post-season readiness checks
• Class and Flag preparation (if required)
• Refit supervision and quality assurance
• Owner’s representation with yards or suppliers

It provides professional accuracy and full transparency, maintaining total control in the owner’s hands.

Cost, Control & Responsibility — Side by Side

The GEM Innovation — Scalable Consultancy-to-Management Model

GEM Services & Yachting is the first company in Greece to implement a scalable support model that adapts to your yacht’s needs.
Start with consultancy, focusing on planning, inspections, and documentation — and when operations expand, move seamlessly to full management with the same expert team and consistent system.

You ensure:

• No duplication or data loss
• Complete operational continuity
• Transparent adjustment of services and costs as needs evolve

A structured, flexible, and cost-effective model that keeps control in your hands.

FAQ

Q1: Is consultancy enough for a 15-meter private yacht?

Absolutely. Even at 15 meters, professional technical consultancy is essential — because owners cannot manage complex maintenance, documentation, and inspections alone.
A company like GEM provides:

• certified workshops and verified suppliers,
• better rates through established partnerships,
• Technical Services Reports for every job,
• and workmanship guarantees for all certified tasks.
  Consultancy ensures the vessel is maintained safely, efficiently, and transparently without unnecessary management costs.

Q2: Can I upgrade to full management later?

Yes. GEM’s scalable model allows a seamless transition to full management whenever needed, keeping the same technical team and complete vessel history.