Superyacht Galley Refit: Planning, Specification and Procurement
A superyacht galley refit is fundamentally different from a new build project. Instead of designing from first principles, a refit must work with — and often against — an existing structure. Bulkheads are fixed. Plumbing routes are established. Electrical panels have finite capacity. The objective is to maximise the improvement that can be achieved within the constraints that exist, without creating structural problems that increase cost and duration beyond the project's scope.
Our refit galley work ranges from complete galley strip-outs and rebuilds through to targeted equipment replacements within an existing fitted galley. Each project begins with a thorough assessment of the existing installation — identifying what can be retained, what should be replaced for performance or safety reasons, and what changes to the layout are achievable within the structural envelope.
Why Galleys Are Often Prioritised in Refit
In the superyacht market, galley refits are driven by several factors that tend to coincide:
- Equipment age — commercial cooking and refrigeration equipment has an operational life of 8 to 15 years in a demanding marine environment. Equipment approaching or beyond this age begins to present reliability and operational risks that justify replacement
- Charter market standards — charter market expectations evolve, and a galley that was appropriate when the vessel was built may no longer meet the standard that charter guests and operators expect
- Change of use — a vessel transitioning from private to charter use, or increasing its charter programme, requires a galley capable of supporting the higher-volume, more demanding cooking programme that charter service demands
- New technology — induction cooking, advanced combi oven technology and intelligent refrigeration systems represent material improvements over equipment installed a decade or more ago
Our Refit Galley Process
We manage the refit galley process from survey through to commissioning. Our approach follows a structured sequence that minimises surprises and maintains programme discipline:
Survey and assessment — we conduct a detailed survey of the existing galley installation, assessing all equipment, services and structural elements. We produce a condition report with recommendations for retention, replacement and modification.
Brief development — working with the captain and owner, we define the brief for the refit galley — what should be improved, what the new galley should achieve and what constraints (budget, programme, structural) apply.
Specification — we develop the complete equipment specification for the refit, including all modifications required to existing services and structure to accommodate the new installation.
Procurement and coordination — we order all equipment, coordinate delivery to the yard and work with the yard's engineering team to manage the installation sequence.
Commissioning — we commission all new equipment and provide crew training at handover.
Frequently Asked Questions: Superyacht Galley Refit
How long does a galley refit typically take?+
Duration depends entirely on the scope of the refit. A targeted equipment replacement — swapping out one or two appliances without structural changes — may take one to two weeks including delivery lead time. A partial galley refit — new equipment throughout an existing layout — typically takes three to six weeks of yard time. A complete galley strip-out and rebuild, including structural modifications, new joinery and new services, may take eight to sixteen weeks. We develop a detailed programme at the specification stage and work to it rigorously to minimise the vessel's time out of service.
How do we decide what equipment to replace versus retain?+
The decision to replace or retain an existing appliance is based on several factors: age and remaining service life, current performance and reliability, compatibility with the updated galley brief, and the practicality of fitting around it. Equipment that is less than five years old, in good condition and performing to requirement is generally retained. Equipment approaching end of life, presenting reliability concerns or limiting the galley's capability relative to the new brief is replaced. We make specific recommendations for each item based on our survey findings and the project brief.
Can the galley layout be changed in a refit?+
Yes, within the constraints of the existing structure. We assess which layout changes are feasible given the bulkhead positions, deck penetrations, ventilation routes and service connections that exist in the current installation. Minor layout improvements — repositioning equipment within the existing worktop configuration, adjusting the position of refrigeration alcoves, reconfiguring the warewashing station — are often achievable without major structural work. More significant layout changes — moving the position of the main cooking line, relocating access routes — require structural work that must be costed and programmed.
Which shipyard should we use for a galley refit?+
We work with shipyards throughout Europe and can manage a galley refit at any facility the vessel uses. Our preference is to work with yards that have experience of commercial kitchen installation — this ensures the joinery team understands the tolerances and utility connections required for professional equipment. We can advise on suitable yards in the preferred refit region. For smaller equipment replacement work, we can manage the project at anchor or with the vessel berthed at a marina without the vessel entering a full refit yard.
Can we upgrade to induction cooking in a refit?+
Yes. An induction cooking upgrade in a refit requires assessment of the vessel's electrical supply capacity, as induction equipment has higher peak electrical demand than the gas equipment it replaces. We assess the electrical system as part of the survey and specify the correct induction equipment within the available supply capacity. Where the existing electrical supply requires upgrading to support induction cooking, we coordinate this as part of the project scope. The benefit of eliminating LPG storage — improving safety and freeing hold space — often justifies the electrical upgrade cost.
How do we manage the galley refit if the vessel is in active charter?+
Galley refits typically need to be timed during a gap in the charter calendar — the extended winter period or the inter-season gap between summer Mediterranean and winter Caribbean charters. We work with the captain and management company to identify the optimal timing window and develop a programme that fits within it. For vessels with limited seasonal gaps, we can sometimes stage the refit — completing the most critical changes in the available window and deferring secondary improvements to the next opportunity.
What happens to the old equipment?+
Removed equipment is typically sold through the used marine equipment market, donated to maritime charities or disposed of responsibly through the yard's waste management process. We can advise on the most appropriate disposal route for each item. Equipment in good condition with remaining service life has residual value in the second-hand market — we can facilitate this where the equipment owner wishes to recover value from the removed items.
Do you manage the full galley refit project or just the equipment supply?+
We can provide either service depending on the project's needs. For owners or management companies that have an established yard relationship and project management resource in place, we can provide the equipment specification and supply only — integrating with the existing project structure. For owners who want a single point of responsibility for the galley work within the broader refit, we can take on full project management of the galley scope — from brief through to commissioning. We discuss the preferred project structure at the outset of each engagement.
