Tel.  01489-583346     Email:  info@yacht-boat-survey.co.uk  

My yacht and powerboat surveying service covers all boat types between 1.5m and 25m (5ft and 82ft) in length, including yachts, dayboats, powerboats, sportsboats, RIBs and workboats.  Although most of my surveys are on GRP hulls, I also inspect boats built from steel, aluminium, wood, or composite  materials.  For GRP hulls, the survey includes sample scraping and electronic moisture testing to examine for the effects of osmosis.

Surveys can be for pre-purchase, general condition, structural integrity, insurance renewal, damage assessment, compliance with regulations, etc.  For pre-purchase and condition surveys, the boat is normally brought out of the water for the inspection, though this can be on a scrubbing berth between tides, or in yard slings, to suit the client’s requirements.  All parts of the boat, rig and machinery are inspected, however, this is non-destructive testing and no significant dismantling is carried out.

Surveying can be carried out 7 days per week, often at only 48 hours of notice.  My fees are very reasonable, starting from just £10 per foot of hull length with no VAT to pay.  Surveys on multihull yachts (catamarans and trimarans) are charged at the same rate as monohulls.  

After approximately a half-day of inspection, a written report of 15-20 pages is prepared and this is generally available later the next day. An insurance valuation is included in the report, free of charge.  All digital photos taken during the inspection are supplied on a CD.  A list of defects is prepared and provided with a set of recommendations for the rectification work.  Technical support and advice is available by email at all times.

To assess engine condition, the sump oil can be sampled and sent away to a laboratory for spectro-chemical analysis at a cost of £60 per engine.  By examining the particles in the oil, this process indicates whether any of the major components (crankshaft, bearings, piston rings, etc.) have broken down or are excessively worn.   

If required, sea trials can be carried out on any boat at an hourly rate of £25 per hour.  During sea trials on powerboats the engines would be run up through their complete rev’ range and the boat’s performance measured.  The on-board systems are normally tested under working conditions at the same time.  On sailing boats a sea trial also enables the sails and deck gear to be tested under load.

Boats can be surveyed anywhere along the south coast of the UK between Weymouth and Eastbourne. Travel expenses are charged as an extra (at 40p per mile from Warsash near Southampton), but are not charged for surveying boats lying on or beside the River Hamble.

Osmosis