Marine Survey

Looking for a new boat? Do you know what you want? As Associates of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS) we can help you find the right boat, survey her, learn to operate and maintain her  - and eventually replace her.

We conduct pre-purchase condition surveys, insurance surveys, damage surveys, sea trials, expert witness cases and can manage the ensuing project on your behalf. We are based in the Solent but will happily travel all over the British Isles and Europe. We do not charge for travelling time in the Solent.

We cover yachts and motorboats from 20 to 100 feet. We have extensive experience with GRP, wood, aluminium and carbon fibre construction. We have access to further specialist support from across the IIMS in addition to highly skilled shipwrights, marine and electronics engineers, riggers and sailmakers.

A typical pre-purchase condition survey for a 35 foot yacht involves around five hours onboard, a lift out to inspect the underwater fittings (arranged by the client or broker) and then a further four hours to prepare a full written report. For a pre-purchase survey, we go into as much detail as we can and will focus on specific areas as discussed with the client. Sea Trials are undertaken on request and include fuel anaylsis and combustion checks on diesel engines - strongly recommended for motorboats in particular.

In general, insurance surveys focus on structural and safety issues which imply a greater risk for the Insurer. So for example, we would not inspect the stitching on the sails, but we would take a close interest in the state of the standing rigging.

We also conduct formal assessments of the value of a vessel which can be of use in purchasing, selling or in legal disputes. This work involves visiting vessels (often as part of a survey) looking at similar craft and researching with Yacht Brokers before preparing a formal valuation document for the client.

We want to establish a 'cradle to grave' relationship with you, the owner - from finding the perfect boat and getting the best from her to exploring your horizons.

All our work is governed by the International Institute of Marine Surveyors Code of Practice and we carry full Professional Indemnity Insurance.