Click for a 'Sample Marine Survey Report' 
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Pre-Purchase Survey
What it is: A complete check of a boat you plan to buy. We examine all parts of the vessel that we can access.
What we check:

• The hull (boat body) for damage or water problems

• All boat systems (engine, electrical, plumbing)

• The mast, rigging, and sails

• Safety equipment

• Navigation equipment

• Interior condition

• The true value of the boat

Why you need it:

• Know exactly what you are buying

• Discover hidden problems

• Negotiate a fair price

• Plan for future repairs or upgrades

• Get insurance more easily

• Make a confident decision

Our approach: We spend 6-8 hours on your boat, checking everything carefully. After the survey, you receive a clear report with photos. We explain any problems in plain language and rate them by importance.

Insurance Survey
What it is: A thorough check of your boat that insurance companies require. This survey confirms your boat is in good condition and properly maintained.
What we check:

• Hull condition and integrity

• Safety equipment and compliance

• Electrical and gas system safety

• Engine condition

• Fire safety systems

• Navigation equipment

• Valuation of the vessel

Why you need it:

• Get or renew boat insurance

• Potentially lower insurance costs

• Identify safety issues

• Meet legal requirements

• Document your boat's condition and value

Our approach: We perform a detailed inspection focusing on safety and seaworthiness. Our reports meet the standards required by all major marine insurance companies. We can often complete this survey in 4-6 hours.

Damage Assessment
What it is: An inspection after an accident or incident has damaged your boat. We document the damage and recommend repairs.
What we check:

• Extent of visible damage

• Hidden damage that might not be obvious

• Structural impacts

• Affected systems

• Cost estimates for repairs

• Whether the boat is safe to use

Why you need it:

• Support insurance claims

• Get fair compensation

• Ensure all damage is found and fixed

• Plan effective repairs

• Understand if the damage affects boat value

Our approach: We carefully document all damage with detailed photos and descriptions. Our report helps you work with insurance companies and repair yards to get your boat fixed properly.

Sea Trials Service

What it is: A practical test of the boat while it's operating on the water. We check how all systems work when the boat is actually sailing or motoring.

What we check:

• Engine performance under load

• Steering response and handling

• Sail plan and rigging under tension

• How the boat handles in different conditions

• Water systems operation

• Navigation equipment in use

• Electrical systems under operating conditions

• Hull performance and stability

• Unusual sounds or vibrations

• Bilge dryness after operating

Why you need it:

• See how the boat actually performs, not just how it looks

• Test if engine problems appear only during operation

• Check comfort and handling characteristics

• Verify sailing performance for sailboats

• Identify issues that only show up when systems are working

• Make a fully informed buying decision

Our approach: We join you on the water for 2-4 hours to test all aspects of the boat in operation. We usually conduct sea trials after a satisfactory preliminary inspection. The sea trial includes testing the boat at various speeds, checking maneuverability, and testing all onboard systems under real conditions. For sailboats, we assess sail handling, balance, and performance on different points of sail.

Recommendation: A sea trial is strongly recommended as part of any pre-purchase process. Many critical issues only become apparent when the boat is being used as intended on the water.

Valuation Report
What it is: A professional assessment of your boat's current market value, based on its condition, age, model, and the current market.
What we check:

• Boat's overall condition

• Equipment and extras

• Recent sales of similar boats

• Current market trends

• Builder's reputation

• Special features or upgrades

Why you need it:

• Set a fair selling price

• Insure your boat correctly

• Settle estate matters

• Divide assets in legal proceedings

• Document value for loans

Our approach: We combine a physical inspection with market research to determine a fair, accurate value. Our valuation reports are accepted by banks, insurance companies, and legal authorities.

Hull condition surveys/osmosis checks are limited surveys, focusing exclusively on the condition and integrity of the vessel's hull. We will start by removing multiple areas of antifouling, as this is necessary to inspect the gelcoat surface for signs of wicking or blistering, and relative moisture content will be measured using a Sovereign moisture meter. Where necessary, we can advise on the required treatment options, and oversee the repair work, signing off on each of the key stages.

If you would like more information about a particular service please get in touch.

Our Seller’s Survey assists the yacht owner or broker in gaining an independent insight into the condition of his yacht and protect his interests throughout the sales process. This will also enable the seller to address any issues found that would result in a negotiated reduction in price, all findings are totally confidential.

Stage 1: We inspect the vessel either in and/or out of the water with particular attention given to any aspects that may become potential issues during the sales process. The process can be as little as a walk through half day review of the vessel through to a full pre-purchase survey with sea trials.

Stage 2: We issue you with a confidential condition report including a market value if requested. Whilst the report is confidential we will allow the owner to use the report as part of the sales material.

Stage 3 (optional): If serious defects are found, we can arrange for the repairs before sales viewings commence, or manage the process at the shipyard for the owner at an extra cost. We can also return to inspect post repairs ensuring works are completed to a satisfactory standard if the owner chooses to manage works himself.

Stage 4: We attend all or part of the pre-purchase survey on the seller’s behalf to ensure that all procedures are carried out correctly and any findings or defects discovered are substantiated. In the event of a legal dispute we provide an expert witness service on the owner’s behalf.

Inventory Service: A full or partial inventory of the vessel’s equipment and interior furnishings can also be provided.