My Services in Detail

Buying a boat is one of the most exciting purchases you'll make — but it can also be one of the most expensive if things go wrong. A pre-purchase survey is your protection. It gives you an honest, independent assessment of exactly what you're buying before you commit.

I carry out a thorough inspection of the vessel, typically with the boat out of the water so I can assess the hull properly. Here's what I cover:

• Hull and structure — checking for osmosis, cracking, damage and moisture ingress

• Deck and superstructure — fittings, hatches, windows and signs of wear or water penetration

• Rig and sails (sail boats) — standing and running rigging, mast, boom and associated hardware

• Engine and mechanical systems — visual inspection of engine, steering, fuel and propulsion

• Electrical systems — wiring, batteries and onboard electrics

• Interior — bulkheads, structure, plumbing and safety equipment

After the inspection I'll talk you through my findings on the day in plain language, and follow up with a clear written report — no jargon, no unnecessary alarm, just an honest picture of the boat's condition with any issues graded by priority.

A good survey often pays for itself. If problems are found, you can use the report to renegotiate the price or walk away with confidence. If everything checks out, you can buy knowing exactly what you're getting.

The report is also accepted by most insurers, so you're covered there too.

Accidents happen. Whether it's a collision, grounding, storm damage or something that's failed unexpectedly, the first thing you need is an accurate, independent assessment of what's actually happened and what it's going to take to put it right.

I'll attend the vessel, carry out a thorough inspection of the damage and produce a clear written report covering the nature and extent of what I've found, the likely cause, and my recommendations for repair. That report can then be used to support your insurance claim, guide repair negotiations, or simply give you a clear picture of where you stand.

Having spent years managing repairs and refit projects — from annual yard periods to major overhauls — I understand how yards work, what repairs should cost, and how to make sure the right work gets done. That experience means you're not just getting a report, you're getting someone who can help you navigate what comes next.

I'm available at short notice where possible — if something has gone wrong, get in touch and we'll work out the quickest way I can help.

If your insurer is asking for a condition survey — either because your boat has reached a certain age, your policy is up for renewal, or you're taking out new cover — I can provide a thorough, independent report that meets the requirements of most UK marine insurers.

Unlike a pre-purchase survey, this isn't about deciding whether to buy — it's about giving your insurer confidence that the vessel is seaworthy, properly maintained and worth the cover being provided. It also gives you a useful health check on a boat you may have owned for years.

The survey covers the key areas insurers look for:

• Hull and structure — condition, integrity and any signs of damage or deterioration

• Deck and fittings — hatches, windows, stanchions and potential water ingress points

• Machinery and propulsion — engine, steering and fuel systems

• Electrical systems — wiring, batteries and safety compliance

• Safety equipment — fire extinguishers, flares, bilge pumps and other onboard safety gear

• Rig (sailing vessels) — standing and running rigging, mast and boom

• Valuation — a current market valuation of the vessel included as standard

You'll receive a clear written report accepted by the major UK insurers, along with a verbal summary on the day so you know exactly where you stand before anything goes off in writing.

If you're not sure whether your insurer requires a full out-of-water survey or an in-water inspection, get in touch and I can help you work out what's needed.

A static survey tells you a lot about a boat — but it can't tell you everything. How she handles under power, how the engine performs under load, how the rig behaves when the sails go up — these things only reveal themselves on the water.

A sea trial can be arranged as part of a pre-purchase survey or as a standalone service, and it's particularly valuable when you want a second opinion on a vessel you already own, or when a broker or seller is making claims about performance that you want independently verified.

On the water I'll assess:

• Engine performance — cold start, running temperature, throttle response and behaviour under load

• Propulsion and steering — prop, shaft, gearbox and helm response

• Rig and sail trim (sailing vessels) — mast, rigging tension, sail handling and general behaviour under sail

• Onboard systems — instruments, electronics, pumps and safety equipment under real conditions

• General handling — how the vessel behaves, any unusual noise, vibration or movement that warrants further investigation

Having spent over 20 years aboard — racing, cruising and delivering yachts across the Mediterranean and Scandinavia — I know what a well-found boat feels like underway. If something isn't right, I'll notice it.

Sea trials are subject to suitable weather conditions and availability of the vessel. Get in touch to discuss what's involved for your specific boat.Item description

Sometimes you don't need a formal survey — you need an experienced pair of eyes and some straight advice. Whether you're planning a refit, trying to understand a repair quote, buying a project boat, or just not sure where to start, I'm available to help on a consultancy basis.