yacht surveyors southampton

Do you need a marine survey specialist?

“Whatever type of yacht or boat you are thinking of buying, I have the expertise to deliver a detailed, reliable survey report that will give you confidence in your purchase.”

M.R.A. Murphy LCG, qualified  yacht surveyor and marine engineer

At Lighthouse

I am Richard Murphy, the owner of Lighthouse Yacht & Boat Surveys . I am a qualified yacht surveyor and marine engineer with full professional and public liability insurance.  Lighthouse  offer 3 different types of survey:

Pre-purchase

This is also known as a full condition survey and takes place in advance of a sale. It is designed to establish the overall condition of the vessel in terms of defects, quality of build, maintenance and wear and tear.

Check your insurance policy; most UK insurers require that any vessel more than 20 years old needs to be surveyed every three to five years.  Even if you think your vessel is sound, it is worth checking that there are no defects of which you are not aware.  

This is the most basic pre-purchase survey I can carry out. If the potential buyer is satisfied with the condition of most of the yacht or boat they are planning to buy but wants to be sure the actual structure of the vessel, I can produce a report that focuses purely on the key areas.

Areas Covered

The South Coast including The Solent, Hamble, Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington, Gosport, Chichester and Weymouth. I will also travel anywhere in the UK by prior appointment. Please get in touch to discuss.

About Lighthouse

Welcome to Lighthouse Yacht & Boat Surveys . My name is Richard Murphy LCG, and I’m a qualified yacht surveyor and marine engineer.

I started working in the marine industry in 1977 and have been a serial boat owner ever since. These have ranged from an eight-foot dinghy to a 56-foot trawler yacht. I have personally maintained all my craft. I have re-engined, re-fitted and repainted them. I have retro-fitted stabilising systems,  modified rudder and steering systems and extended the hull and deck of the trawler yacht.

All this hands-on experience enables me to give you a top-quality service when you need a survey carried out. Reliability and great customer service really matter to me. You are very welcome to call me to discuss your requirements in detail.

Contact me at Lighthouse Yacht & Boat Surveys today and I will tell you how I can put your mind at rest when you are thinking of purchasing a yacht or boat.

Southampton Yacht Surveyors

Surveying superyachts in Southampton involves a highly specialised process, encompassing a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of maritime engineering and navigation systems. Nestled along the bustling shores of England’s south coast, Southampton boasts a rich maritime history and a thriving superyacht industry. With some vessels reaching well over 100 meters in length, these floating luxury palaces are often equipped with the latest marine technology, lavish accommodations and top-tier entertainment systems. Our expert marine surveyors in Southampton undertake an exhaustive assessment of these superyachts, examining their structural integrity, navigational equipment, safety provisions, and onboard facilities. This rigorous process is fundamental to maintaining the high safety and quality standards of the superyacht industry, safeguarding the significant investments involved and contributing to Southampton’s reputation as a global hub for luxury yachting.

Marine Surveyors Southampton

Project Management

Yacht Valuation

Pre-Purchase

Marine insurance

Yacht Paint

Technical Consultancy

Boat Damage

Thermal Imaging

Schedule a survey.

JIM PRITCHARD ASSOCIATES

Yacht surveyors | yacht consultants | naval architects .

SURVEYING BUILDING & REPAIRING YACHTS SINCE 1975, WITH OVER 6000 SURVEYS COMPLETED

Yacht Surveyor Jim Pritchard carries out a number of different types of surveys – A pre-purchase survey by Jim Pritchard will establish the structural and working condition of the yacht and its equipment, and in his report he will provide detailed recommendations for remedial work that may be required. Following the survey, Jim Pritchard will be available to provide guidance and advice to the Purchaser, to enable him to negotiate fair concessions from the owner that take into account the findings of the survey. Surveys for insurance renewal, damage repair and the condition of specific aspects of a yacht or its equipment are also provided.

Areas of Operation

Although most yacht and boat marine surveys are carried out on the South Coast of England surveying frequently in Hamble, Southampton, Lymington, Portsmouth, Chichester, Gosport, Poole, Brighton and the Isle of Wight, Jim Pritchard also often flies to the Mediterranean and other overseas destinations.

Associated Specialist  

Jim Pritchard works with other specialists within the industry and may call on their services to provide additional specialist advice.

Jim Pritchard is authorised to carry out MCA Code of Practice surveys for the certification of charter and other commercial vessels. He also provides advice with regard to the European Union Recreational Craft Directive, whose application is required when privately selling a yacht that has been imported from outside the EU. Jim Pritchard carries out Tonnage Measurement Surveys that are required when registering a yacht.

Jim Pritchard oversees and monitors the construction of high value yachts from conception to handover, representing the Owner’s interests to ensure a workable contract, to advise on the suitability of the contract specification, report on progress and quality, manage and advise on contract additions and verify the achievement of payment stages.

Jim Pritchard provides expert witness advice for both civil and criminal legal actions. His reports are accepted as a reliable authority, based on a wealth of practical and professional experience, gathered while working in the marine leisure industry since 1975. He also provides expert advice for other specific requirements

SURVEYOR OF SAILING & MOTOR YACHTS

Jim Pritchard will carry out an inspection and gather the information and experience that is required to arrive at a market valuation for a yacht. Valuations are carried out to satisfy the requirements of marine mortgage lending, guidance to purchasers, insurance cover, settlement of disputes and commercial studies for banks with regard to the security and structure of their marine mortgage portfolios.

Tel: +44 7496 152 486

AURA Yacht Surveys LLP (AYS)is operated by Mr Richard Lamble who since 2002 has carried out 2500 marine surveys the vast majority in pleasure yachts from 6.8m to 68m and is now based near Southampton. AYS offers experienced support to Owners, Buyers, Charterers, Management Companies, Underwriters and Lawyers for both large and small pleasure and small commercial craft.

Surveys are undertaken in accordance with professional marine industry standards, codes of practice such as the Code of Practice for the Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements of Iron and Steel Small Craft Structures issued by the International Institute of Marine Surveyors, MECAL Code of Conduct and AYS Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Policy.

Richard Lamble is the Principal surveyor at AYS. He has 18 years’ experience at sea with his last appointment as staff chief engineer on a cruise liner. With over 40 years sailing experience in yachts of all sizes and many renovations and new constructions in wood, glass fibre, west, steel and aluminium to his credit, he has developed an awareness of where to look for the problems yachts develop. His technical background encourages the use of latest technology to enhance the surveys value.

Richard is a 1st Class Marine Engineer Officer – Steam and Motor, a Chartered Engineer, fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers, Scientists and Technologists, and a member of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors. He holds a Diploma in Marine Surveying of Small Craft and a Diploma in Vessel Valuation. Richard has undertaken expert witness in Arbitration and High Court actions.

• Pre-purchase valuation
• Damage – for insured and underwriters
• Registry compliance
• Refit and new build progress inspections
• Hull ultrasonic thickness measurement (steel and aluminium craft)
• Rig inspections

Professional Services

• Refit management
• New build management
• Expert witness

Seastar Survey Ltd

Marine Environmental Consultancy

Science, Research & Surveying

Seastar Survey Ltd. is an independent marine survey company based near to Southampton, on the south coast of England. We specialise in supplying a range of environmental, oceanographic and hydrographic services to both the offshore and coastal industries, and pride ourselves on a positive and flexible approach to all of our clients’ needs. Our aim is to offer an unbeatable level of support and services to organisations operating in the marine environment through a combination of experience in  marine science and surveying, survey vessel operation and project management.

In addition we have freshwater and terrestrial environmental survey capability, with trained staff members experienced in delivering the same unbeatable level of support and services to organisations operating in this sector.

Our primary areas of experience include:

Environmental  Surveys

Oceanographic & Hydrographic Surveys

ROV and Drop-Down Camera Surveys

Survey Planning, Implementation & Management

Video / Still Photography Analysis

Ecological Appraisal and Biotope Classification

Report Compilation with fully interactive GIS

Survey Vessel Charter

Scientific Diving

Invertebrate Taxonomy

Marine Mammal Observation and PAM Surveys

Underwater Photography

Certificate Number 3647 ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 14001: 2015, ISO 45001: 2018

02380 873228

Marine Surveyors and Consultants

Fully Qualified and Experienced

Complete Range of Services

As a time served boat builder, commercial fisherman, commercial skipper, Marine superintendent and Marine surveyor,  we can advise and support with our knowledge of non-commercial to Classed vessels.

We strive to provide a friendly prompt professional service from the first call to conclusion and report. 

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Hardy Marine Solutions Ltd is an independent marine surveying company specialising in yachts and small craft in Devon.

Here are some background details about Yacht Surveys and the team.

Nick Hardy and Robin Feloy are independent marine surveyors specialising in yachts and small craft. The company carries Professional Indemnity Insurance for the practice of Marine Surveying and is recognised by leading Insurance companies in the Yacht and Marine world.

Southampton Solent University 1999 – 2003 Degree Name Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) Field Of Study Powerboat & Yacht design

Area Covered

Based in and around South Devon, we cover the Devon area and much of the South West coast of the UK. We are prepared to travel further afield for specific jobs. No Mileage Charge for visits within an approx. 25  mile radius covering the South Devon area from Exmouth to Saltash.

Associations

Testimonials

Nick has always provided us with sound straight forward advice and has gone well beyond what you could normally expect in terms of service and attitude. A nice person to do business with.

Privacy Overview

Yacht & Motorboat Surveyors Marine Consultation Services

We offer a range of specialist professional services tailored to the needs of today’s boat buyer and owner. The quality of our services and our technical capabilities is supported by experience, qualification acknowledgement by recognised industry accreditation. We are always working towards protecting your investment and your safety afloat. Our emphasis is on quality, professionalism and a personal level of confidence, service and communication second to none.

Yacht Surveys

The Comprehensive Pre-Purchase Boat Inspection

The Condition, Finance or Insurance Boat Survey

Hull & Structure Inspection Boat Survey

Sports Boat and RIB Surveys

BoatTrailnSail

The Trailer Sailer Boat Survey

Boat Damage Survey and Special Instructions

Boat Market Valuation

Formal Boat Sea Trials

Commissioning and New Boat Delivery Checks

Extras, Systems and Equipment Boat Survey

Engine and Machinery Surveys

Boat Engine Oil and Fuel Sample Condition Analysis Survey

Yacht Surveying Services Areas Covered

Based near Hamble on the Solent, the hub of British yachting, we cover the the Solent, South Coast and Isle of Wight, including National and International locations.

Survey Locations Contact Us

Why Choose Us

We strongly believe that it is our duty to give you the best possible service, quality and depth of survey and benefit of our boating experience to give you absolute confidence in us, your survey and your boat. A survey is a very personal affair and so we look forward to meeting with you soon to discuss your requirements.

+44 (0)2380 659350

Call our team on: +44 (0)2380 659350

We are here to help

Got a query about one of our services? Here’s how you can find answers and get in touch with us…

Contact details

Call: +44 (0)2380 659350 Email: [email protected]

Southampton address

Unit A, Williams Shipping, Manor House Avenue, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 0LF

Registered address

Mill Mead, Bickton, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2HA

For online enquiries please fill out the form below

Please complete this form with as much information as possible and we will respond to your query within 1 working day.

Meet the team at SG Survey

Our team possess a wealth of experience and technical expertise across a diverse range of marine surveying disciplines, serving both the private and commercial sectors.

Lee Warltier

Director & Marine Surveyor

Richard Rapp

Ashley Bloor

Commercial Marine Surveyor

Senior Yacht Surveyor

John Sharratt

Marine Surveyor

Marti Morris

Marine Surveyor & Auditor

Dave Tremayne

Marine Surveyor & Engineer

Cargo Surveyor

Tony Butler-Waite

Peter Tayler

Commercial Marine Consultant

Ian Anderson

Robert Bingham

Robert Nixon

Marine Technician

Brian Anderson

Victoria Warltier

Accounts Manager & Director

Our Affiliates

Our company is proud to be associated with the following institutes and regulating bodies.

Get in touch

Please do not hesitate to contact our surveyors for further information or a quotation. email us at [email protected] or call +44 (0)2380 659350.

• Purchase Surveys
• Loss Adjusting
• MCA Charter
• Meet the Team

SOUTH COAST MARINE SURVEYORS &

CONSULTANTS

A Bit of Background

My name is Giles Innes. After completing my apprenticeship as a boatbuilder over 30 years ago I started my own business as a shipwright and custom boatbuilder, which I ran successfully for the next 10 years. After a spell in the super Yacht Industry in the Caribbean I qualified as an Officer of the watch unlimited and spent the next 10 years working as an officer in the offshore oil and gas industry on heavy shipping. During this time I qualified as a marine surveyor. For the last 9 years, having graduated to Master (Captain),  I have worked as a towage master on the tugs here in the Port of Southampton and in many locations covering coastal and offshore towage and marine civil engineering. I now run my own business offering marine surveys for all types of yachts and motorboats of all sizes and also offering a range of marine services including primarily re-fit & re-build consultancy, but also engineering, fabrication, GRP, equipment installation, electrics and carpentry.

I hold a Diploma in Marine Surveying from the Lloyds Maritime Academy, and am a member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying for whom I am a nominated Certifying Authority Surveyor on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. In addition I am a committee member of the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association and member of British Marine Federation. In addition to this I am a member of the Nautical Institute and the Royal Yachting Association. I have sailed all my life in offshore / inshore racing and cruising and am a member of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club. 

Memb erships

WINTERBOTHAMS

Delivering the best independent marine surveying and yacht consultancy.

Founded in 1985, Winterbothams Ltd has established a reputation for delivering the best in marine surveying and yacht consultancy. Our company combines decades of expertise with an acute appreciation of clients’ needs and expectations. This experience is complemented with a continuing dedication to deliver   surveying and consulting with proficiency and precision.

Call: +44 (0)23 80 668 665

Our experienced marine surveyors cover the full spectrum of yacht surveys including, pre-purchase, refit, damage, condition, pre-sale, insurance and valuation. Winterbothams is there to guide, support and advise on all yacht surveying matters.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Winterbothams is there to advise on all technical details of a client’s new build or refit   project . Without compromise, we will guide and support clients throughout a project’s complexities, ensuring the fullest compliance with any specification.

CONSULTANCY

Our experience and expertise spans naval architecture, project management, marine engineering, technical consultancy and surveying. Using this collective knowledge we support owners from initial concept through design, specification, tendering, build, trials and acceptance.

We also act as owners’ representatives, providing an owner with a single, trusted point of contact.

EXPERT WITNESS

Winterbothams have become a trusted resource as an   expert witness   to the marine and superyacht industry. Proud of our independent stance in the global marketplace, we offer impartial advice, consultation, investigation and analysis when called upon.

SMALL CRAFT

Our small craft surveying and consultancy services are conducted to the same exacting standards as ours in the large yacht sector. Our team has significant experience and expertise in   small craft survey , safety standards and regulations.

A small craft is any vessel below 24m in length and includes sailing yachts, motorboats and RIBs.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

LOA: 124.4m

CRN139 – NEW BUILD

LOA: 133.9m

OCEAN VICTORY

UMM ALHOUL & DALOUB

ENIGMA (NOW ZEUS)

BLACK PEARL

SAILING YACHT A

Professional Associates

Accredited Members

YDSA | MRINA | MECAL | BMSE | eMISW

Sailing and Motor boats

Private and Commercial

Specialists in Marine Surveying

Independent Pre-Purchase Surveys

“Best ever survey reports, setting new standards for yacht surveyors”

Surveyors with practical offshore experience

commercially-endorsed

We have Coded over 100 boats and can guide you through the Coding process

Tonnage Surveys

For Part 1 Registration – we are authorised measurers

• 1 Current: Survey
• 2 Boat Details
• 3 Your Details

UK Yacht Surveyors Ltd

We are professional yacht surveyors - Accredited members of the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA), Members of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA), Full members of British Marine Surveyors Europe (BMSE), and authorised MCA Coding and Tonnage Measurement surveyors.

Our surveys have been described by leading industry surveyors as the…

“Best ever, setting new standard for yacht surveyors.”

We work independently for our clients to the highest industry standard providing the following service around the UK, Europe, and Worldwide.

Pre-Purchase Survey

MCA Coding Survey

Insurance Renewal Survey

View all Testimonials

“Thank you very much for such an impressive and thorough work under these challenging weather conditions. Thank you very much for the very detailed list of recommendations.” - Guenter - Dufour 38 Classic

“A prompt and comprehensive report. I found your approach extremely professional and would have no hesitation in using or recommending you in the future.” - Darren - Fairline Targa 43

“Jonathan has been highly professional and thorough in all aspect of the inspection, including the sea trial, and every component of the boat." - Eyal - Oyster 68, Italy

“We have reached an agreement with the vendor - having reduced the purchase price by 15000 Euro. Thank you for all your assistance, advice and the high quality survey and report - really excellent and appreciate your assistance.” - Marc - Lagoon 440 Catamaran, Italy

“If you are looking for a survey, it would be hard to find a better surveyor than Jonathan Massey. He is exceptionally well qualified and meticulous in his work. I received his thorough and detailed report in less than 48 hours and it gave me all the information and the confidence I needed to proceed with the purchase, at a very fair price.” - Dennis - Catalina 320

“Jonathan has been highly professional and thorough in all aspect of the inspection, including the sea trial, and every component of the boat. Where a rigger and an engineer were also used Jonathan ensured these trades provided meaningful and useful reporting. Jonathan has done further investigation beyond the inspection and provided highly detailed and useful report.” - Eyal - Oyster 68, Italy

“The survey proved to be more useful and valuable than I could ever have imagined, thank you for your exceptionally thorough work. Thank you again for all your efforts.” - Adam - Bosun Queen 55

• Sensible advice, personalised to the client, illustrated with helpful notes to maintain vessel value, carry out repairs and operate safely.
• Professionally trained surveyors operating to the highest standards in the industry.
• Through YDSA and BMSE we have access to and share information with a network of leading surveyors with experience of almost every type of vessel and defect.
• We encourage our clients to stay in touch and are happy to provide ongoing advice for no charge.
• We hold professional indemnity insurance and work in accordance with the YDSA Code of Practice.

Request a Quote

Accredited Professionals

Guy Nicholls, Marine Surveyor in Hamble using a Sovereign Quantum Marine Moisture Meter to ascertain whether the laminate or core of a GRP hull has suffered moisture ingress

Hello, I am Guy Nicholls, owner and Principal Marine Surveyor of Solent Marine Surveys.

My philosophy is to combine excellent personal service with best practice marine survey techniques at reasonable fees.

I am International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC) qualified in Yacht and Small Craft Surveying. I am a member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), the British Marine Surveyors Europe (BMSE) and the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA). I carry full professional indemnity and third party insurance.

After attaining a Boat Building and Boatyard Management Diploma in 1986, I worked in boat building, also as a rigger, a professional delivery skipper and as a yacht broker before becoming a full time marine surveyor.

Guy Nicholls, Marine Surveyor racing Azzam in France, a Volvo 65 sponsored by Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, the winner of the 2014/2015 Volvo Ocean Race

I have owned, cruised and raced competitively, both inshore and offshore, numerous types of craft over the years. I have recently sold a Hanse and now own a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 39DS, which I moor in the River Hamble and cruise in the Solent and across to the Channel Isles and Brittany with my family.

My professional qualifications and experience in the marine sector, combined with my personal ownership and experience of a range of boats, means that I am able to not only identify defects but also advise on how best to rectify them.

I am assisted by my wife, Louise Nicholls, who manages the office.

Some recent surveys

• Moisture readings & meters
• Princess F50 Pre Purchase Survey
• Pre-purchase survey Najad 400
• Jeanneau Merry Fisher 795 Hamble
• Pre-purchase survey Hylas 46 Hamble

Search Surveys

Privacy overview.

• Prior to Purchase Surveys
• Insurance Survey
• Damage Assessment

Tonnage Registration

• Ultrasonic Surveys
• Preparation of Repair Specifications
• Project Management
• Specialist Advice
• MCA Coding Advice
• MCA Compliance Examinations

Stability Tests

• Motor Yacht Survey
• Sailing Yacht Survey
• MCA Charter Survey
• Engine Survey
• Damage Survey
• Valuation Survey

Marine and Yacht Surveyors in Hamble, Hampshire

Yacht surveyors | marine consultants | design specialists.

Marine and Yacht Surveyors

Rea Associates Limited is a leading European Marine Surveying company which has been established for over thirty five years. The company consists of experienced and qualified marine surveyors and Naval Architects specialising in luxury yachts and motor vessels.

We operate predominantly in the UK and the South Coast including Hamble and Southampton. We regularly carry out work across many marinas throughout Europe. We offer a wide range of surveys including pre purchase surveys, MCA compliance surveys and valuation reports. Our head office is based on the south coast in Petersfield in Hampshire.

Call us today on 01243 371270 – or – 07836 661574

Survey types.

Motor Yacht Surveys

Sailing Yacht Surveys

MCA Charter Surveys

Insurance Surveys

Engine Surveys

Damage Surveys

Valuation Surveys

Marine Surveyors in Hampshire and the Solent

Marine surveyors in Southampton, Portsmouth & Solent

Marine Techniques is run by dedicated Marine Surveyors and specialists who understand the requirements of boat owners and the pitfalls that can be encountered when purchasing any boat and those that occur during ownership.

All our surveyors qualifications are internationally recognized within the marine industry relating to boat construction, design, marine engineering and management. All are members of the I.I.M.S. or Y.D.S.A.

Marine Techniques surveyors have many years experience in the industry and have been appointed by various institutions including insurance companies, finance houses, M.C.A, M.E.C.A.L, Y.D.S.A and the R.Y.A.

Types of Survey: We offer several types of survey, ranging from the full pre-purchase survey through to insurance and damage surveys. In addition we also carry out full engine examinations plus our tailored three boat package.

Should you be considering buying a yacht, a small leisure craft or a commercial vessel we are here to help and will always take the time to discuss your specific requirements.

Areas covered in Hampshire & Solent include :- Keyhaven, Lymington, Beaulieu, Yarmouth, Cowes, Southampton, Hamble, Gosport, Southsea, Portsmouth, Port Solent, Hayling Island, & Emsworth.

The Solent The Solent is 15 miles long and varies in width between 21 to 3 miles due to the undulating shape of its opposing coasts. Within the Solent, strong currents flow through the Hurst Narrows at the western entrance to the Solent. However, at the entrances to Portsmouth, Langstone and Chichester Harbours, surface currents may reach in excess of 3 metres per second on a full spring ebb. To the west of Portsmouth is Portsmouth Harbour, this is a roughly triangular natural harbour, each of the three sides is approximately two and a half miles long. Marine Surveyors – Keyhaven, Hampshire Keyhaven harbour is is shielded by the massive shingle bar that leads to the famous Hurst Castle at the western end of the Solent. It is well protected but the harbour is mainly drying. Marine Surveyors – Lymington, Hampshire Lymington is an attractive estuary two miles long with the entrance channel lying between salt marshes. A beautiful, Georgian market town, Lymington is situated on the southern edge of the New Forest, between Southampton and Bournemouth and at the western end of the Solent. There are two marinas, Lymington Yacht Haven and Berthons, the ferry terminal and at the Town Quay room there is room for up to 100 visiting boats within two minutes walk of the town centre.

Marine Surveyors – Beaulieu, Hampshire The Beaulieu River and the 18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard has been in the private ownership since 1724. It was here that wooden ships for the English Fleet were built and the village today retains much of the atmosphere of its shipbuilding origins. The uniquely situated Yacht Harbour offers 110 berths in a beautiful and sheltered reach of the Beaulieu River. Marine surveyors in Southampton, Portsmouth & Solent

Marine Surveyors – Hythe, Hampshire Hythe Marina was the first marina village to be built in the UK. There is boat lifting for vessels up to 40 tons, including an emergency boat lifting facility, general cranage up to 8 tons and cradle hire for various boat types. Hythe marine provides storage ashore for over 160 boats, including a secure compound for small boat storage. A regular ferry service is in operation which runs from Hythe right into the centre of Southampton. Marine Surveyors – Southampton, Hampshire Southampton is one of the greatest natural harbours in the world and is one of the UK’s busiest and important ports benefiting from four tides a day and facing one of the world’s busiest waterways. It is in this area that most marine surveys are carried out due to the number of yachts and powerboats in a concentrated area. The Solent plays host to both the commercial shipping and the vibrant leisure activities as the Port welcomes the world’s largest vessels, from deep-sea container ships to cruise giants. The harbour is renowned for its international events such as the Whitbread and Global Challenge yacht races, Cowes Week and the Southampton International Boat Show. Home to around 2,500 recreational berths, Southampton has marinas with visitor facilities at Hythe, Town Quay, Ocean Village, Kemps and Shamrock Quay. There is also dry berthing and cranage at Drivers Wharf and cranage and some shore storage at Itchen Marine at American Wharf.

Marine Surveyors – Yarmouth, Isle of Wight Yarmouth is a very popular small harbour in the western Solent. It has a number of boatyards and marine service companies, with liftouts for smaller boats available by the harbour office, and larger boats can be hauled out by Harold Hayles Marine. Marine surveyors in Southampton, Portsmouth & Solent

Marine Surveyors – Cowes, Isle of Wight Cowes on the Isle of Wight is one of the premier yachting centres of the world, and home to the massive Round the Island Race, one of the world’s largest yacht races, and of course the world famous Cowes Week. Cowes has earned a reputation for unparalleled race and event management skills, plus a wide range of support services and maintenance facilities, designed to cope with the diverse nature of modern yachting. Cowes Yacht Haven offers is accessible at all states of the tide and has full services including launches, lift out and winter storage. Across the river is East Cowes Marina. There are a number of boatyards, including Lallows, Kingston Marine Services and Medina Yard.

Marine Surveyors – Hamble, Hampshire The River Hamble at the heart of the sheltered waters of the Solent, protected from the open sea by the Isle of Wight, and benefiting from a two hour stand at high water, is an ideal base for cruising whether one’s horizons are limited to the Solent and Isle of Wight, or extend further afield on the South Coast, the Channel Islands or France. The River Hamble Authority basedv at Warsash, Yacht Clubs, Marinas and Boatyards provide moorings for thousands of yachts, and marina facilities include Hamble Point Marina, Mercury Yacht Harbour, Premier Marina, Port Hamble Marina plus several other smaller operations. The River Hamble is very much at the heart of the South Coast sailing scene, with many racing yachts based there.

Marine Surveyors – Gosport, Hampshire Gosport Marina is a large marina situated on the port hand side of the busy Naval and commercial port of Portsmouth, opposite HMS Warrior. The marina has 530 berths and full lifting facilities up to 20 tonnes. Nearby is also Haslar Marina, which has 600 berths but no lifting facilities. The new Royal Clarence Marina based in the old Navy victualling yard has berthing, but no lift-out facilities. Marine surveyors in Southampton, Portsmouth & Solent

Marine Surveyors – Portsmouth and Southsea, Hampshire Portsmouth is steeped in maritime history and is a place of great fascination. Portsmouth Harbour is home to Portsmouth Naval Base, the Cross Channel ferry port and a commercial dock and is therefore very busy with maritime traffic. Vessels over 20m in length have to enter and leave Portsmouth Harbour in the main channel, and must have permission from the Queen’s Harbour Master. Vessels over 48m in length must have a pilot boat to enter and leave Portsmouth Harbour. Port Solent Marina is in the upper reaches of Portsmouth Harbour, accessed by lock gates. The Marina has approximately 800 berths and crane capacity of 35 tonnes. There is also a fully serviced boat yard facility with storage for 500 boats, and residential and commercial developments such as cinemas, health club and restaurants attached. There are many other boatyards and mooring facilities within Portsmouth Harbour, including the marina at Southsea. Southsea Marina has a cill gate which opens and closes automatically at certain states of the tide, once inside the marina berths are protected and there are full boatyard and lift-out facilities.

Marine Surveyors – Hayling Island, Hampshire Northney marina is situated on the north shore of Hayling Island within Chichester Harbour, one of Europe’s largest natural harbours. The harbour’s sheltered waters provide safe cruising and there are plenty of anchorages to explore within the area, such as Itchenor with its quaint pubs or Bosham village. Other marinas in the Hayling island area include Wilsons Boatyard owhich offers sheltered tidal moorings, slipping, craning, scrubbing piles, lay up berths, and storage ashore for boats up to around 12 metres in length, 12 tonnes and with a draft of up to 2 metres. Marine Surveyors – Emsworth, Hampshire Emsworth is a pretty village on the western side of Chichester Harbour. Emsworth Yacht Harbour has 227 pontoon berths for yacht and motor boats with facilities for boat storage ashore and boat movement. Marine surveyors in Southampton, Portsmouth & Solent

• Get a Quote

Buying a new boat & surveying it

• Choice – Decide what you want your boat for before you start looking. Cruising/racing? Do you have a young family? Crossing the Solent or crossing the Atlantic? Charter?
• Budget – Review your budget and don’t forget mooring and marina fees, fuel, slipping and winter storage fees, life jackets. If you are thinking of chartering, the cost of setting up a company and having the boat ‘coded’ to the MCA requirements .
• Gather information – Talk to several brokers and gather information before viewing. Take your time. Talk to friends, people at the sailing club, etc about the types of boats you are considering. Read reviews from the magazines – a number of magazines have libraries of reviews.
• Scan the internet, look at what boats are advertised for and then arrange a viewing.
• When you find a boat you like, talk it through with the broker or seller and then make an offer based on what you have seen and understand and state clearly that your offer is subject to survey. The broker will provide a Sale & Purchase Agreement that both parties sign. Any amendments must be agreed by both parties. This is a binding contract so be sure before you sign. (NB: A broker, as opposed to a dealer, is not a party to the contract – he is acting as the vendor’s agent.)
• The Deposit – You will need to place a deposit (usually 10%), which the broker must put in his Client Account (not his usual business trading account). This is your money held by the broker as stakeholder.
• The Survey – You should get the vessel surveyed by a professional boat surveyor before completing the purchase. The broker may not recommend a surveyor but may have a list of local surveyors. Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA) is the sister association to ABYA and all YDSA surveyors are assessed rigorously before being elected into membership. Matt West, Marine Surveys UK is an accredited Member of the YDSA. Ask to attend the survey so you can discuss the findings.
• Read the survey report through carefully and discuss any queries with the surveyor. Advise the broker of any important defects. If they are substantial (“material”) you may consider withdrawing under the terms of the contract, revising the price to complete the sale, or requiring the vendor to provide a repair or piece of equipment. The contract will have a time frame for actions to be taken – be clear what these are. You will be responsible for lifting fees and the surveyor’s fees.
• Finance – If you require finance ensure you contact a finance house in good time, as the money needs to be available when you reach completion.
• Sea Trial – If you want a trial sail, advise the broker early so he can set this up, and allow for changes due to weather, for instance. You will be responsible for any slipping or skipper’s fees.
• Final checks – Decision made, check the inventory and that the title documentation is lodged with the broker to save any problems later, including the VAT documentation as appropriate.
• Electronic Transfer set up the electronic transfer to the Broker’s Client Account in good time. Once the funds have cleared, completion can take place. The broker will give you the documentation, including the Bill of Sale transferring title from the vendor to you, and the keys to the boat.
• Insure it! Don’t forget to insure the boat before you take possession. You will almost certainly need a survey for this, so don’t be tempted to skip the pre-purchase survey, which can be used for this purpose too.
• Training – if you haven’t sailed or driven a powerboat before do get some training before heading off. It is essential you know the ‘Rules of the Road’ and have adequate safety equipment. The RYA has a wide range of courses to assist you.

With thanks to the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents .

“The whole process was very easy. Matt was very helpful during the survey including us in all aspects and his report was well structured and easy to follow and understand.

Additionally his help and advice following his report was excellent.

I would not hesitate to use him again…” Chris Brittain. Reviewed on our website June 2019.

June 5th, 2019 READ MORE REVIEW

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Matt West Boat Surveyor Tel: +44 (0)7798 55 45 35 Email: [email protected] Web: www.boatsurveyor.net

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