Full out-of the-water constructional surveys are very comprehensive. A report may run from 30 to 70 pages of information. Just like a house survey the report will identify all minor and major problems with a vessel. as well as her attributes  Full advice on how to repair where required is automatically included in the survey report.

Pre-surveys?  there are occasions, particularly on timber vessels where  a full survey might be very expensive, but if the vessel is close, it may be possible for a fraction of the cost, to have a cursory inspection that could indicate major problems that would give cause for second thoughts on a full survey and consequently save a considerable amount of time & money in lifting the vessel and other expenses to both owner & buyer. If this could be of interest then please call or Email or use the response form for further information. Applicable to both timber & grp provided the distance is  within limits.

Partial surveys. just want a part of the hull or structure examined, hull moisture meter readings, or hull thickness testing for instance?  Just call for a quote, tell us what YOU want looked at for a cost effective solution.

Areas Covered South Coast Littlehampton- Plymouth, North Somerset. Travel charges based on distance. Call for quote

Non-destructive surveying
We are very careful not to damage any part of the vessel during the survey. Where a problem is found, a further investigation may be required and permission will have to be obtained from the owner.. Ultrasound Testing is used for measuring the thickness of steel & alloy hulls/tanks without causing damage. This can identify areas of thin plate caused by corrosion or underweight structure.      Moisture Meter readings are used to identify moisture  and perhaps more significantly, chemical action leading to osmosis in GRP hulls. Moisture meters can also identify problems within cored hulls leading to delaminating & core failure caused by water ingress.

Surveys require close examination of many areas of a vessel. Too many to detail here but below are some of the most important areas subject to a survey.

• Hull material and condition
• Hull integrity
• Softening in timber and delaminating in GRP
• Steel & alloy hull plate thickness
• Electrolysis
• Keel material and attachment method
• Identification of faulty construction + poor repairs and undisclosed damage
• Osmosis  (where applicable)
• Soundness of construction
• All skin and underwater fittings
• Masts and spars
• Rigging and fastenings
• Underwater machinery
• Wiring condition
• Compliance of gas installation and recommendations
• Water and fuel storage
• Anchors and safety equipment

GRP is a great material. It doesn't not rot or suffer from worm but it can delaminate and it can develop osmosis.

While no boat ever sank from osmosis it can have a devastating effect on value and saleability. Want to know more? select the PDFs link at the top of the page

Click on SURVEY PDF FILES button above for a full list of GRP construction problems including stress cracks, hard spot cracking, cored decks and much more Here you will also find Timber construction information and common problems & comprehensive survey help files all on free downloadable PDF documents

Timber     Need to understand a bit more about the use of timber & plywood aboard any vessel ? Click HERE for article on using wood/steaming wood etc.

Click on Sample survey button above to find free survey checklist for timber or GRP as well as free sample surveys.   (Please note the sample surveys have an earlier contact address & tel. no though, we have since relocated.)                                                  The checklist is a template for a full survey & may be of real benefit to those who would like to be able to have a guide as to what to look for in an ordered routine. If you think you like what you see, then Email me for the full version free of charge. Timber or GRP, both different.

Look for the FAQ factfile  on the Survey PDF Files link above for surveys with answers to most questions about what type of survey, insurance & pre-purchase survey differences etc.

As well as surveys on GRP, alloy & steel vessels we also specialise in timber construction.

MCA coding surveys carried out for  small commercial craft on behalf of Seafish www.seafishmarineservices.com

Power or sail  no minimum length, if you require a survey just call or email, describe what your requirements are for a quote.

Timber vessels are more time consuming to survey. Quality of construction can vary enormously depending on the builder, even though it might be the same class of boat

As timber yacht owners for over 35 years we are well qualified to report and advise you about a class of boat if you are considering purchasing one. We are happy to offer advice on suitability of a vessel before we survey it.

Click here for photos of types of repair

Examples include

• Galleys
• Bulkheads
• Mast mounting reinforcements
• Rudders
• Interiors
• Hull resprays
• Keel bolts
• Fabricating underwater fitting
• Plank replacement
• Repairs to structural areas in GRP and timber
• Fabrication of water and fuel tanks
• Electric components
• Electrical equipment
• Rope cutters
• Prop shafts

Question & Answer service:

To open a form box for a question regarding anything to do with surveys, timber & grp construction and survey problems and free advice where possible, just fill in the form with boat type and contact details with a brief resume of the problem or query & we will answer within a short time, usually within a day or two. Click HERE to open the box. Feel free to leave a contact telephone number but it is not obligatory.

Need an idea of cost of repair or modification?

If you would like an approximate cost of repair or modification on any type of construction such as new rubbing strakes, GRP & Timber hull damage repairs, use THIS response form to describe the problem as precisely as possible and we will endeavour to advise an approximate cost based upon your description. Laminated tillers etc. can be quoted for but would ultimately require your pattern.

You will be returned the home page immediately afterward. Alternatively use your BACK button on the browser or right click your mouse

If you do not receive a reply within a couple of days, please Email me directly as occasionally the response form submission fails. Thanks

 We are occasionally asked to survey brand new vessels to ensure that the builders have not missed something that would affect the value of the vessel if it were offered for sale

A survey is not a list of defects, it is a long term strategy for many years to come giving advice on repairs needed now & possible repairs in the future. It is a guide for maintenance for several seasons.
it is a document  to give you peace of mind as both an owner or a purchaser.

Rigging is subject to considerable stress. Even if the vessel is not being used the rigging is working and deteriorating. Caution should be observed if individuals claim they can electronically check rigging.

The rule of thumb is stainless should be changed every 10 years regardless on general cruising boats. On racing boats may it may have a considerably shorter life span.

Ultrasonic/ultrasound testing for steel & alloy hulls.