We have seen our fair share of boats in a variety of conditions, and with in-depth knowledge of the construction and maintenance of marine craft, we can offer a true indication of the condition of a boat. We know what to look out for, and we know what’s required to rectify those issues that are identified.
We can carry out surveys on yachts, motorboat, RIBs, dinghies and a variety of other types of vessels. We specialise in surveys on GRP, wood and composite constructions. We are able to carry out surveys both nationally and internationally and are fully insured with Professional Indemnity & Public Liability Insurance.
Ultimately as Marine Surveyors, we are here to help and to protect you as the purchaser or owner. Our Surveyors have in excess of 70 years marine experience and can provide not just a report on the condition and / or damage, but also with the potential cause of this and advice on remedial action necessary. We give you the information you need to make informed decisions. We are an independent pair of eyes and do not operate for any other party other than for you. We report to you, and when it comes to your survey, will take instruction only from you.
A standard pre-purchase survey starts from £13 per foot. Condition, damage and valuation surveys are boat and location specific and will be quoted for on an individual basis. Pop over an email or call us to discuss your surveying needs and for a free no-obligation quote.
Types of Surveys
Pre-Purchase / Sale Condition Survey
If you are considering purchasing a vessel, it is prudent to appoint a surveyor to check the vessel prior to concluding the purchase. This will give you a detailed and in-depth report on the condition of the vessel, including the hull, machinery and on-board equipment. Recommendations will be made concerning improvements and repairs where necessary, highlighting those seemed a potential safety issue and/or requiring immediate attention. This type of survey will assist a buyer in making a decision and negotiating a purchase price, and also assists a seller in assuring prospective buyers of the condition and indeed what improvements may be needed in order to support a sale. We can also add processes into a pre-purchase such as specific engineering checks, oil and fluid samples etc. to give a greater understanding of the condition of a vessel and its machinery prior to purchase.
Damage Survey
Within most circumstances following an incident, a survey to ascertain the level of damage is commissioned by the Insurers and / or in the event of a claim on their policy. A damage survey establishes the extent of the damage and where possible it determines the cause of the incident and an estimated valuation of the cost of repairs. This type of survey may also be commissioned by the owner in the event of a dispute with the insurance company. Whilst we can’t provide a report if you are also asking us to quote for any repairs required, we can arrange for a survey to be undertaken by an independent surveyor in this instance.
Valuation Survey
Here at Will Squibb Boatbuilders, we have an in-depth knowledge of the market and its current state, familiarity with a variety of vessels and varying specifications of these. A valuation survey is combined with a general inspection of condition and the equipment that is available for sale. This will require a survey of the vessel for an in-depth valuation.
Insurance Survey
Insurance and financing companies will frequently require an independent survey to be carried out in order to ascertain the value of a boat, and to ensure it is in a seaworthy condition. The depth of this type of survey is usually determined by the insurance or finance company, but normally is required to be a similar level of detail to a condition survey. A survey is often required when a boat is new to an insurance or finance agreement, but it is also not uncommon for companies to request a valuation at renewal time. Our reports are accepted by insurers and finance providers.
Hull & Deck Structural Survey
A structural survey is designed to assess the structural integrity of the hull, deck and superstructure. This type of survey is especially focused on the watertight integrity of a vessel, such as skin fittings and deck equipment, but does not include any on-board systems.
Limited Scope Survey
A limited scope survey may be needed when you only require certain aspects of the boat or boat systems to be surveyed. This type of survey may be required following repairs or restoration, or simply to satisfy any concerns within a certain area of the vessel structure.
Sea Trials
We would recommend a sea trial to be undertaken prior to purchasing a vessel where this is at all possible. Our surveyors are not only highly skilled Boatbuilders and Engineers, but are also experienced seafarers and are happy to accompany you on sea trials. There is a great deal that can be determined about the condition of a vessel by being aboard when out at sea. Most aspects of the vessels structure, engines, rig, sails, etc. may be considered during a sea trial and many issues are much clearer when being put through the paces than when a boat is ashore.
