A survey is one of the most important steps when buying a boat. It’s this process that gives you a clear understanding of the boat’s condition, and peace of mind in your investment, before you commit to a purchase.
Surveyors
As a guide, a full pre-purchase survey typically costs between £600 and £1,000.
If the boat needs to be inspected out of the water, additional lifting or docking fees will apply, usually in the region of £200 to £600.
Costs will vary depending on how the boat is lifted. Dry docks and slipways are generally more cost-effective, while mobile cranes can be significantly more expensive. It is always worth confirming whether lifting quotes include both removal and relaunch, as this is not always the case.
What Type of Survey Do You Need?
The level of survey you choose will depend on the boat, your level of experience, and how much detail you want before proceeding. Common options include:
- Full pre-purchase survey – a comprehensive inspection of the entire boat
- In-water survey – focuses on the interior, systems, and fit-out
- Out-of-water hull survey – assesses the condition of the hull
- Engine inspection – a focused report on engine condition
- Valuation report – often required when arranging marine finance
If you are using marine finance, the survey will usually need to include a formal valuation.
Choosing a Surveyor
There is no fixed format for a pre-purchase survey, so it is worth speaking to more than one surveyor before making a decision. Before booking, ask what is and isn’t included in the inspection, request a sample report to understand the level of detail provided, confirm they hold Professional Indemnity insurance, and check whether they are a member of a recognised professional body. If you have any specific concerns, it is best to put these in writing beforehand and ask for them to be addressed clearly within the report.
- Surveyor
National Marine Surveying
MSc Mar.Dip.Sur MIIMS SCMS FEMAS FNIBME
Main Contact: Barry Burnell
With decades of experience navigating the intricate world of canal boats, I am an experienced marine surveyor based in West London & Buckinghamshire, providing expert services across the UK.
My journey on the canals began in my teenage years and having previously managed my own boatyard, I possess an extensive understanding of Narrowboats, Widebeams, Historic boats, Barges, Steel and Iron. This hands-on experience, coupled with a suite of industry qualifications, allows me to deliver thorough, reliable surveys that ensure the safety and integrity of your vessel.
- Surveyor
Ben Sutcliffe Marine
YDSA
Main Contact: Ben Sutcliffe
With over 45+ years experience in the marine industry, including Boat Building in timber, GRP, Steel and aluminium, Ben brings an unrivaled breadth of reliable knowledge to your Yacht, Motor Yacht, Narrow boat or any small craft survey. Ben is a Fellow Full Member of the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA).
Ben is also a full member of the SCMS, the Society of Consulting Marine Engineers and Ship Surveyors. He was previously a full member of the British Marine Federation and Canal Boat builders Association for over 40 years.
- Surveyor
Small Craft Services Ltd
CMarEng, MIMarEST
Main Contact: Tom Keeling
Tom Keeling is Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marine Engineer, who works as a specialist, accredited, inland waterways Marine Surveyor, Boat Safety Examiner and writer. He has full-member status of IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology), is Gas Safe Registered (No. 300458) for marine LPG, has worked on the inland waterways since 1995 and is well known within the industry.
- Surveyor
DB Marine Survey
DipMarSur (IIMS)
Main Contact: Darrell Broscomb
Darrell has over 20 years’ experience on inland waterways, starting as a coded welder and working as a boat builder/fabricator on narrowboats. He later ran his own business, building and repairing a wide range of vessels, including historic passenger boats under MCA guidance.
He has also worked as a hire boat engineer, maintaining fleets for commercial use. In recent years, he has focused more on mechanical and electrical work, drawing on extensive hands-on experience.
- Surveyor
MarSurv
Dip.Mar.Sur, F.I.I.M.S, F.I.DIAG.E, FNIBME, MIMarEST., MNI., A.M.RINA., ARSPH., NACE
Main Contact: Elliot Berry
With nearly two decades of expertise, Marsurv delivers a comprehensive portfolio of services, including structural, mechanical, and forensic boat surveys, pre-purchase inspections, insurance valuations, and specialised vessel design consultations. We take pride in our tailored approach, ensuring each project benefits from thorough and reliable maritime expertise, specifically addressing the unique needs of our clients.
- Surveyor
Wilkinson Marine Surveys
YDSA
Main Contact: Paul Wilkinson
Wilkinson Marine Surveys are a boat survey and boat safety scheme (BSS) business based in Surrey covering London, the Southeast and Channel Islands. As a qualified professional boat surveyor and boat safety scheme examiner with over 20 years of marine industry and steel fabrication experience, as well as personal experience living aboard on the inland waterways for many years, I can provide a service boaters can trust.
- Surveyor
Ovation Boat Surveys
Narrowboat Surveyor & BSS Examiner
Main Contact: Chris Williams
Offering a comprehensive package of surveying on steel and iron narrowboats and Dutch barges both historic and modern, commercial, and residential.
Whilst surveying in all UK locations, principal locations would include Central England, West Midlands, East Midlands, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire Derbyshire Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Staffordshire.
Types of surveys include Pre-Purchase Survey, Hull Survey, Insurance Survey, Condition Survey, and Damage Surveys.
Whilst we have provided the contact details for the various surveyors listed, selection of the surveyor by the customer is the customer's ultimate discretion. Their inclusion does not represent a guarantee, endorsement, or assessment of their services or any work carried out on your behalf. We do insist that the surveyor selected by the customer, holds the appropriate insurance and is a Member of a relevant professional body; including, but not limited to YDSA, from whom a full list is available at ydsa.co.uk
Professional Memberships Explained
Understanding a surveyor’s credentials can help you make a more informed choice.
YDSA
The Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association. Members must pass an entry examination and submit reports for approval before accreditation.
IMarEST
The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology. Members typically hold relevant qualifications or extensive industry experience.
IIMS
The International Institute of Marine Surveying. Members are required to submit reports for approval as part of their accreditation.
Dip.MarSur
A Diploma in Marine Surveying, awarded by the IIMS.
ABSSE
The Association of Boat Safety Scheme Examiners. Members are qualified Boat Safety Scheme examiners.
IEng
Incorporated Engineer status, awarded by the Engineering Council.
Our Onsite Facilities
Where required, surveys can often be supported by marina facilities, including:
Surveys
Boats can be lifted fully clear of the water, allowing a comprehensive inspection of the hull, baseplate, and structure. This makes the surveying process straightforward and thorough. We can provide details of trusted independent surveyors, or you are welcome to appoint your own preferred professional.
Boat Lift
A 35-tonne travelling hoist is available onsite, capable of lifting and launching a wide range of craft. Designed to accommodate both narrowboats and widebeams, it provides a safe, efficient, and reliable method for moving boats in and out of the water.
Slipway & Cranage
Dedicated slipway and cranage facilities are available for both narrowboats and widebeams. These are ideal for lifting boats out of the water for surveys, pressure washing, inspections, and general maintenance, ensuring easy and controlled access when needed.
Blacking
The onsite hoist enables boats to be lifted high enough for complete hull blacking, including the baseplate. A powerful high-pressure jet washer removes all loose material beforehand, ensuring a clean surface and a longer-lasting protective finish.
Carpentry and Joinery
A dedicated carpentry and boat fit-out bay is available onsite, allowing for a wide range of works to be completed efficiently. From minor repairs to more substantial alterations, projects can be carried out conveniently either before or after a sale.
Mechanical Works
A well-lit, underfloor heated double-bay workshop provides an excellent working environment for servicing and repairs. The facility is suitable for a variety of vessels and can accommodate widebeams, ensuring reliable support for ongoing mechanical maintenance.
Painting
A purpose-built paint dock is operated onsite by an experienced traditional boat painter, known for high-quality finishes. Additional trusted painting services are also available locally, giving owners access to a range of professional options.
Boat Servicing
A covered service dock provides protection from the elements during refuelling, pump-outs, and routine checks. It also offers a practical and sheltered space for carrying out minor maintenance tasks comfortably in all weather conditions.
Accessible Moorings
A range of mooring options are available, including both linear and finger berths. These provide flexible and practical solutions, offering ease of access and a comfortable sense of space depending on your preferred mooring style.
