WOODEN BOAT SURVEYS

Traditional Craft. Practical Knowledge. Independent Advice.

BUILT DIFFERENTLY. SURVEYED DIFFERENTLY.

Wooden boats require a different understanding. Their construction, materials and methods of repair demand more than a standard inspection. At March & Co Marine, specialist wooden boat surveys are informed by years of practical experience working aboard, maintaining and restoring traditional vessels.

From classic sailing yachts to historic working craft, each survey provides an independent assessment of the vessel's condition, with clear reporting and practical recommendations grounded in an understanding of wooden boat construction.

Close-up of weathered wooden boat hull with peeling red and blue paint on a boatlift, with people and equipment in the background at a boatyard.
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TYPES OF WOODEN BOAT SURVEY

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Pre-Purchase Survey

    An independent assessment before buying a wooden boat, identifying defects, maintenance needs and potential areas of concern.

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and half circle lines.

    Insurance Survey

    Condition surveys for wooden boat owners and insurers, assessing structural condition, maintenance standards and general seaworthiness..

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and circle lines.

    Restoration

    Assessments of wooden vessels requiring repair or restoration, helping establish their condition and the likely scope of work..

Understanding Wooden Boat Construction

A thorough wooden boat survey requires an understanding of traditional construction methods, timber behaviour and the way structures deteriorate over time.

Particular attention is given to the relationship between hull planking, fastenings, frames, floors and backbone structure, together with evidence of movement, decay and previous repairs. The aim is not simply to identify defects, but to establish their significance and explain what may be involved in putting them right.

Lets Chat Wooden Boats

What is inspected?

Every survey is tailored to the vessel, but typically includes inspection of:

  • Hull planking and fastening condition

  • Keel, stem, deadwood and backbone structure

  • Frames, floors and structural timbers

  • Decks, coachroof and deck beams

  • Internal bilges and hidden structural areas where accessible

  • Evidence of rot, fungal decay or timber degradation

  • Previous repairs and restoration work

  • Signs of movement, distortion or structural weakness

  • Moisture ingress and areas requiring further investigation

  • Spars, rigging and deck fittings (where applicable)

  • Machinery installation and onboard systems

  • Safety equipment and general maintenance standards

Man sitting in a small boat holding a yellow bucket over the water on a sunny day, with a shoreline in the background.

  • "Lyndon is an exceptional seaman, with many hours underway with us on the Thames Estuary, who has a strong knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of ageing ships"

    -Historic Vessel Operator 

Wooden Boat Surveys Across the UK

Based on the East Coast, March & Co Marine undertakes specialist wooden boat surveys throughout Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, London and the South Coast, including Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Solent.

Surveys are available for traditional sailing yachts, classic motorboats, historic vessels and wooden working craft. Inspections further afield throughout the United Kingdom can also be arranged.

Clarity Backed by Expertise

Wooden vessels have construction methods, materials and maintenance requirements that differ significantly from modern GRP craft. A surveyor with practical wooden boat experience is better placed to recognise deterioration, assess previous repairs and understand the significance of structural defects.

Do wooden boats need a specialist surveyor?

For a full pre-purchase or insurance survey, the vessel should normally be ashore to allow inspection of the underwater hull, keel, planking and other important structural components. Limited inspections afloat can be arranged where appropriate.

Does a wooden boat need to be out of the water for a survey?

Yes. Restoration assessments can help establish the vessel's present condition, identify significant structural concerns and provide an indication of the work likely to be required before committing to a project.

Can you survey a wooden boat requiring restoration?

Where do you carry out wooden boat surveys?

March & Co Marine undertakes wooden boat surveys throughout Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, Kent, London and the South Coast, with surveys elsewhere in the UK available by arrangement.

LET'S TAKE A LOOK.

Whether you're buying a classic yacht, insuring a traditional vessel or considering a restoration project, get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Request a wooden boat survey
A man wearing a black beanie and red plaid jacket steering a boat by a large wooden ship's wheel, with water and a clear blue sky in the background.