Our Surveys
“If you’re not sure what type of survey you need, just get in touch — we’re happy to advise.”
Photograph by James Robinson
We provide comprehensive yacht and small craft surveying services for sailing yachts, motor yachts, motorboats, ships, and houseboats, covering all hull types and construction materials, including GRP, steel, aluminium, and composite construction. We have a particular specialism in traditionally built and wooden vessels, including classic yachts and historic craft.
All marine surveys are carried out using a practical, experience-led approach, informed by many years of hands-on work within the marine industry. This ensures accurate assessment of vessel condition, construction, defects, and maintenance requirements, delivering reliable results for pre-purchase surveys, insurance and condition surveys, and refit or restoration assessments.
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A pre-purchase survey provides a thorough and independent assessment of a vessel’s overall condition prior to purchase. The inspection covers the hull, structure, deck, machinery spaces, systems, and general standard of maintenance, helping buyers understand exactly what they are committing to. The aim is to identify defects, areas of concern, and future maintenance considerations, allowing informed decisions, realistic negotiations, and peace of mind before completing a purchase.
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An insurance renewal or condition survey assesses the vessel’s general condition, seaworthiness, and upkeep to support ongoing insurance cover. The survey focuses on structural integrity, safety, and maintenance standards, ensuring the vessel meets insurer requirements. Clear recommendations are provided where attention is required, helping owners maintain compliance while protecting both vessel value and insurability.
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A structural hull survey is a targeted inspection concentrating on the vessel’s hull and primary structural components. This type of survey is often requested where there are specific concerns, following damage, or as part of long-term maintenance planning. Particular attention is given to load-bearing areas, known weak points, and construction details, providing a clear understanding of the vessel’s structural health.
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An insurance damage assessment survey provides an independent evaluation following damage or an incident. The inspection identifies the extent of damage, likely causes, and the scope of repairs required, supporting insurance claims and repair decisions. Clear documentation and impartial reporting help ensure a fair and efficient claims process for all parties involved.
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A wooden yacht survey offers a specialist inspection tailored specifically to traditionally built and wooden vessels. Drawing on extensive hands-on experience with wooden construction, repair, and restoration, the survey focuses on structure, fastenings, planking, frames, and areas vulnerable to moisture or decay. This specialist approach ensures a realistic and informed assessment of condition, longevity, and maintenance requirements unique to wooden yachts.
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A vessel valuation provides a professional, independent opinion of a vessel’s current market value. Valuations can be carried out for insurance purposes, sale or purchase, probate, or financial planning. Each valuation considers the vessel’s condition, specification, age, market trends, and comparable vessels, delivering a clear and defensible figure that clients can rely on.
March & Co Marine Ltd undertakes small craft and yacht surveys along the South and East Coast of England, covering the coastline from Southampton, through the Solent, Thames Estuary, and East Coast, extending north towards the Lincolnshire Coast.
Our core operating area includes Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, London and Greater London, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, and Norfolk. This extensive regional coverage allows us to carry out yacht surveys and motorboat surveys efficiently and cost-effectively for owners, buyers, insurers, and brokers.
We are also pleased to undertake marine surveys anywhere else in the UK. For surveys outside our core operating area, reasonable travel and, where necessary, accommodation costs may apply. Any additional charges are always discussed and agreed in advance, ensuring complete transparency and no unexpected costs.
How we survey.
Visual
Every survey begins with a careful, methodical visual inspection of the vessel from bow to stern, including the hull, deck, structure, rigging, machinery spaces, and onboard systems. Attention is paid to both obvious and hidden areas, using hands-on experience to identify potential concerns before moving to further testing or assessment.
Practical
Where appropriate, objective testing and practical assessment are carried out, including moisture readings, structural probing, and close inspection of known weak points for the vessel type and construction. These checks help distinguish cosmetic defects from issues that may affect safety, value, or long-term maintenance requirements.
Systems
The vessel is then reviewed as a complete, working system, considering how components interact, the quality of maintenance, accessibility for repairs, and the practicality of ongoing upkeep. This approach provides a realistic picture of overall condition and highlights both current concerns and potential future issues that may need attention.
Reports
Finally, all findings are brought together in a clear, structured report, providing impartial, easy-to-understand advice tailored to the client’s needs. Recommendations are prioritised, and further guidance is offered to help clients make informed decisions about purchase, insurance, maintenance, or repairs
Let’s Get You Afloat. If you would like to arrange a yacht or small craft survey or need professional marine surveying advice, please contact Lyndon March of March & Co Marine Ltd. Serving Essex, Suffolk, Kent, London, Norfolk, and the wider UK, Lyndon offers clear communication, practical expertise, and a professional, independent service from initial enquiry through to final report.
