Marine Surveys

Independent Marine Surveying & Consultancy

Professional Marine Surveys Throughout the UK and Worldwide

BH Marine Consultancy & Surveying provides professional, independent marine surveying services for private owners, yacht brokers, insurers, finance companies, marinas, solicitors and commercial operators.
Based in Weymouth, Dorset, we undertake surveys throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the USA and the Far East, including Hong Kong.

Our surveyors combine practical seamanship with professional surveying qualifications and many thousands of miles of experience operating both sail and power vessels. Every inspection is carried out independently, objectively and with the client's best interests at heart.

Whether you are purchasing your first yacht, arranging insurance, resolving a dispute or managing a fleet, BH Marine Consultancy provides honest advice and comprehensive reports you can rely upon.

The Complete Survey Package

We specialise in surveying:

GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) vessels
Sailing yachts up to 200 Gross Tonnes
Motor yachts up to 200 Gross Tonnes
RIBs and sports boats
Inland waterway craft
Narrowboats
Commercial vessels within our scope of operation
MCA coded vessels
Workboats and commercial craft

Every survey is tailored to the individual vessel and the client's specific requirements.

Our Survey Services

Pre-Purchase Surveys

Our most comprehensive survey, providing an independent assessment of the vessel's structural condition, machinery, onboard systems, safety equipment and overall maintenance.

Designed to give buyers complete confidence before committing to a purchase.

Reports include:

Structural assessment
Moisture testing
Machinery inspection
Systems inspection
Sea trial (where applicable)
Valuation
Defect schedule
Recommendations for immediate and future repairs
Estimated condition grading

Insurance Surveys

Prepared to satisfy insurance underwriters' requirements.
Insurance surveys focus on the vessel's condition, seaworthiness and risk profile while identifying repairs necessary to maintain insurance cover

Reports include:

Structural integrity
Machinery condition
Electrical safety
Fuel systems
Gas installations
Fire safety
Seacocks and skin fittings
Steering systems
Recommendations affecting insurability

Valuation Surveys

Independent market valuations for:

Buying
Selling
Insurance
Probate
Divorce proceedings
Finance applications
Company accounts
Legal disputes

Every valuation is based upon current market evidence together with the vessel's specification and condition.

Damage & Insurance Claims

Independent inspections following:

Groundings
Collisions
Storm damage
Transport damage
Fire damage
Flood damage
Machinery failures

Our reports provide clear technical evidence together with practical repair recommendations for insurers, owners and repair yards.

Warranty & Defect Inspections

Independent inspections of new and recently purchased vessels.

We identify:

Manufacturing defects
Poor workmanship
Structural concerns
Installation faults
Warranty issues

Providing professional evidence to support discussions with manufacturers, dealers and suppliers.

Marine Consultancy

Our consultancy services include:

Technical advice
Boat purchasing assistance
Boat selling advice
Refit planning
Maintenance schedules
Yacht management
Commercial coding advice
Expert witness support
Project management
Vessel inspections

What We Inspect

A typical pre-purchase survey includes inspection of:

Hull & Structure

Hull above and below the waterline
Gelcoat condition
Osmosis inspection
Moisture meter readings
Hull laminate
Structural members
Bulkheads
Stringers
Floorsa
Hull-to-deck joint
Keel attachment
Rudder
Transom
Stem
Previous repairs

Deck & Superstructure

Deck mouldings
Coachroof
Cockpit
Stress cracking
Moisture readings
Non-slip surfaces
Hatches
Portlights
Windows
Lockers
Pulpits
Pushpits
Stanchions
Guardrails

Machinery

Engine installation
Engine condition
Gearbox
Shaft drive
Stern drive
Saildrive
Propeller
Rope cutter
Exhaust systems
Cooling systems
Fuel systems
Steering systems
Engine controls

Electrical Systems

Batteries
Charging systems
Shore power
AC systems
DC systems
Wiring
Distribution panels
Bonding systems
Circuit protection

Plumbing

Fresh water systems
Water tanks
Bilge pumps
Hot water systems
Grey water systems
Black water systems
Seacocks
Skin fittings
Pipework

LPG Gas Systems

Gas lockers
Regulators
Pipework
Isolation valves
Appliances
General compliance

Rigging (Sailing Vessels)

Mast
Boom
Standing rigging
Running rigging
Chainplates
Mast step
Spreaders
Roller furling systems
General rig condition

Sails

Visual inspection of:

Mainsail
Headsails
Storm sails
Sail covers
UV protection strips

Interior

Joinery
Cabinetry
Upholstery
Cabin sole
Water ingress
Structural tabbing
Ventilation
Internal mouldings

Navigation Equipment

Where fitted:

GPS
Chartplotters
Radar
AIS
VHF Radio
Autopilot
Compass
Depth sounder
Speed log

Safety Equipment

Visual inspection of:

Liferaft
Lifejackets
EPIRB
Fire extinguishers
Fire blanket
Smoke alarms
Carbon monoxide alarms
Gas alarms
Bilge pumps
Emergency equipment

Sea Trial (Where Undertaken)

A sea trial allows us to assess:

Engine performance
Steering
Gear engagement
Charging systems
Vibration
Noise
Navigation equipment
Boat handling
Sailing performance (where applicable)

Documentation Review

Where available we examine:

Registration documents
VAT evidence
Builder's Certificate
CE/RCD documentation
Service history
Previous survey reports
Bills of Sale
Ownership documentation

Survey Reports

Our reports are professionally written, easy to understand and supported with extensive colour photography.

A typical report includes:

Executive Summary
Vessel Particulars
Construction Details
Detailed Findings
Defect Classification
Recommendations
Market Valuation
Estimated Replacement Value (where applicable)
Summary of Significant Defects
Photographic Evidence

Depending on vessel size and complexity:

Insurance Surveys: typically 10–20 pages.
Pre-Purchase Surveys: typically 25–60+ pages.

Recommendations

To make reports easy to understand, recommendations are prioritised as:

Essential

Defects affecting safety, structural integrity or seaworthiness requiring immediate attention

Advisory

Maintenance items that should be addressed in the near future.

Monitor

Items that are currently serviceable but should be inspected periodically.
This system enables owners and purchasers to prioritise repairs effectively.

Why Choose BH Marine Consultancy?

Our surveyors are not simply qualified inspectors—they are experienced commercial mariners who have spent thousands of hours operating, maintaining and delivering vessels in real-world conditions.

Our experience includes:

• Qualified Marine Surveyors
• Commercial Yacht Captains
• RYA Cruising Instructors
• MCA Master 200 (Unlimited Area)
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean (Sail & Power)
• Yacht Delivery Specialists
• Marine Consultants
• ABYA Professional Brokerage Training
• YDSA Surveyor Training

This combination of surveying expertise and operational experience enables us to identify defects that others may overlook while providing practical, sensible advice.

Why Clients Choose BH Marine

✔ Independent and impartial advice.
✔ Surveys throughout the UK and worldwide.
✔ Detailed reports with extensive photographs.
✔ Thousands of miles of practical offshore experience.
✔ Qualified marine surveyors and commercial yacht captains.
✔ Friendly, approachable and professional service.
✔ Competitive fixed pricing.
✔ Rapid report turnaround.
✔ Telephone support after every survey.

Request a Survey

Whether you are purchasing a yacht, arranging insurance, assessing damage or simply require independent marine advice, BH Marine Consultancy & Surveying is here to help.

Professional Marine Surveys. Independent Advice. Trusted Expertise.

We specialise in the inspection and survey of:

• GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) vessels
• Sailing yachts up to 200 Gross Tonnes
• Powerboats and motor yachts up to 200 Gross Tonnes
• Inland waterway craft and narrowboats
• Commercial and coded vessels within our scope of operation

Our Services

Pre-Purchase Surveys

A comprehensive condition survey designed to provide buyers with an independent assessment of a vessel's structural integrity, systems, equipment, and overall condition prior to purchase. Reports include recommendations, defect identification, and valuation guidance where required.

Insurance Surveys

Detailed surveys undertaken to satisfy insurance underwriters' requirements. These reports assess the vessel's condition, identify defects, and provide recommendations to maintain insurability.

Valuation Surveys

Independent market valuations for sale, purchase, finance, probate, legal proceedings, and insurance purposes.

Warranty and Defect Inspections

Inspection of new and recently purchased vessels to identify defects, warranty issues, and workmanship concerns. Reports provide clear evidence for discussions with manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers.

Damage Assessments

Independent assessment of accidental damage, grounding incidents, collision damage, and storm-related claims, including repair recommendations and condition reporting.

Marine Consultancy

Professional advice and technical support for vessel owners, brokers, marinas, and marine businesses. Services include vessel condition assessments, maintenance planning, project management, and technical consultancy.

Contact Us

To discuss your survey requirements or obtain a quotation, please contact BH Marine Consultancy & Surveying. Professional Marine Surveys. Independent Advice. Trusted Expertise.

For a typical pre-purchase survey on a GRP sail or power vessel, the following areas are normally inspected:

Hull & Structure
Hull condition above and below the waterline
Gelcoat condition
Osmosis inspection
Hull moisture readings
Impact damage and repairs
Keel attachment and condition
Stem, transom, and chines
Bulkheads and structural members
Stringers and bearers
Hull-to-deck joint
Deck & Superstructure
Deck mouldings
Coachroof structure
Cockpit structure
Non-slip surfaces
Deck moisture readings
Stress cracking
Windows, hatches, and portlights
Lockers and lazarettes
Machinery
Main engine condition
Engine installation
Engine mounts
Gearbox
Shaft drive or sterndrive systems
Propeller and shaft
Rope cutter
Exhaust system
Cooling systems
Fuel system
Steering systems
Engine controls
Electrical Systems
Battery condition and installation
Battery charging systems
Shore power installation
AC systems
DC systems
Distribution panels
Wiring condition
Circuit protection
Bonding systems
Plumbing Systems
Fresh water systems
Water tanks
Hot water systems
Bilge pumps
Grey water systems
Black water systems
Seacocks
Skin fittings
Pipework and hoses
Gas Installation
LPG locker compliance
Gas pipework
Regulators
Isolation valves
Appliance installations
Rigging (Sailing Vessels)
Mast condition
Boom condition
Standing rigging
Running rigging
Chainplates
Mast step
Spreaders
Furling systems
Rig tuning observations
Sails (Visual Inspection)
Mainsail
Headsails
Storm sails
Sail covers
UV protection strips
Interior
Joinery and cabinetry
Cabin sole
Upholstery
Signs of water ingress
Ventilation
Internal mouldings
Structural tabbing
Navigation & Electronics
GPS
Plotters
Radar
AIS
VHF radio
Autopilot
Compass
Depth sounder
Speed log
Safety Equipment
Liferaft (visual inspection only)
Fire extinguishers
Fire blanket
Gas alarm
Smoke alarm
Carbon monoxide alarm
Lifejackets
EPIRB
Flares
Bilge pumping arrangements
Sea Trial (if undertaken)
Engine performance
Steering performance
Gear engagement
Engine temperatures
Charging systems
Vibration assessment
Noise assessment
Navigation equipment operation
Sailing performance (where applicable)
Documentation
Registration documents
VAT status
Builder's documentation
RCD compliance
CE certification
Service records
Previous survey reports
Ownership documentation
Valuation
Market valuation
Insurance replacement value
Recommendations for immediate repair
Recommendations for future maintenance
Summary of significant defects

This is broadly the format expected by brokers, insurers, finance companies and solicitors and forms the basis of a professional pre-purchase survey report for most vessels up to 200 GT.

Insurance surveys are generally less detailed than pre-purchase surveys and focus on whether the vessel presents an acceptable risk to an insurer and what repairs or maintenance are required to maintain insurability.

Vessel Particulars
Vessel make and model
Builder
Year of manufacture
HIN/CIN number
Registration details
Principal dimensions
Construction type
Engine details
Hull & Structure
General hull condition
Signs of damage or repairs
Osmosis evidence (GRP vessels)
Structural integrity
Keel attachment (sailing vessels)
Hull-to-deck joint
Bulkheads and structural members
Deck & Superstructure
Deck condition
Soft areas
Stress cracking
Cockpit structure
Guardrails and stanchions
Windows and hatches
Underwater Areas
Condition of antifouling
Through-hull fittings
Seacocks
Rudder condition
Propeller condition
Shaft and stern gear
Anodes
Machinery
Visual inspection of engines
Engine installation
Fuel system integrity
Exhaust systems
Cooling systems
Evidence of leaks
General maintenance condition
Electrical Systems
Battery installation
Battery security
Wiring condition
Shore power installation
Circuit protection
General electrical safety
Gas Installation
LPG locker arrangement
Gas pipework condition
Regulator condition
Appliance installation
Compliance with recognised standards
Fire & Safety Equipment
Fire extinguishers
Fire blanket
Smoke alarms
Carbon monoxide alarms
Bilge pumping arrangements
Emergency escape routes
Plumbing Systems
Fresh water systems
Bilge systems
Holding tank systems
Hose condition
Seacock accessibility
Interior
General condition
Evidence of water ingress
Structural concerns
Ventilation
Navigation Equipment
Basic functionality check where possible
Compass
VHF installation
Navigation lights
Documentation
Registration documentation
Previous survey reports
Service history
Boat Safety Scheme certificate (narrowboats)
RCD documentation where applicable
Insurer's Key Concerns
Most insurers are primarily interested in:
Structural integrity
Condition of seacocks and skin fittings
Fuel system safety
Gas installation safety
Electrical installation safety
Fire risks
Steering system condition
Evidence of neglect
Recommendations affecting seaworthiness
Recommendations

Recommendations are usually categorised as:

Essential

Defects requiring immediate rectification to maintain insurance cover.

Advisory
Items that should be addressed during routine maintenance.

Monitor
Items that are not currently defective but should be monitored.

Valuation
Most insurance surveys conclude with:

Fair Market Value

Estimated Replacement Value (where applicable)

Overall condition assessment

Surveyor's recommendation regarding insurability

A typical insurance survey report is usually 10–20 pages, whereas a full pre-purchase survey may be 25–50+ pages depending on vessel size and complexity. The focus is on risk assessment rather than identifying every defect or maintenance issue.

Get in touch

Expert Marine Surveying Services by BH Marine

At BH Marine, we specialise in a comprehensive range of marine surveying services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Whether you're looking for pre-purchase surveys, insurance surveys, or detailed condition assessments, our team delivers precise and reliable results.

We pride ourselves on our versatility, offering a pragmatic, honest, and confidential approach to every project. With a proven track record of success, BH Marine has built strong relationships with high-value clients across the maritime industry.

Our marine survey reports are uniquely designed for a fast turnaround, ensuring that you receive detailed and actionable insights quickly. We also offer flexible time frames to meet the urgency of your needs.

Choose BH Marine for trusted and professional marine surveying with a reputation for excellence. Contact us today for more information on how we can assist with your marine survey requirements.