Marine Surveys
Independent Marine Surveying & Consultancy
Marine Surveys Across Southern UK and Europe
BH Marine Consultancy & Surveying provides independent marine surveying for private owners, brokers, insurers, finance companies, marinas, solicitors and commercial operators. Based in Weymouth, Dorset, we cover Southern UK and Europe-wide, with travel arranged to suit the vessel and survey scope.
​
Our surveyors combine practical seamanship, professional qualifications and extensive experience on sail and power vessels. Every inspection is independent, objective and focused on the client's interests.
​
Whether you are buying a yacht, arranging insurance, resolving a dispute or managing a fleet, BH Marine provides clear advice and comprehensive reports you can rely on.
Request a Survey Quote
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.
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.
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.
