Our services

Surveying sail and motor vessels up to 100ft

What we provide

Optimum Marine Surveys carry out surveys on sail and motor vessels up to 100 ft overall length in GRP and wood. Please contact us by email, phone, or by filling out our online contact form for a quote.

Optimum Marine Surveys carries full Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.

Request a Quote Callback

Pre-Purchase Survey

A pre-purchase survey is a comprehensive inspection and subsequent report on the condition of a vessel. The survey is carried out on behalf of the buyer, prior to a potential purchase. Aside from giving the client recommendations and peace of mind on their purchase, the survey could also be required to insure the vessel once purchased and/or to finance it.

It is important to establish the intended use of the vessel prior to the survey being carried out. In addition, any specific items the purchaser wishes to have investigated should be detailed. This can be over the phone or in writing via email. This will enable the report to be tailored to the needs of the client.

We are happy to discuss any findings over the phone, or in person at the end of the inspection. On submission of the full report, any items which require further clarification or explanation can be elaborated upon if needed.

Typical survey items

Insurance Survey

Vessels over a certain age and/or value will require a periodic survey to renew insurance. The parameters of this may vary between insurance companies.

The scope of an insurance survey is similar to that of a pre-purchase survey, with less emphasis on small defects and cosmetic blemishes.

It is appreciated that the requirement for an insurance survey is a somewhat inconvenient expense. The focus of the report is therefore both to fulfil that requirement, and to give the owner a fair appraisal of their vessel, peace of mind, tips for improvements and ongoing maintenance.

The vessel must be inspected ashore to allow the underwater hull, penetrations and fittings to be thoroughly examined. On-water inspections and sea trials are not normally required, unless specifically requested by the insurance company.

As with any survey, we are happy to discuss the findings at the end of the survey, and clarify or further explain any items in the survey report.

Damage Report

If you are unfortunate enough that your vessel has sustained damage, you may wish to have your boat independently assessed. This is a full inspection of the areas of the vessel concerned, and recommendations of repairs required to bring the vessel back to pre-incident condition.

A damage assessment can help owners when obtaining quotes for repair work, and give a second opinion on recommendations and observations made by insurance company loss adjusters. Above all, we aim to give peace of mind, and aid the process of getting back on the water as soon as possible.

A follow up visit once repairs have been completed can be arranged to ensure work has been carried out to the correct standard.

Pre-Sale Consultancy

Thinking of selling your boat? We offer a pre-sale consultancy service to advise on specific areas that will help get the best price for your vessel.

It is important to note that this does not constitute a full survey. It is an inspection of the vessel with the current market in mind. We will endeavour to offer fair, impartial advice, and highlight any issues which could affect the sale, allowing them to be resolved before going to market, or being highlighted during a pre-purchase inspection.

It is also important to remember that buyers will usually want to instruct their own surveyor. Well-presented, clean vessels, with personal possessions removed, will sell more quickly and for the best possible price.

Valuations

Valuations of vessels are required for a variety of reasons. These can range from insurance renewal, specific insurance, re-valuation after re-fit, or asset valuation as part of a legal or financial proceeding.

The scope of a valuation will entirely depend on the circumstances of the requirement. Items such as a basic structural inspection, inventory in comparison to an investigation of similar vessels on the market, vessels sold, and market conditions will be covered. Where necessary, opinions will also be sought from specialist brokers.

A valuation certificate is issued once all the relevant information has been collected.

General Consultancy and Limited Scope Surveys

If there is a specific area of concern onboard your vessel, we are here to help advise on a course of action. For instance, if you are concerned about excessive movement or any leakage in the hull/keel joint, we can inspect that area alone. An hourly rate is usually charged for a visit to the vessel, and subsequent short report with recommendations if needed.

It is important to note that this does not constitute a full survey. It is an inspection of the vessel with the current market in mind. We will endeavour to offer fair, impartial advice, and highlight any issues which could affect the sale, allowing them to be resolved before going to market, or being highlighted during a pre-purchase inspection.

It is also important to remember that buyers will usually want to instruct their own surveyor. Well-presented, clean vessels, with personal possessions removed, will sell more quickly and for the best possible price.

All services carried out by Optimum Marine Surveys are subject to standard surveying trading terms and conditions. By instructing a survey, you, the client, confirm that you have read and agree to the standard marine surveying terms and conditions.

I commissioned Oli to survey my proposed boat purchase and I found him to be extremely professional, courteous and responsive. Oli spent a great deal of time surveying her out of the water in addition to conducting a sea trail on my behalf.

– Rob Hall

Read testimonials

Member 2026