Our services

A comprehensive survey commissioned by a potential buyer prior to purchase. The report may also be used by a finance house if one is involved, and the client’s insurance company when they come to insure the vessel after purchase. Primarily Heason Marine Yacht Surveyors will be looking for faults that could potentially make the vessel unsafe and costly to repair which can affect the negotiation of a sale. A full report will describe the vessel in a categorised way covering all aspects of its structure, function and systems, any issues found will be summarized up front and also highlighted in the body of the text.ext goes here

Commissioned by the owner of a vessel when their insurer has requested a survey prior to renewing an existing policy. Typically, these are required for slightly older vessels though some can request them within as little as five years from build, most renewal intervals vary between five and seven years thereafter depending on the broker. The body of the survey is on the potential risk a vessel presents to an insurer, this being focused on the structural safety and suitability of the craft.

Usually commissioned by the marine insurance company when a vessel they cover has suffered loss or damage. Criteria required by the broker will vary case to case but there will usually be an additional investigative element, estimates of repair are often required and Heason Marine Yacht Surveyors can offer advice when these need to be agreed.

I offer an additional service where I will return to the vessel upon completion to check and report on the work carried out which can often prove beneficial to the vessel owners and insurance companies.

Repairing or refitting any vessel can be a costly affair, this is where Heason Marine Yacht Surveyors can help save money and guide where it is best to target expenditure on a project, preliminary tests and careful dismantlement can be a good way to make those tricky decisions during the early stages of an undertaking, when budget and time frame are the most pressing factors. With subcontracted undertakings, I can aid in choosing the most sensible approach to a project having been in business for many years.

Before contracting a full survey, it may be sensible to carry out an initial check over of the structure, the focus will be upon material deterioration. A visual inspection will be carried out to reveal any evidence of movement in the planking and fastenings; hammer soundings will be used to detect areas of decay. It is important that as thorough examination as possible by getting good access to the hull and frames is conducted. The costs of repairs with wooden vessels can often be higher than the market value of the boat, so it is vital for you to get a clear idea of what you are assessing from the outset.

Heason Marine Yacht Surveyors have extensive experience of wooden yachts and boats both from a boatbuilding and renovation perspective and also as an owner of his own, extensively renovated, traditional wooden working sailing boat.

Sea trials are undertaken to establish the working condition of the vessels systems. This involves testing all through hull fittings, rigging, steering gear, instruments and engines. For performance power cruisers or large sailboats this involves bringing the engines up to operating temperature and run for a period under full load. All instrumentation, systems and installations will be examined.
This service can provide owners who are new to any particular vessel or owners of recently refurbished vessels with huge peace of mind and confidence, allowing them freedom to fully enjoy their time afloat.