Independent UK Boat Surveyor – Fast, Reliable, Trusted.
Get expert guidance and peace of mind. Reports within 24 hours.
Why Choose Us as Your Trusted Boat Surveyor in the UK
“Whether you are buying, insuring , or preparing for the season ahead, our clients choose us for speed, clarity , and total peace of mind.”
Qualified & Independent Boat Surveyor
Highly qualified and fully independent - no conflicts of interest. You get a clear, unbiased assessment to make confident decisions.
Fast, Detailed Reports Within 24-48 Hours
Receive comprehensive reports with photos and recommendations delivered fast - 24 hours for priority bookings, 48 hours standard. On the day phone call for instant verbal report.
Southern Area UK Coverage
Based in Southampton, covering from Cornwall to London including Southern Wales and the east coast up to Lowestoft.
Clear Pricing & Instant Online Quotes
No hidden costs. Use our online tool to get an instant quote and book your survey easily.
How Our Boat Surveys Work: A Simple Step-by Step Process
Step 1: Get an Instant Quote
Easily fill in your boat details online with its location and see an instant survey quote. Or call us for a personalised quote tailored to your requirements.
Step 2: Schedule Your Survey
Choose a convenient date for the survey, we will send confirmation via email - we survey across the South Coast and beyond.
Step 3: We Inspect your Boat
We conduct a thorough assessment, on land or afloat. Receive a phone call on the day of survey to talk through the findings.
Step 4: Receive Your Report
You get a detailed, plain-English report within 24 hours under our express service, otherwise its 48 hours. The written report is for insurance, peace of mind, or negotiations.
Types Of Boat Surveys We Offer
Pre-Purchase Boat Surveys
Insurance Renewal Boat Surveys
Damage Assessment Boat Surveys
RIB Surveys
Pre-Season Boat Health Surveys
Liveaboard / Ocean Suitability Boat Surveys
Sea Trail Surveys
Tonnage Survey Measurement
Project Supervision Surveys
Types of Boats We Survey
We offer expert marine surveys across a wide range of craft—whether you’re buying, selling, insuring, or maintaining your boat. From narrowboats and RIBs to sailing yachts and classics, we understand the specific needs of each vessel type. We also survey Commercial vessels like CTVs and Workboats.
Boat Surveyor Covering the Southern Area of the UK
At UK Boat Surveys, we cover a wide area from our base in Southampton – providing expert surveys across the South Coast, East Coast and Wales.
From Lowestoft round to Milford Haven, including key ports like Southampton, Hamble, Poole, Lymington, Falmouth, Plymouth, Brighton, Portsmouth, Chichester, Dover, London and the Thames Estuary, we are proud to offer trusted marine surveys within a 4 hour travel radius.
We include travel within 100 miles of Southampton at no extra cost. Beyond that, a fair, fixed travel fee applies.
- Lowestoft
- Ipswich
- Harwich
- Brightlingsea
- Chichester
- Portsmouth
- Southampton
- Lymington
- Poole
- Weymouth
- Dartmouth
- Plymouth
- Fowey
- Falmouth
- Penzance
- Milford Haven
Meet David Rawlinson - Your Principal Boat Surveyor
With over 20 years of hands-on maritime experience, David Rawlinson leads UK Boat Surveys as a seasoned and highly qualified marine surveyor. Beginning his career as a boat builder in GRP, FRP and wood, David has build and understood vessels from the hull up – a rare advantage in the world of boat surveying.
He holds a prestigious MCA Master 3000gt Yacht Certificate, is an RYA Ocean Yachtmaster and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Surveying alongside an HDN in Maritime Studies. David has sailed more than 250,000 miles as a professional delivery skipper and Captain of sailing and motor yachts up to 80 meters.
As a former superyacht Captain, he has overseen major refits and new builds across global shipyards – from the UK to the Mediterranean and beyond. This blend of deep technical knowledge, global sea time, and project supervision gives clients unmatched insight and reliability.
Whether you are buying, selling or maintaining your vessel, David brings clarity, experience, and peace of mind to every boat survey.
FAQs - Your Boat Surveyor Questions Answered
We know booking a Boat Survey can feel daunting – but it does not have to be. Here are answers to the most common questions we get from boat owners across the UK.
Do I need a Boat Survey before buying?
Yes – a professional survey give you peace of mind, ensures the vessel is seaworthy, and can reveal hidden problems that may impact value or safety.
How much does a Boat Survey cost?
Survey costs vary depending on the vessel size and type. Use our instant Quote tool for a fast cost based on your boat’s details.
What does a Boat Survey include?
Our surveys include a full inspection of hull, deck, rig, systems, machinery and safety gear. A detailed report with photos and recommendations is provided.
How long does a Boat Survey take?
Most surveys take a full day on board. You will receive the full written report within 24 hours if using our express service, otherwise it is our standard 48 hours.
Latest Boat Surveyor Advice for Owners
Not sure what kind of survey you need? Wondering what to check before launch day? Our advice section is her to help.
From understanding common issues with used boats to knowing when to book a pre-season check, there easy-to-follow articles are wirtten to give you confidence, save money, and keep your time on the water worry-free.
Whether you are a new owner or a seasoned cruiser, there is something here for every UK boat owner.
Boat Surveys in 2026: What Buyers, Owners and Insurers Need to Know Before Surveying a Boat
As we move into 2026, the UK boat market continues to change. Rising repair costs, evolving insurance requirements, ageing fleets and increasingly complex onboard systems mean that a professional boat survey is more important than ever.
Should First-Time Buyers Get a Boat Survey in the UK?
Buying your first boat is exciting. Whether it’s a narrowboat, motorboat, or sailing yacht, the thrill of owning your own vessel is hard to beat. But for first-time buyers, the process can also feel overwhelming. What should you look for? How do you avoid hidden problems? And most importantly — should you get a boat surveyed before purchase?
Boat Winterisation UK: How to Prepare Your Boat for a Trouble-Free Summer Season
As the UK boating season draws to a close, it’s time to think about boat winterisation — the essential process of protecting your vessel during the colder months.
Proper winterisation prevents frost damage, corrosion, and costly repairs, ensuring your boat is ready for launch next spring.
This complete guide to boat winterisation in the UK covers everything you need to know to store your boat safely and keep it in top condition for a stress-free summer season.
Visiting the Southampton Boat Show? Here’s What to Ask Before Buying a Boat
The Southampton International Boat Show is a must-visit event for any boat enthusiast — whether you’re dreaming about your first vessel or are an experienced owner ready to upgrade. But among the gleaming hulls and polished teak decks, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and miss key details.
What’s Included in a Sea Trial During a Boat Survey?
Taking a boat out for a sea trial—sometimes commissioned as part of a pre-purchase or boat health survey—is like taking a vehicle out for a test drive. It’s your opportunity to see how the boat performs under real-world conditions, uncover hidden issues, and gain confidence in your purchase. At UK Boat Surveys, our Sea Trial Surveys give you exactly that—a hands-on, dynamic performance and handling assessment.
Narrowboat Surveys Explained: Why Steel Thickness & Blacking Matter
Buying a narrowboat is an exciting step, whether it’s for leisure cruising on the UK’s inland waterways or as a liveaboard home. But before you hand over any money, a professional narrowboat survey is essential. These boats may look charming and sturdy, but the condition of the hull can make the difference between years of happy boating and costly repair bills.
Ready to Book Your UK Boat Surveyor?
Fast, professional, and fully independent boat surveys across the UK coastline – from Lowestoft to Milford Haven.