Boat Surveyor Plymouth
Expert Motor Boat & Sailing Yacht Marine Surveys in Plymouth
Looking for an experienced and independent boat surveyor in Plymouth?
UK Boat Surveys provides comprehensive marine surveys for all vessel types operating in Plymouth, and surrounding marinas. Whether you’re buying a narrowboat, maintaining a liveaboard, or insuring a yacht, our surveys deliver accurate, detailed, and insurer-approved reports within 24 hours.
Areas We Cover In Plymouth
Plymouth Yacht Haven
Plymouth Yacht Haven is one of the largest and best-equipped marinas in the city, located at Mount Batten with unrestricted access to Plymouth Sound at all states of tide. The marina provides extensive pontoon berthing for yachts and motorboats, alongside a fully developed boatyard. Facilities include a 75-ton travel hoist, hardstanding, indoor and outdoor storage, fuel berth, pump-out and shore power. A wide range of marine trades operate on site, making it a popular choice for refits, repairs, pre-purchase surveys and insurance work.
Mayflower Marina
Mayflower Marina sits on Plymouth’s central waterfront and is known for its high standard of facilities and customer service. The marina offers secure pontoon berths with shore power and water, modern shower and laundry facilities, fuel, gas and on-site parking. With 24-hour staffing and excellent access to Plymouth Sound, it is well suited to both resident and visiting yachts. Its central location also makes it a convenient base for surveys and inspections close to the city.
Royal William Yard Marina
Royal William Yard Marina is located within the historic Royal William Yard, offering berthing in a unique and visually striking setting. The marina caters primarily to smaller yachts and motorboats, with visitor and annual berths available. While marine services are limited on site, the marina benefits from excellent shoreside amenities including restaurants, shops and accommodation, and provides straightforward access to the main Sound.
Sutton Harbour Marina
Sutton Harbour Marina lies in the heart of Plymouth’s historic harbour and operates behind a lock gate, providing sheltered water and protection from weather and tidal conditions. The marina offers secure berthing close to the Barbican and city centre, with nearby fuel, chandlery, engineering services and boat repair facilities. Its location makes it particularly convenient for owners who want central access and protection for their vessels.
Millbay Marina
Millbay Marina is located within Plymouth’s port area and provides additional berthing options close to the city centre. While primarily associated with commercial port operations, the marina area supports leisure craft and visiting vessels. Its deep-water access and proximity to ferry terminals and marine services make it a useful location for inspections and marine work.
Southdown Marina
Southdown Marina is situated at Millbrook on the River Tamar and offers a quieter, more sheltered alternative to the main Plymouth marinas. The marina provides pontoon and quay berths with basic shoreside facilities including showers, parking and storage. Its rural setting and protected waters make it popular with owners of smaller yachts and traditional craft who want easy access to the Tamar and Plymouth Sound.
Torpoint Yacht Harbour
Torpoint Yacht Harbour is located across the Hamoaze on the Cornish side of the river and provides pontoon berthing as well as a large number of swinging and trot moorings. Facilities include shore power, water, showers, parking and a seasonal water taxi service. The harbour is well protected and offers excellent access to both the River Tamar and open water, making it a popular long-term base.
Yacht Haven Quay Plymouth
Yacht Haven Quay Plymouth operates primarily as a dry-stack marina and boatyard, catering for smaller motorboats and yachts. The facility offers efficient launch and recovery services, ashore storage and access to marine maintenance and repair services. Its location near the Cattewater provides quick access to Plymouth Sound and surrounding cruising grounds.
Plymouth Boatyard
Plymouth Boatyard is a long-established facility offering moorings, hardstanding, lifting services and general boat maintenance. The yard provides crane lifts, pressure washing, antifouling preparation and secure storage, with good access for survey work, repairs and seasonal haul-outs. It is a practical option for owners needing hands-on support and professional marine services.
Voyager Boatyard
Voyager Boatyard is a family-run operation located at Southdown Quay on the River Tamar. The yard specialises in boat storage, repair, maintenance and bespoke marine work. With a skilled workforce and sheltered river access, it is well suited to both routine maintenance and more involved refit projects.
Weir Quay Boatyard
Weir Quay Boatyard is a traditional boatyard located further up the River Tamar near Bere Alston. It offers sheltered moorings, boat storage and a range of marine engineering and repair services. The quiet, rural setting appeals to owners looking for a more traditional yard environment while still having access to professional support.
Turnchapel Wharf and Boatyard
Turnchapel Wharf provides deep-water berthing and heavy-lift facilities suitable for larger yachts and commercial vessels. The site includes crane services, hardstanding, workshops and slipway access, making it a key location in Plymouth for major refit work, structural inspections and commercial marine operations.
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.
Why Choose Us as Your Trusted Boat Surveyor Plymouth
“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.
FAQs - Your Plymouth Boat Survey 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 Plymouth Sound.
Do you carry out boat surveys in Plymouth?
Yes, boat surveys are carried out throughout Plymouth and the surrounding area, including Plymouth Sound, the River Tamar, Sutton Harbour, and nearby marinas and boatyards. Surveys can be arranged at marinas, boatyards, on swinging moorings, or ashore, depending on the type of survey required.
What types of boat surveys are available in Plymouth?
A full range of surveys are available in Plymouth, including pre-purchase surveys, insurance surveys, condition and valuation surveys, damage assessments, and out-of-water surveys. Surveys can be undertaken on sailing yachts, motorboats and commercial craft, subject to access and lifting arrangements.
Can you carry out surveys in Plymouth marinas and boatyards?
Yes, surveys are regularly carried out at Plymouth’s marinas and boatyards, including Plymouth Yacht Haven, Mayflower Marina, Sutton Harbour, Torpoint Yacht Harbour and local boatyards along the River Tamar. Liaison with marina staff or yard operators can be arranged to coordinate access, lift-outs and yard services where required.
Do I need to arrange a lift-out for a boat survey in Plymouth?
For a full condition or pre-purchase survey, a lift-out is normally required so that the hull, keel, rudder and underwater fittings can be properly inspected. Lift-out arrangements are usually made directly with the marina or boatyard, but guidance can be provided if needed.
How far in advance should I book a boat survey in Plymouth?
It is recommended to book a boat survey as early as possible, particularly during the spring and summer months when marinas and lifting facilities are busy. Booking in advance helps ensure availability and allows sufficient time to coordinate haul-out and access arrangements.
Ready to Book Your Plymouth Boat Surveyor?
Fast, professional, and fully independent boat surveys across the UK coastline – from Lowestoft to Milford Haven.