Boat Surveyor Chichester
Expert Motor & Sailing Yacht Marine Surveys in Chichester Harbour
Looking for an experienced and independent boat surveyor in Chichester?
UK Boat Surveys provides comprehensive marine surveys for all vessel types operating in Chichester, 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 Chichester
Premier Chichester Marina & Boatyard
Premier Chichester Marina & Boatyard is one of the largest and most comprehensive marina facilities within Chichester Harbour. It offers secure pontoons, deep water berths and shore services for a wide range of vessel sizes, including larger yachts. Onsite services include boat storage, maintenance and repair facilities, engineered hardstanding areas, waste reception, water and electricity on pontoons, toilets and showers. The yard also caters to refits and technical projects with professional support available. Its position within Chichester Harbour makes it ideal for cruising the West Sussex coastline and access to the Solent.
Chichester Marina / Chichester Marina Lock
Chichester Marina, sometimes referenced with its historic lock entry, sits in the heart of Chichester Harbour and combines modern marina amenities with classic harbour access. Boats enter through a tidal lock providing sheltered and secure mooring. Facilities include water and electricity to berths, toilets and showers, pump-out services, meeting rooms and traffic control. Its central location offers excellent access to local pubs, shops and services, making it popular for both liveaboard owners and cruising sailors. The lock entrance means vessels are protected from tidal change and harbour conditions.
Emsworth Yacht Harbour
Emsworth Yacht Harbour is a welcoming and well-equipped marina situated on the northern edge of Chichester Harbour. It offers pontoon berths, hardstanding storage ashore, fuel facilities, showers, toilets, slipway access and pump-out services. The harbour’s sheltered environment makes Emsworth a favourite stopping point for cruisers and local boaters alike, with easy access to the harbour channels and Solent. The marina’s friendly atmosphere and classic harbour setting give it a community feel while still offering reliable services.
Sparkes Marina (Hayling Island)
Sparkes Marina on Hayling Island provides a full range of local marina services in a convenient location for cruising Chichester Harbour and Solent waters. The marina includes berthing, hardstanding storage, shore utilities, repair and maintenance support, and access to local dining and facilities. Ideal for owners seeking proximity to both harbour cruising and open coastal waters, Sparkes supports both short-term visits and longer stays.
Northney Marina (MDL)
Northney Marina is a well-equipped marina on Hayling Island, part of the MDL network. It offers deep water berths, dry storage ashore with a 35-tonne hoist, water and electricity to berths, chandlery services, café and broker assistance. Storage options include rack storage, and the site is well known for its professional yard services and easy access to Langstone Harbour and the Solent. It’s a popular choice for both local boat owners and cruisers heading further along the coast.
Birdham Pool Marina
Birdham Pool Marina provides sheltered berthage in the eastern reaches of Chichester Harbour. Facilities include pontoon berths, shore services like showers and laundry, limited storage and freshwater access. Its location within the pool makes it a relaxed base for exploring the harbour and nearby sailing grounds. The marina’s quieter atmosphere suits owners who prefer traditional harbour life.
Thornham Marina
Thornham Marina is a traditional harbour marina in Prinsted Bay, offering a peaceful base for boat owners. It features drying pontoon berths, swinging moorings and shoreline amenities. The marina’s exposed location adds character and a classic boating experience, with easy access to Chichester Harbour’s channels and surrounding waters. Thornham’s facilities include drinking water, toilets and social areas, and its setting is popular with sailors who enjoy a quieter, scenic homeport.
Sophie’s Boatyard
Sophie’s Boatyard is a specialist boat repair and maintenance facility located near Dell Quay in Chichester Harbour. Known for its attention to detail, the yard provides services including hull repair, engine work, painting, fibreglass and GRP repairs — ideal for both classic wooden boats and modern vessels. Its location makes it convenient for owners based within the harbour or cruising nearby waters.
Haines Boatyard (Itchenor)
Haines Boatyard in Itchenor offers general maintenance, servicing and repair support for both sail and power boats. As a local harbour yard, it’s well positioned to support owners who berth in Chichester Harbour and need routine or more complex technical work.
Paynes Boatyard (Emsworth)
Paynes Boatyard provides a traditional DIY and service yard for local boat owners. Facilities include storage, basic workshop space and equipment for owners who like to undertake their own maintenance work, along with optional contractor support for services as needed.
Tim Gilmore Ltd / Wooden Boat Specialists (Birdham Pool)
Tim Gilmore Ltd specialises in wooden boat maintenance, restoration and specialist woodworking services based in Birdham Pool. Ideal for classic boat owners and those needing bespoke carpentry or restoration work, the yard is known for its craftsmanship and heritage boat experience.
Hayling Yacht Company
Hayling Yacht Company is a historic boatyard on Hayling Island offering a range of services including mechanical repairs, osmosis treatments, antifouling, rigging and winter storage. Its long presence in the area makes it familiar to local owners and visiting sailors alike.
Wilsons of Hayling Island Boatyard
Wilsons Boatyard on Hayling Island is an established marine services provider offering repairs, rigging, mechanical work and general maintenance. With a strong local reputation, it supports owners operating within Chichester Harbour and the Solent cruising grounds.
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 Chichester
“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 Chichester 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 Chichester.
Is it worth getting a boat surveyed before buying in Chichester Harbour?
Yes. Chichester Harbour includes a mix of newer and older vessels, many kept on moorings where wear and water ingress can go unnoticed. A pre-purchase survey helps reveal structural issues, osmosis, electrical problems or safety concerns — protecting you from expensive surprises.
How much does a boat survey cost in the Chichester area?
Boat surveys in Chichester typically cost between £450 and £950, depending on the vessel’s length, construction and the type of inspection required.
Do you survey boats at all Chichester marinas and boatyards?
Yes. We cover all marinas and yards in Chichester Harbour, including Chichester Marina, Birdham Pool, Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Northney, Sparkes, Thornham, and all local boatyards on Hayling Island and around Itchenor.
Can you survey boats kept on swinging moorings in Chichester Harbour?
Absolutely. We regularly inspect boats afloat on moorings throughout the harbour. If an out-of-water inspection is required, we can help arrange lift-out at your chosen marina or yard.
How long does a marine survey normally take?
Most pre-purchase surveys take 6–8 hours, depending on the vessel’s size, condition and whether a sea trial or engine assessment is included.
What types of boats do you survey in Chichester?
We inspect all common vessel types found in the harbour:
sailing yachts, motorboats, RIBs, narrowboats, classic wooden boats, racing yachts, workboats and modern GRP craft.
Can you work with local brokers in Chichester Marina and Birdham Pool?
Yes. We regularly coordinate with brokers, marinas and boatyards across Chichester Harbour to organise access, lift-outs and sea trials — making the process smooth and stress-free.
Will I receive a written report after the survey?
Yes. You’ll receive a clear, detailed written report within 24 hours, including photos, findings, recommendations and an overall condition summary.
Do you offer advice before I book a survey?
Of course. If you’re considering a boat in Chichester, you can contact us for a free informal chat. We’ll happily advise you on next steps and whether a survey is recommended for the vessel you’re looking at.
Can a survey help with price negotiation?
Definitely. A comprehensive survey can uncover issues that give you leverage to negotiate repairs or a reduced price, often saving buyers far more than the cost of the survey itself.
Ready to Book Your Chichester Boat Surveyor?
Fast, professional, and fully independent boat surveys across the UK coastline – from Lowestoft to Milford Haven.