Small Boat Surveys

I have ordered a new 40ft narrowboat which is currently under construction in Liverpool. As I work overseas it was not practical for me to visit the boat during the construction process and I thought a new build survey by a qualified marine surveyor would be a worthwhile investment for my peace of mind. After engaging John Crompton who trades under www. Smallboatsurveys. Com, I forwarded my boat contract and a list of areas/concerns that I had with the build in progress. I also paid his invoice in advance, as requested. On the day of the survey he was arranged to visit the yard at 0930AM and at 2:08PM the same day I received my "survey". This comprised a single page letter with only the vaguest of information i. E, the welds looked neat and some of the paint had surface corrosion etc. The accompanying email said the yard manager had "told him the engine was ordered" but with no due diligence done to support this (ie, copy of invoice) and a dropbox link to a collection of random photos, none of which were labelled or had any description or comments. For a surveyor who claims to be a member IIMS and follow their code of practice, I unfortunately made the assumption that I would get a professional and in depth report for my money. My mistake and definitely a case of caveat emptor. If you have come across this review because you are looking for a surveyor, my best advice is to move on and keep looking. However at the very least, learn from my mistake and make sure you have a clearly defined scope of work and ask for a sample report to make sure your expectations are met.Moreexpand_more

My boat was coming up for it’s annual insurance renewal, and I had been told that it would require a survey. It was time to do some ringing round. I called some who had ads in Yachting Monthly, some who have cards posted in various places, and others who were recommended by other yachties. Disillusioned by the vastly varying costs, and the holier-than-thou attitudes of some, I began to get a wee bit disgruntled. During a conversation with Chris Miller, he happened to mention that he had just been chatting with a surveyor of whom I had never heard, although he is fairly local. Straight on the horn to him, I was immediately impressed by his warm and friendly manner, and the way he treated me as a potential customer instead of some unpleasant nast he had just stepped in! The price he quoted me was the best in three days, and he came to see me the following morning with a survey proposal pack. I asked him to proceed, and arranged a lift-out that same week. John, meanwhile, carried out that part of the survey that could be done prior to lift-out.Then he was at the lock side before the boat had been lifted out, and asked me if I minded him watching. As soon as the boat was on the hard, and steamed off, he was on the job. E seemed impressed with the boat, and said he would prepare the report as son as possible. Within a very few days, John hand delivered the report, in duplicate, but also with a cd containing the report as a Word document.The report is most impressive, with some excellent photos, and is written in plain English, with absolutely no mealy-mouthed “get-outs”!I sent an email attaching the Word doc to the insurance Walla, who, to my surprise, called me back to say how impressed he was with the survey, and the way it had arrived.That was it!It is fair to say, that John and I have become good friends since then. When you ask John to do you a boat survey, you will see what I mean!Marks out of ten?10Will I recommend him?I have done, many times.Will I employ him again?Most certainly, yes.Moreexpand_more