UK Yacht Surveyors

Business Details

Expert Marine Surveyors in Dorset

We are professional yacht surveyors accredited by leading industry bodies including the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA), Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA), and British Marine Surveyors Europe (BMSE). Our team delivers independent, high-standard marine surveys across the UK, Europe, and globally, specialising in pre-purchase inspections, MCA coding, insurance renewals, and damage assessments. With decades of offshore sailing experience and technical expertise, we provide detailed reports tailored to client needs, supported by a network of qualified professionals.

Our principal surveyor, Jonathan Massey, combines a mechanical engineering degree with practical offshore experience, including a transatlantic voyage, to offer practical, risk-mitigated advice. We prioritise client satisfaction through transparent communication, ongoing support, and adherence to the YDSA Code of Practice, backed by professional indemnity insurance.

Services

Pre-Purchase Surveys MCA Coding Surveys Insurance Renewal Surveys Damage Surveys Tonnage Surveys

Highlights and features

We are accredited members of YDSA, RINA, and BMSE.
Our principal surveyor has 45,000 miles of offshore sailing experience.
We operate globally through a network of qualified surveyors.
Appointed by leading insurers for damage surveys across Europe.
Reports include actionable advice to mitigate risks and maintain vessel value.

Associations and certifications

YDSA
RINA
BMSE
MECAL
eMISW

What people say

Prompt and comprehensive report Highly professional approach Exceptionally thorough work Detailed recommendations Confidence to proceed with purchase

Website

Update Listing

Services

Pre-Purchase Surveys

Our pre-purchase surveys provide a comprehensive assessment of a vessel's condition, identifying defects and maintenance needs. We deliver detailed reports with practical advice to inform purchase decisions, ensuring clients understand risks and costs. Our surveys adhere to industry standards, combining technical expertise with real-world sailing experience.

MCA Coding Surveys

We conduct MCA coding surveys to certify commercial vessels meet safety and construction standards. Our process includes structural evaluations, safety checks, and documentation guidance. With experience coding over 100 boats, we simplify compliance for clients, ensuring vessels meet regulatory requirements for commercial use.

Insurance Renewal Surveys

Insurance renewal surveys verify a vessel's condition to maintain coverage. We inspect hull integrity, mechanical systems, and safety equipment, providing insurers with detailed reports. Our findings help clients address issues proactively, ensuring compliance and minimising future claims.

Damage Surveys

Damage surveys evaluate vessel harm from accidents or incidents. We document extent, causes, and repair costs, working with insurers to resolve claims efficiently. Our reports include photographic evidence and expert recommendations, ensuring accurate, fair outcomes for policyholders.

Tonnage Surveys

Tonnage surveys determine a vessel's official measurements for registration. We perform precise calculations under Part 1 Registration guidelines, ensuring compliance with maritime authorities. Our authorised status guarantees accurate, legally recognised assessments for new or re-registered boats.

People

Jonathan Massey

Principal Surveyor

Jonathan Massey, a YDSA-accredited surveyor with a mechanical engineering degree, combines offshore sailing experience (45,000 miles) and superyacht management expertise. He holds a commercially-endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate and leads surveys globally.

Questions

What services do UK Yacht Surveyors offer?

We provide pre-purchase, MCA coding, insurance renewal, damage, and tonnage surveys, adhering to industry standards for private and commercial vessels.

Where do you operate?

We work across the UK, Europe, and worldwide through a network of qualified surveyors, with our base in Dorset.

How long does a survey take?

Most reports are delivered within 48 hours post-inspection, depending on complexity and location.

Are your surveyors accredited?

Yes, we are accredited by YDSA, RINA, BMSE, and authorised for MCA coding and tonnage measurements.

Can you assist with insurance claims?

We conduct damage surveys for leading insurers, providing detailed reports to support claims resolution across Europe.

Do you offer ongoing advice?

Yes, we provide free post-survey advice to help maintain vessel safety, value, and regulatory compliance.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Blade Morina

Nov 29, 2020 Report

I was really pleased with the in depth survey on my catamaran
Jonathan took his time and looked at everything in detail. I was really happy with the cost of survey too. All recommendations were important for me to know. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this company to anyone wanting a survey. Thank you again and I hope to see you out there

Philip Robin

Nov 19, 2020 Report

Jonathan was happy to drive to Swansea to undertake a survey of a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349, including rearranging it twice as storms prevented the boat being lifted. A very thorough report was received two days later and Jonathan was helpful in providing clarification and further guidance on a couple of points on the telephone. Boat purchase now completed .

Ian Murray

Oct 23, 2020 Report

I have used this well qualified and thorough surveyor twice for 40ft+ motor yachts and received excellent service. Highly recommended.

Tim Clarke

May 16, 2020 Report

I never expected a boat survey could be such a pleasurable experience. Jonathan was professional with a pleasant manner and very thorough. He was happy to talk me through what he was seeing. I learnt a great deal about the boat which was invaluable.

Filipe Caetano

Dec 27, 2019 Report

I have used the service of UK Yacht Surveyors last September as part of a pre-buy survey of a Dufour Grand Large 425. The survey delivered by Jonathan Massey was extremely detailed with all the key areas thoroughly inspected. The report provided was very comprehensive with an identification of all the issues that had to be promptly addressed. Being in the process of aquiring the sailboat from abroad, the quality of the survey and the support of Jonathan was of outmost importance to sucessfully closing the deal.