DB Marine Survey

24/10/2026

Another busy spell undertaking inspections of various vessels around the country.
First up was a pre purchase survey of an ex ABC 66 ft hire boat at Pyrford Marina. Quite extensive pitting corrosion was found, with grit blasting and epoxy coating recommended to help prevent the need for welding repairs in the future.
Next was a hull condition survey on a recently purchased narrowboat at The Dry Dock Company in Newbury. Internal corrosion was found in the engine bay, along with reduced hull thickness around the counter stern which required a welded repair.
Then it was over to Whilton Marina for a pre purchase survey of a lovely Colecraft semi trad. This one had been epoxy coated from new, including the base plate, and no corrosion was found. The integral freshwater tank needed some attention, along with additional fusing to parts of the electrical systems.
An in water probate valuation followed on a nice little Bluewater built narrowboat, which had been with the same owner from new, was well maintained and had recently received an epoxy paint system.
Finally, it was back to Whilton Marina for another pre purchase survey, this time on a Liverpool Boats narrowboat. I had requested that the boat was presented on trestles to give good access to the base plate, which proved worthwhile. Some of the base plate joints had not been welded satisfactorily and required grinding out and rewelding.
And, just to make the last one more enjoyable, it poured with rain all day. The wet weather gear and waterproof paper certainly earned their keep!



If you’re looking for an independent narrowboat surveyor or for any other marine survey needs visit www.dbmarinesurvey.co.uk

16/10/2026

It’s that time of year to get the stoves lit again.

This stove was on a boat I installed this week and had a number of issues noted.

1. The collar on the top of the stove was cracked and the sealant used is not suitable for the heat in the area.

2. Water had ingressed the stove from the flue pipe and corrosion had occurred lifting the top plate and snapping the fastenings.

3. Corrosion had also snapped the fastenings securing the blanking plate at the rear of the stove.

All of the above could potentially cause dangerous CO levels in the accommodation.

Get your stoves inspected before winter to ensure that they are safe to use.



If you’re looking for an independent narrowboat surveyor or for any other marine survey needs visit www.dbmarinesurvey.co.uk

14/10/2026

After a lovely short break in Spain, it was back to work and a very busy diary.

The past few jobs have included Pre Purchase Surveys on narrowboats and widebeams, Insurance Surveys on Dutch motor cruisers, and In Water Assessments for prospective purchasers.

No two vessels are quite the same, and each survey brings its own challenges, with the report written to properly reflect the vessel and what was found on the day.

Plenty of report writing as always, but the variety of boats and locations is all part of what makes the job enjoyable.



If you’re looking for a fully independent marine surveyor or for any other marine survey needs visit www.dbmarinesurvey.co.uk

24/09/2026

A busy couple of weeks travelling around the country surveying a wide variety of vessels.

Some old, some new, some in excellent condition and some with plenty to discuss, but all interesting in their own way.

The surveys have taken me from historic Dutch barges and narrowboats through to newer widebeams, each presenting its own challenges and insights.

From insurance surveys and hull condition assessments to pre purchase surveys and valuations, there have been plenty of findings to report and discuss with clients.

One of the things I enjoy most about this work is that no two days are the same. Every vessel has its own story, challenges, history and maintenance journey, making each survey both interesting and rewarding.

I’m now looking forward to a week off next week. Just a couple of reports to finalise before taking a short break, then it’s back to a busy diary.



If you’re looking for an independent narrowboat surveyor, or have any other marine survey requirements, visit www.dbmarinesurvey.co.uk.

17/09/2026

14/09/2026

Recent work on the waterways has taken me from historic working boats and traditional narrowboats to widebeams, barges and fault-finding inspections.
It has been busy, but it is always rewarding to help owners and purchasers understand the true condition of their vessels.
Recent surveys have included pre-purchase and insurance inspections, in-water assessments, investigation work and follow-up recommendations for repairs and maintenance. From overplating and w**d hatch arrangements to hull condition, corrosion, water tanks and bow thruster installations, each vessel has its own details that need careful assessment.
My aim is always to provide clear, thorough and impartial reporting, helping owners and purchasers make informed decisions and protect their investment properly.
If you’re looking for a fully independent marine surveyor for an in-depth and honest assessment, or for any other marine survey needs, visit www.dbmarinesurvey.co.uk

11/09/2026

A Facebook memory from what I was doing seven years ago today.
Now I’m writing reports and making recommendations for other people to do the work.
I like life’s progression but did enjoy the simplicity of just turning up to work and welding stuff!

22/08/2026

It’s been a busy couple of weeks since my last post!

Here is a few pictures of what I’ve been up to around the country.

Work has been incredibly varied lately, ranging from insurance surveys on historic working fuel delivery boats, hull condition surveys on project boats, pre-purchase surveys for first time buyers and stability assessments on brand-new builds.

Love the mix of preserving maritime history and working with new builds.



If you’re looking for an independent narrowboat surveyor or for any other marine survey needs visit www.dbmarinesurvey.co.uk

29/07/2026

The weather’s too nice and I t’s all a bit busy running my business to spend any time on social media but here’s some of the recent vessels inspected around the country to keep up an appearance.

I’m away for the next few days then back to it next week.

marinesurvey

If you’re looking for an independent narrowboat surveyor or for any other marine survey needs visit www.dbmarinesurvey.co.uk

18/07/2026

It’s been a busy but well paced couple weeks for DB Marine Survey. I’m enjoying the good weather and organising the workload to keep ahead of the report writing.

The work started at Kingsground Narrowboats with a pre-purchase survey of a 1984 40ft Colecraft narrowboat. Some minor welding repairs required and a few issues with various services highlighted.

Next was another pre-purchase survey of a 1982 32ft Springer at Whixall Marina that had been fully overplated to a good standard and been beautifully refitted by a professional carpenter/owner with a rustic oak interior.

Later was a full condition survey of a 70ft 1970 traditional narrowboat at Tooley’s Boatyard . The vessel had been stretched and had extensive overplating. The uxter plate was in poor condition and required replating and several electrical issues were noted.

Then another pre-purchase survey of a 61ft 2021 Bluewater Boats narrowboat at Whilton Marina. A well equipped boat with a beautiful fit out and smart appearance. A few issues raised to consider and rectify.

After that I was back on the Thames with an insurance survey of a 52ft 1913 Aak Dutch Barge at Better Boating. The boat was in great condition with a mostly intact epoxy paint system protecting the hull plating. One historic overplate was in poor condition and required cropping off and replacing and a few electrical issues were found.

Lastly was a hull condition survey of a 44ft Dutch Barge at Uxbridge Boat Centre following issues uncovered when works were started from a previous survey. There was historical overplating with diminished weld seams, extensive pitting and perforated plate. Multiple pulled rivets and widespread pitting beyond acceptable limits. Further works were recommended to ensure integrity.



If you’re looking for an independent narrowboat surveyor or for any other marine survey needs visit www.dbmarinesurvey.co.uk