DB Marine Survey

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

06/07/2026

A selection of reviews received from recent surveys making the hard work worthwhile.

A lot of time is spent on a pre purchase survey, from taking the booking and discussing any queries and concerns, attending the vessel; which is a full day’s work, I don’t do more than one vessel a day, giving a telephone debriefing and then spending a full day writing the report with proofreading done the following day.

marinesurvey

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

05/07/2026

An interesting variety of week for DB Marine Survey .

The week started at MGM Boats in Leicester, with an insurance survey of a 1988 Springer. It was in good shape but was just in time as the rudder tube was easily holed and required replacement. Otherwise a small amount of plating required and some improvements to the on board systems needed.

Next was a pre-purchase survey at Ashwood Marina of a reasonably tidy Collingwood narrowboat, which required attention to the protective coating and anodic protection.

Later in the week was a hull condition survey of a Delph Marine narrowboat at Kingsground Narrowboats which had suffered from jacking corrosion on the rubbing strakes and extensive waterline corrosion. A busy week’s work in the dock this week!

A quick journey to Uxbridge Boat Centre was made to sign off some survey recommendations made the previous week after the hull survey, as usual a job well done!

Lastly was an insurance survey of Bodmin a 1936 Harland and Wolff historic butty at Canna Mead which is undergoing refurbishment before being put into service delivering fuel. The hull has had extensive works undertaken during her history with no action required other than some pit welding.



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

26/06/2026

It’s been really hot 🥵 this week but work carried on as usual for DB Marine Survey .

The week started at Uxbridge Boat Centre with a pre-purchase survey of a 2022 cruiser stern widebeam. As usual a few findings highlighted the importance of getting a survey done prior to purchasing any vessel regardless of age.

Next was a hull condition survey for insurance purposes of a 1992 Colecraft traditional narrowboat at Burton Boat Company. Some extensive pitting corrosion found with improved coatings and anodic protection recommended to help preserve this fine vessel .

Later in the week was a pre-purchase survey of a 60ft Collingwood cruiser stern narrowboat. This vessel had a 10 year old epoxy paint system on the hull sides and base plate; no plate thickness lost and not a pit in sight. The anodes still had the writing on which showed the benefits of the paint system.

A nice week with some great clients. The reports are all completed and we’re off for the weekend to enjoy the weather and go to look at puffins and seals on the North Sea.



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