Anyone used Severn Estuary Yacht Surveys or YSC

[shan]

We have had Bernard Merryweather from Severn Estuary Yacht Surveys and Simon Allan from YSC Surveys Ltd recommended as possible surveyor. Has anyone used either for a survey? If so, what did you think?

 

[rafiki_]

You should not use a surveyor that has a relationship with your seller. Plenty of alternatives.

 

[shan]

It would be useful if you suggested one that you have used or know that is good.

 

[rafiki_]

I haven't used one in the Severn area. Try the Bristol Channel Forum. You should get some input from there.

 

[ribdriver]

Try Optimum marine surveys.

 

[shan]

Have you used them before?

 

[petem]

We have had Bernard Merryweather from Severn Estuary Yacht Surveys and Simon Allan from YSC Surveys Ltd recommended as possible surveyor. Has anyone used either for a survey? If so, what did you think?

Recommended by whom?

 

[shan]

We had a list of accredited surveyors given to us. I selected these 2 as being close enough but not in the immediate area. They were given to us by the broker.

 

[shan]

We have had Bernard Merryweather from Severn Estuary Yacht Surveys and Simon Allan from YSC Surveys Ltd recommended as possible surveyor. Has anyone used either for a survey? If so, what did you think?

To clarify: We had a list of accredited surveyors given to us. I selected these 2 as being close enough but not in the immediate area. They were given to us by the broker.

 

[crossy]

Ring the YBDSA, they will give you a list of accredited member surveyors in that area.

 

[shan]

Thank you, I plan to do that but what I really want is a personal recommendation.

 

[ribdriver]

Optimum Marine Surveys...I helped sell a boat for a friend and He (Ollie Byles) was the surveyor acting for the buyer. Even looking at it from that angle I thought he was very good.

 

[shan]

Many thanks, unfortunately they don't seem to cover Wales. It would be quite a long trip from their base to Nayland. I am going to email them anyway, just to double check.

 

[Snoopy463]

Bill McNeil, Ben Sutcliffe. Both good, both local.

 

[shan]

Thanks. Have you used either one of them?

 

[Snoopy463]

Bill has done an insurance survey for me. Very thorough. He and Ben have been used by other club members. I've heard nothing untoward about either.

 

[shan]

Many thanks.

 

[bitbaltic]

I haven't had a survey done by him but I know Simon Allan personally and would 100% trust his judgement. If I were buying a boat in the local area he would be the surveyor I would engage without doubt.

 

[shan]

Thank you. Really useful. I have narrowed it down to Simon Allan & Bill McNeil. Ultimately, I guess it will depend on who is free to do it.

 

[rgsmg53]

I've used Ben Sutcliffe-Davies. He's based in Port Talbot and covers most of the Severn Estuary.

I've used him twice. Once for an in-water pre-purchase survey and once for a full out-of-the-water. I was present for the latter and he was happy to have me watch his every move and provided all sorts of useful tips.

He's not the cheapest but I thought his survey was pretty thorough although I did have to chase him for his written report and, whilst it was full of good colour pictures (which often show you what you really need to know), the words left a little to be desired in places.

One thing to watch, is his thoroughness. It's just what you need for pre-purchase but could cost a lot of money if used for insurance purposes. On the plus side, when I came to sell the boat, the buyer was very impressed and didn't bother with one of his own!