On the surface a vessel may appear to be a bargain, but is it really? Prior to purchasing a used – or even a new – craft, be sure to have it professionally surveyed. .
Chris Olsen, proprietor of Olsen Marine, has been professionally conducting yacht and powerboat surveys throughout Devon, Cornwall, the South Coast and around Europe since 1998. He is a full member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), having joined in 2000. The IIMS not only demands the highest professional standards, but guarantees that its members are fully insured and that their work complies to its codes of conduct.
A professional survey will also probably be a requirement of the insurance company and, if involved, a finance house
Chris has experience in Surveying, sailing, helming and repairing powerboats and yachts of all shapes and sizes, from a five-metre RIB to a 30-metre superyacht. Specialist in GRP, Wood and Steel craft including Ultrasonic testing.
Chris’s background and knowledge of the sea stems from his father, who was one of the “old school” yacht delivery skippers who plied his trade around Europe on (mainly) leaky wooden boats, and no electronic aids. He relied on simple basic practices, good seamanship, and a major sense of humour.
Chris learned the basics of his trade via professional qualifications gained not only during a merchant navy career, but by spending all his leave either under boats, or helping his father deliver and sail them. A career ashore, but with a permanent emphasis on sailing and working on small craft ensued. Since 1998, as well as Surveying professionally, he has run his own new boat Sales and brokerage business, including engineering workshop, and running busy boatyard and storage sites, and as such has gained a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the marine industry.
Additionally, Chris is the South West UK and N France approved Surveyor for Ward & McKenzie yacht consultants, who have within the group a huge resource of in-house experience, knowledge and expertise. The team within the group can cover any aspect of the marine environment from naval architecture to blue water cruising, boat-building to power boat racing, seamanship to chartered engineering and law. The fundamental common link however with all our clients is a real passion for boats and the sea.