About Us & Customer Reviews

Adrian Matthews, your boat surveyor has been involved in the marine industry for over 35 years. From the age of 10, he developed a passion for sailing with his father and by 15 was teaching others how to use their boats competently, confidently and safely. After a period of further education, he returned to teaching sailing, helping people reach Yachtmaster level in both power- and sailboats. He has lived and worked on England's South Coast since 1983.

In 1990, Adrian launched a successful yacht repair business, Silverwood Yacht Services Ltd, initially located at Southsea Marina but, as business grew, relocated to Port Solent Marina in Hampshire. In September 2016, after 26 years at the helm, he decided to sell the business to a new owner.

Back in 2011, Adrian completed his Diploma in Small Craft Surveying with the International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS) www.iims.org.uk. In 2013, drawing on his considerable experience and industry exposure, he launched Simply Marine Surveys & Consultants catering for both power- and sailboats. His aim is to provide unbiased, reliable and accurate surveys tailored to the needs of existing and prospective boat owners but also to those of insurers and finance houses.

Delivering accurate and effective advice in addition to efficient project management, you can be assured the outcome will always have been well considered.

What should you expect from your boat surveyor:

• A balanced, objective view of the issue in question.
  
• A well written report on the brief, the opinion backed by Professional Indemnity Insurance.
• Someone with whom you can discuss your boating issues.
• A fee that is considered good value for money.
• A solution to the issue of whether to buy, sell or repair with a clear guide to immediate and ongoing costs.

Local marinas are Emsworth, Thornham, Chichester and Birdham with boatyards at Itchenor and Dell Quay.
Slightly further afield are marinas and boat yards on Hayling island (Sparks and Northney) and around the Portsmouth and Fareham areas. We are happy to travel to Poole, Christchurch, Mudeford, Lymington, Yarmouth, Beaulieu, Hythe, Cowes, Southampton, Hamble River, Universal, Gosport, and to Littlehampton, Brighton, Newhaven and Eastbourne.
There is a charge made for travelling further afield but we are happy to travel the length and breadth of the UK, Europe, Asia, The Americas and the rest of the world to survey boats.


CUSTOMER REVIEWS

"I have known Adrian for over 20 years and have employed his services at both his previous business Silverwood Yacht Services and more recently at Simply Marine Surveys and Consultants for pre purchase surveys, equipment installations (heating, windlass) major repairs to rudder and keel and general maintenance. Adrian is absolutely my go to guy for all things boat orientated. He has such a vast knowledge of all aspects of boats, from construction to systems, rigging, plumbing, electrics and maintenance. Add that knowledge to his methodical approach and real attention to detail will mean that you can be sure that you will get a first class result to whatever project Adrian is involved in. I would recommend Adrian in a heartbeat, he is one of the best!"  M.B. February 2020

"Adrian has a wealth of experience of boats and their maintenance and is thorough in his approach, always with an eye on quality. When he owned Silverwood Services, he maintained my boat for 10 years, providing excellent advice and service. I recently sold that boat to buy an older boat in need of some TLC. Adrian conducted the survey of my new boat giving me a heads up on what I was taking on and has advised at various stages of the extensive refit that has taken place since, checking the work that has been done. If you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing your boat is in the condition it should be, I can happily recommend Adrian to you." M.W April 2020