Pre purchase surveys:
These are carried out in order to establish
the true condition of any vessel. A pre-purchase
survey will highlight defects within the structure
and list any cosmetic work required. In addition
our marine surveyors will give advice about
the appropriate course of action for any repair
work required and supply a valuation.
Insurance surveys: Many
insurers require a survey before issuing a policy.
A pre-purchase survey will normally cover this
requirement. There are however, situations where
an insurance survey will be more appropriate,
for example, as a boat ages, the insurance company
may require periodic surveys. This survey is
will establish the safety and seaworthiness
of any vessel prior to underwriting.
Damage Surveys: These are
usually commissioned by an insurance company
after an incident. An insurance company will
wish to know that the vessel can be repaired
within its market value. The survey will identify
the type and extent of the damage, the cost
of any repairs and a schedule of works to be
carried out.
Engine inspections: A external
visual examination is carried out which will
identify any patent defects. Marine Techniques
also have specialist marine engineers who can
investigate any suspect internal components.
Three boat package: It is
usual to consider more then one vessel at the
initial stage of the buying process. Marine
Techniques offers a discounted three boat inspection
package. A preliminary inspection is carried
out on three boats that are being considered
by the purchaser.
Viewings: If you are some
distance away from the boat you are considering,
our marine surveyors can inspect the boat on
your behalf. This is a preliminary inspection
and the cost of it will be deducted from the
pre-purchase survey fee if a full survey is
later done on the boat.
Winter layup: An end of season
schedule of work will be compiled which will
include winterization of the engines and checking
of the safety equipment and a report on the
findings.
Pre launch checks: For boats used only in the summer months, these
can be carried out as the start of the boating
season approaches. to establish the overall
condition of a vessel and her safety and highlight
any defects that may require attention prior
to launch.
Sea Trials: These are more
common for powerboats but sailing yachts also
sometimes have sea trials. Engines are run over
a length of time under load, All instrumentation
and fittings are tested for functionality and
wear.
Tonnage Surveys: A Tonnage
survey is required if a yacht is to be placed
on Part I of the Register of Shipping. Part
I registration is frequently required by finance
companies when a marine mortgage is taken out.
The tonnage survey provides the official measurements
of the vessel for the Register. A tonnage measurement
must be authorised by a governing body such
as the YDSA, or IIMS.
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Marine Techniques will be happy
to assist or discuss any requirements you may
have for any boat requiring a marine survey |
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All Marine Surveyors within
Marine Techniques that are based around the inland waterways of England
have an in depth knowledge of the local area.
As our Marine Surveyors operate in their own
locality they are familiar with the local services
provided by the various boatyards and marinas and
can give advice and information concerning the
facilities available within each area of inland waterway relating to a marine survey. |
Marine surveyors -
Coventry Canal |
The Coventry Canal was built to link Coventry to the Trent and Mersey Canal. It originates in the Coventry basin, and the canal heads north to the Hawksbury Junction where it meets the North Oxford Canal. The canal continues north, eventually joining the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction. It then heads northeast, through Nuneaton to Tamworth. From Tamworth it goes to Fazeley Junction which is the meeting point for the Birmingham and Fazeley canal.
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Marine surveyors -
Shropshire Union Canal |
The Shropshire Union Canal runs from Wolverhampton and heads towards Cheshire to the river Mersey and Ellesmere Port. From Wolverhampton traveling north it crosses Thomas Telford's cast iron Stretton Viaduct.
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Marine surveyors - Birmingham and Fazeley Canal |
The Birmingham and Fazeley canal canal links the centre of Birmingham with the Coventry Canal at Fazeley junction. It eventually joins the Trent and Mersey canal at Fradley Junction.
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Marine surveyors - Grand Union Canal |
The Grand Union Canal leaves Napton Junction and continues north east towards Birmingham. The canal then passes through Stockton Locks and Bascote staircase locks before reaching Royal Leamington Spa. After negotiating the 21 locks of Hatton Flight the Grand Union canal passes through Shrewley Tunnel and continues north westerly towards Birmingham. At Kingswood junction the Grand Union joins the Stratford on Avon Canal. Heading north the canal passes through Knowle locks towards Solihull and into Birmingham.
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Marine surveyors - Oxford Canal |
The Oxford canal was built to link the Midlands with the Thames. From Oxford the canal winds its way northward passing through Thrupp and through the famous Thrupp lever bridge and on to Shipton-under-Sherwell. Lower Heyford provides facilities for diesel, pump out and rubbish disposal. The canal then passes through Somerton Deep Lock which is the deepest lock on the canal system. From Banbury the canal climbs by way of Claydon locks. Fenny Marina is further on with facilities for diesel, rubbish disposal and supplies.
Napton Wharf is home to Napton Narrowboats where there are some visitors moorings available. It is here the South Oxford canal joins with the Grand Union canal at Wigrams Turn Marina before heading towards Rugby. Braunston Marina has full facilities with chandlery, repairs and brokerage. From Rugby the canal continues towards Coventry before ending at the big junction of Hawkesbury where it joins the Coventry canal.
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Marine surveyors - Staffordshire and Worcester Canal |
The Staffordshire and Worcester Canal was built in 1772 by James Brindley, intended to link Bristol Docks and the towns of Gloucester and Worcester with the potteries of Stoke on Trent.
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Marine surveyors - Stourbridge & Dudley Canals |
The Stourbridge canal runs from the junction with the Staffordshire and Worcester canal at Stourton Locks up the the junction with the Dudley Canal, which is part of the Birmingham Canal navigation system. It was designed as a waterways link between the River Severn and the industrial areas of Birmingham. From the the Staffordshire and Worcester canal the Stourbridge canal climbs towards Birmingham, The Stourton Locks raise the canal to Wordsley junction. Passing the 250 year old Dadworth Shed which is now a narrowboat builders yard the canal moves through another sixteen locks toward Dudley and Brierly Hill and Delph Bottom lock and it is here that it becomes the Dudley No 1 canal.
The Delph Flight moves the canal towards Park Head junction which leads to the the Dudley No 1 Tunnel. The canal finally ends at Hawne Basis near Halesowen.
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Marine surveyors - Stratford and Avon Canal |
The Stratford on Avon Canal starts in Birmingham at Kings Norton. The first place of note is Lyons Boatyard with full gas facilities, pump out and overnight moorings. The first set of locks are the Lapworth flight which descends to Kingswood Junction where the Stratford on Avon canal links with the Grand Union Canal. From Kingswood junction the canal moves through Wootton Wawen where there is a large marina. Further on the Wilmcote locks descend to Stratford on Avon.
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Marine surveyors - Worcester and Birmingham Canal |
The Worcester and Birmingham canal runs between Worcester on the River Severn and Birmingham. The canal leaves the River Severn at Diglis Basin in the City of Worcester before reaching the Dunhampstead tunnel. Beyond the tunnel is The Tardebigge Flight of 30 Locks and the Tardebigge Tunnel. The canal carries on towards Birmingham and passes through the Wast Hills Tunnel, which at at 2,726 feet is the longest tunnel in the country. At Kings Norton the canal meets with the Stratford on Avon Canal via the Guillotine lock. The canal eventually runs through Selly Oak and Edgbaston until it reaches the Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham.
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Marine surveyors - Bridgewater Canal |
The Bridgewater Canal starts at Runcorn, and travels in a southerly direction towards Preston Brook which is at the junction of the Trent and Mersey Canal. Immediately afterwards is the Preston Brook Tunnel which is 1,300 yards long. Preston Brook marina is also here. Further on it crosses the Thelwall viaduct before reaching Lymm. Next point of interest is the Dunham underbridge before approaching the town of Sale on the outskirts of Manchester. After passing under the M63 motorway the canal reaches Waters Meeting which is the junction of the northern waterways.
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Marine surveyors - Calder and Hebble Navigation |
The Calder & Hebble Navigation connects the town of Stererby on the Rochdale canal with the Aire and Calder Canal at Castleford. It also connects with the Huddersfield broad canal at Cooper Bridge Junction. This enables narrowboaters to complete the ring with the restored Rochdale Canal and the Leeds and Liverpool canal.
The Calder and Hebble Navigation leaves Sowerby Bridge which is the starting point of the Rochdale Canal and heads towards Salterhebble Locks before heading east to Woodside Mills and Ellan basin. From here it is a lock free run to Brighouse where there are boatyards and facilities.
Beyond Brighouse is the Huddersfield Broad Canal at Coopers Bridge Junction. Below Coopers Bridge the canal turns south east towards Battyford Lock and Leggard Bridge. Further on is Shepley Bridge which has a marina and facilities. From here the canal turns south easterly passing through Mill Bank Lock until reaching the town of Horbury. The canal then runs along the Horbury Cut to Broad Cut Top Lock towards Wakefield from where the Calder Hebble meets the Aire and Calder Canal. It is from this point the canal moves on to join the River Aire at Castleford Junction.
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Marine surveyors - Lancaster canal |
The Lancaster canal was originally envisaged to carry coal from south Lancashire to North Lancashire and the towns of Lancaster and Preston. The canal only has eight locks located at Tewitfield near Kendal before passing over the River Lune at Lancaster.
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Marine surveyors - Leeds & liverpool Canal |
The Leeds and Liverpool canal was built to transport heavy materials over the Pennines from West Yorkshire to Liverpool. It starts in Leeds where it leaves the Aire and Calder Canal at River Lock. The canal passes through the locks of Forge and Newlay on the outskirts of Rodley before reaching Apperley Bridge Marina.
From Apperley Bridge Marina the canal passes through Baildon and Shipley before reaching sets of locks known as Bingley Three Rise and Bingley Five Rise, before reaching Skipton.
From Skipton the canal travels westward over the top of the Pennines and through the Yorkshire Dales National Park until reaching the Aqueduct at Holme Bridge approaching Gargrave. After Gargrave it passes through East Marton and Barnoldwick before reaching the Greenberfield locks which are the top locks of the whole canal. Passing through the Foulridge tunnel the Leeds and Liverpool canal finally reaches Liverpool.
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Marine surveyors - Macclesfield Canal |
The Macclesfield Canal was built to link the Trent and Mersey Canal from the Midlands to Manchester via Macclesfield. Leaving the Trent and Mersey at Hardings Wood Junction the canal passes over the Trent and Mersey via the aqueduct at Red Bull Junction and travels north towards Congleton. From Congleton the canal heads towards Bosley where the next set of locks raise the canal over 500 feet before reaching Macclesfield.
At Macclesfield Canal Centre there are pump out facilities and overnight moorings available. Peak Forest Cruisers are also based here. Beyond Macclesfield lies Bollington and Higher Poynton, From Poynton the canal reaches the suburbs of Greater Manchester.
At Marple junction the canal unites with the Peak Forest Canal. This is a busy boating area with boatyards such as Top lock Marine and the British Waterways yard with all boatyard facilities. The Peak Forest Canal then descends though Marple Locks to continue along the Peak Forest and Ashton Canals towards Central Manchester to the junction at Waters Meeting.
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Marine surveyors - Peak Forest and Ashton Canals |
The Peak Forest and Ashton Canals form parts of the Cheshire ring as they connect to the Macclesfield Canal at Marple Cheshire and the Bridgewater Canal in Manchester and also the Trent and Mersey Canal. The Ashton Canal was built in 1792 to connect Ashton-under-Lyme with Manchester. The Peak Forest Canal connects to the Ashton Canal at Ashton-under-Lyme and was built to move limestone from Whaley Bridge in Cheshire to Manchester.
From Whaley Bridge the canal travels north towards Buxworth, New Mills and on to Disley. From Disley the canal moves through Marple at the junction with the Macclesfield Canal. Marple has a famous set of locks called the Marple Flight, at the bottom of which is Marple Aqueduct. From there the canal goes through the Hyde Bank Tunnel before reaching Woodley. Further on is Dunkin Field Junction after which it becomes the Ashton Canal which branches off towards Manchester.
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Marine
surveyors - Rochdale canal |
The Rochdale Canal was built in 1804 to transport goods over the Pennines from Hull to Manchester and Liverpool. Starting in Sowerbury Bridge Yorkshire the canal branches off in a westerly direction away from the Calder and Hebble canal and passes through Luddenden Foot, Mytholmroyd and into Hebden Bridge. From Hebden Bridge the canal climbs up into the Pennines towards Todmorden after which it reaches its highest point at Longlees. From Longlees the canal starts its descent towards Rochdale and Manchester
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Marine surveyors -
Shropshire Union Canal |
The Shropshire Union Canal runs from Wolverhampton where it leaves the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal and heads north towards Cheshire, the River Mersey and Ellesmere Port. From the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal at Autherley Junction it heads northwards passing through Brewood before encountering the cast iron Stretton Aqueduct built by Thomas Telford. From here the canal passes though Wheaton Aston and through the Cowley tunnel and through the Shelmore Embankment. Just beyond Shelmore Embankment is Norbury Junction. From here the canal passes through Offley and Gladstone Wharf before encountering the very gloomy cutting at Woodsheaves. Beyond Woodsheaves there is the town of Market Drayton where there are full facilities for the boater.
Beyond Market Drayton lies Adderley Locks and the famous Audlem Flight of Locks which emerge onto the Cheshire Plain. From here the canal travels on towards Nantwich and beyond to Hurlesdon Junction at which point the Llangollen Canal branches off west. After Hurlesdon Junction the Shropshire Canal moves north towards Barbridge junction at which point the Middlewich branch of the canal turns off towards Middlewich and Northwich. This branch links the with the Trent and Mersey Canal at Middlewich junction.
After Barbridge the canal travels westerly through Bunbury, Beeston and Christleton before entering Chester. From here the canal travels northwards towards the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey before reaching Ellesmere Port.
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Marine surveyors -
Trent and Mersey Canal |
The Trent and Mersey Canal was built to link the Midlands with the ports of Liverpool on the west coats and Hull on the east coast. It begins at Trent Lock near Sawley where there are marina facilities, and heads west passing through Shardlow and Aston before encountering Barrow-on-Trent and Stenson Lock where there is a large marina.
Further west is Burton-on-Trent where there are boatyards and the usual supplies. Moving further west it descends at Fradley locks before reaching Fradley junction with another large marina with the usual facilities. After Fradley junction the canal turns north westerly through Cannock Chase - an area of outstanding natural beauty
From here Great Haywood junction is soon encountered where the Trent and Mersey canal meets the Staffordshire and and Worcester Canal which continues southward via Wolverhampton. From Great Heywood the canal travels further northwards before reaching the little town of Stone which has moorings and the Canal Cruising Company in addition to boatyards with full facilities.
Leaving Stone the town of Stoke on Trent the canal passes the Wedgwood and Spode china factories before reaching the junction with the Caldon Canal. Then comes the famous 2,926 ft long Harecastle tunnel designed by James Brindley. This is now redundant as a new tunnel was dug by Thomas Telford in 1827, which is still used today.
From here the canal passes through Kidsgrove and pass Hardings Wood Junction and the Red Bull Aqueduct where the Macclesfield Canal branches off the the east. Descending down through a series of locks the canal passes through Hassall Green which is useful for supplies. Leaving Hassall Green and descending the Wheelock Flight the town of Sandbach is encountered before arriving in Middlewich. It is here that a branch of the Shropshire Union Canal branches off towards Church Midhull and Barbridge Junction.
Leaving Middlewich, and crossing the aqueduct at Croxton the canal eventually approaches Northwich which is home to the famous Anderton Boatlift which was built in 1875 by Edwin Clarke. The Anderton Boatlift was designed to connect the Trent and Mersey Canals with the River Weaver far below. Visit www.andertonboatlift.co.uk
Leaving the Anderton Boatlift the Barnton and Saltesford Tunnels are encountered where the canal emerges high above the valley of the River Weaver.
Dutton is the next place encountered where the Preston Brook Tunnel tunnel emerges at Preston Brook marina. This is effectively the end of the Trent and Mersey Canal because having emerged from the Preston Brook Tunnel the canal becomes the Bridgewater Canal.
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Marine surveyors -
Basingstoke Canal |
The Basingstoke Canal was built in the 1770s as a means of carrying produce from Hampshire and Surrey areas to London. The Basingstoke Canal leaves the Wey Navigation at Woodham Junction near new New Haw in Surrey. From here it climbs the flight of 6 locks at Woodham and heads towards Woking where it keeps climbing through St Johns Flight until reaching Brookwood Locks. The canal then continues to climb passing through the Deepcut flight of locks and on towards the town of Mytchett. The army town of Aldershot and the airfield at Farnborough are the next areas of interest. From Farnborough the canal passes through Pyestock Hill and on to Fleet and over the interesting bridge at Cookham Wharf. The canal now runs for a long period through rural countryside until Broad Oak Bridge and Colt Hill Bridge on the outskirts of Odiham. Colt Hill Bridge has good moorings and a marina with facilities. The canal passes through the lovely town of Odiham and on to the the turning point at Odiham Castle.
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Marine surveyors -
Grand Union Canal |
The Grand Union Canal is not one canal but an amalgamation of as many as ten canals. The most important one was the Grand Union Junction Canal which was built to move freight from the Midlands to London. The Grand Union canal is a wide beam canal that can accommodate two narrow boats in the locks at the same time. The Grand Union Canal starts at Brentford and climbs the Hanwell Flight toward Ealing. From the top of the Flight the canal heads towards Southall and on to Bulls Bridge Junction, From here the canal heads westwards towards Hayes and West Drayton until it reaches Cowley Lock near Uxbridge.
Dehan Lock is the next and deepest lock on the canal. From here the canal winds its way to Springwell, Black Jacks and Coppermill locks on the outskirts of Rickmansworth. Climbing steadily the canal approaches the town of Watford although the canal keeps away from Watford itself. Having passed through the lovely Cassiobury Park the next large town is Hemel Hempstead.
From Hemel Hempstead the canal passes through the lovely town of Berkhampstead and rises steadily towards Cowroast near Tring where there is a large marina with a chandlery and shop. The Chiltern Hills are clearly visible from here, The next set of locks encountered are the Marsworth flight which descends down to the valley below and turns north east past Pitstone Wharf and on towards Leighton Buzzard.
Moving north, the next town encountered is Bletchley on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, before eventually the scenery changes to open countryside passing the villages of Grafton and Yardley Gobion. The canal passes over the Great Ouse via the aqueduct at Cosgrove before rising though a set of locks to Stoke Bruerne. Stoke Bruerne is famous for its location at the southern end of the Bilsworth tunnel and the Canal Museum. The Bilsworth Tunnel is the third longest tunnel in the whole canal network. Beyond Bilsworth tunnel exit the canal winds north westwards towards Nether Heyford and Weedon Bec. The canal runs for several miles until Long Buckley Wharf which is situated at the bottom of the Whilton Flight of Locks. Shortly afterwards the Grand Union continues north towards Leicester in order to complete the Oxford Ring and rejoin the top of the Oxford Canal at Branston.
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Marine surveyors -
Kennet and Avon Canal |
The Kennet and Avon canal runs from the river Thames and on west through the cities of Bath and Bristol. At Reading the Kennet leaves the River Thames just below Caversham Lock before reaching Blakes Lock. From here the canal heads towards Reading until Burghfield Lock is reached. Upon leaving Burghfield Lock the canal passes through Theale and onto the famous lock at Garston and also the unique Monkey Marsh with its turf sided locks. Beyond here is the the town of Aldermaston and Aldermaston Wharf which incorporates the hydraulic lift bridge. The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust Visitor Centre is also here which gives the complete history of the canal. In addition to the many facilities here are Frouds Bridge Marina http://www.froudsbridge.com and Reading Marine www.readingmarine.co.uk
From here the canal passes through Thatcham and on to Newbury at which point the River Kennet is left behind and the canal climbs up towards Kintbury and on towards Hungerford and over the Dunn Aqueduct passing Froxfield Bridge and locks and into Great Bedwyn. The Crofton Beam Engines pumping station are seen shortly afterwards. The engine house here still contains the Cornish Beam engines built by Boulton & Watt dating from 1812. These engines are still working today and one is believed to be the oldest working beam engine in the world.
From Crofton Top Lock the canal passes through the Bruce Tunnel and on to Burbage Wharf Bridge which is the highest point. From here it now descends towards Bath and Bristol. The first lock encountered is the Wooton Top Lock. From here the is a straight run from Wooton Rivers towards Devizes. The famous Caen Hill Flight of locks has 29 locks between the Kennet Lock at the Devizes town bridge and the bottom lock at Foxhangers. These locks were restored by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and re opened in 1990.
From here the canal continues its descent into the valley of the River Avon, before arriving at the lovely old town of Bradford-on-Avon. Continuing in a north westerly direction the canal traverses the Dundas Aqueduct and descends still further via the Widcombe flight and on to the magnificent Roman city of Bath. From here the river Avon continues on to Bristol through the river Avon plain.
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