About

Guy Nicholls, marine surveyor, using a moisture meter on a yacht in Hamble, Hampshire

Guy Nicholls, Marine Surveyor in Hamble using a Sovereign Quantum Marine Moisture Meter to ascertain whether the laminate or core of a GRP hull has suffered moisture ingress

Hello, I am Guy Nicholls, owner and Principal Marine Surveyor of Solent Marine Surveys.

My philosophy is to combine excellent personal service with best practice marine survey techniques at reasonable fees.

I am International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC) qualified in Yacht and Small Craft Surveying. I am a member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), the British Marine Surveyors Europe (BMSE) and the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA). I carry full professional indemnity and third party insurance.

After attaining a Boat Building and Boatyard Management Diploma in 1986, I worked in boat building, also as a rigger, a professional delivery skipper and as a yacht broker before becoming a full time marine surveyor.

Guy Nicholls, Marine Surveyor racing Azzam in France, a Volvo 65 sponsored by Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, the winner of the 2014/2015 Volvo Ocean Race

Guy Nicholls, Marine Surveyor racing Azzam in France, a Volvo 65 sponsored by Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, the winner of the 2014/2015 Volvo Ocean Race

I have owned, cruised and raced competitively, both inshore and offshore, numerous types of craft over the years. I have recently sold a Beneteau Oceanis and now own a Hanse, which I moor in the River Hamble and cruise in the Solent and across to the Channel Isles and Brittany with my family.

My professional qualifications and experience in the marine sector, combined with my personal ownership and experience of a range of boats, means that I am able to not only identify defects but also advise on how best to rectify them.

I am assisted by my wife, Louise Nicholls, who manages the office.

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