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Alf Cackett has had dealings with the marine industry for the last 25 years, not only providing a service to boat owners, novices and first time buyers, he has been a customer and client, keen on obtaining a value for money service with reliability. As the principle surveyor of Marine Surveyors Kent his primary objective is to provide a service which is thorough, a report which is  concise and easily understood and support in which a process can be daunting. We  offer pre-purchase surveys, insurance surveys, damage surveys and valuation surveys on all types of GRP and Steel craft. Marine Surveyors Kent offers services across the UK and Europe (will go international), and is also involved in mentoring/coaching novices as well as providing continued assistance and advice.

My qualificatons

• Diploma in yacht and small craft surveying at International Boatbuilding College in Norfolk where hands on training given by surveyors at the top of their field
• Accredited Member of the Yacht Design and Surveyors Association
• Member of  Marine Survey Associates
• Insured through Stoneways brokers to the marine industry
• Involved in the marine industry for 20 years
• Restoration of 1936 Hilyard
• RYA to yachtmaster Ocean
• Completed two diesel engine courses
• City and Guilds in electronics mechanics

About Alf

“As a lad I assisted my father who put wheelhouse and cabin on an old ships liferaft for fishing on the Thames. Always any chance to get on water whether sea, river Eden or just a pond. I first started sailing windsurfers then progressed to dinghy’s in the 80’s. After completing RYA dayskipper I went on to charter and trips to Channel Islands . Later on as skipper I was heavily involved in taking novices sailing, mainly on Sadler 34 and Starlight 35 in Solent area.

I am an independent Surveyor working for nobody but you with many years of experience.  My aim is to provide you with the upmost thorough and descriptive examination of the vessel and provide an in depth report assessing both the structure and equipment. This will enable you as a purchaser to have an idea of its condition, separate from the advertisement and description by the broker or the owner of a vessel, in order to give you confidence that anything likely to fail will be identified before it does. As a vessel owner for many years, I am aware of the trepidation when buying, I wish to smooth the way. It will take me 6 to 8 hours to completely examine your vessel, as the in depth list I work from covers aspects of which many areas you’re unlikely to take into account. The written report itself is likely to take the same time so as to be concise and clear. This will be provided without delay. I research new and sometimes antique equipment found on vessels, which can be an ongoing process as new products come on the market with many inherent faults. It’s also surprising how many electronic instruments, fire extinguishers, gas pipes, engine hoses, flares and through hull fittings etc, that I’ve found defective during surveys dating back up to 40 years that are no longer fit for purpose. My primary goal is to provide you the knowledge to effectively assess the safety of the vessel, so you can enjoy it without undue risk, to either you or your family. I have no reservations whether an owner or prospective purchaser being present for as long as they wish during the survey. I  am also fully insured to provide sea trials to give you a feel for the vessel and for me to assess the performance and systems are working correctly. I am willing to provide answers to any questions you have at the time or later after the event.”