"I recently had Darrell Broscomb from DB Marine Survey conduct a pre-purchase survey on my narrowboat, and I couldn’t be happier with his service! Darrell was thorough, professional, and incredibly prompt in delivering both a detailed summary and a comprehensive report. His clear communication and expert insights gave me confidence in my purchase decision. He went above and beyond, even offering to provide recommendations for repair work. I highly recommend Darrell to anyone needing a reliable and skilled marine surveyor. Thank you for an excellent experience!" Larry Shove

"We would give Darrell 6 stars if possible. The survey report was very detailed and gives a true reflection of the condition of the boat. Darrell also gave a courtesy call at the end of the survey to explain the findings. The brokerage also commented on the thoroughness of the survey. If your looking for a marine surveyor then Darrells your man. Mark & Lynn." Lynn Perkins

"Darrell has surveyed two narrowboats for me in the last year. The first was an 80's Colecraft with a previous lengthening and rebottom. The second was a historic narrowboat, over 90 years old and made of iron. Both boats were a little unusual, but this did not deter Darrell. His years of boat building and repair experience shows through in situations like this, where the survey needs to be conducted with a little more thought. Darrell is thorough in his examinations, prompt and concise in his report writing and very easy to get along with. I would have no hesitation in recommending his services to any boat owner on the inland waterways." Ian Marris

"This is the second time we have used DB Marine survey. Darrell's standard of survey is "second to none". His in-depth knowledge and thoroughness should be commended. Reliable and kept us informed throughout the Narrowboat survey. Dedicated to getting the job done without missing "anything." So well equipped with all the necessary specialist equipment . I have no hesitations about recommending DB Marine Surveys to anyone." Irvin Osborne

"From the moment of contact I found Darrell approachable and professional. The pre purchase survey was for my 2nd boat purchase but this was my first purchase on my own and I was extremely nervous. Darrell soon put me at my ease and explained what he was doing as he was doing it, in a language that I could understand without being condescending. He turned what I thought was going to be a stressful day into an enjoyable experience. I can't recommend him enough" Sandra Kennedy

"Darrell is an expert in the field. He has spent a lifetime designing, building and repairing steel-hulled boats. We met by chance when he replaced the uxter plate on my first narrow boat and I've used his surveying expertise on multiple occasions since. He always provides comprehensive reports and advice which have saved me a lot of money in the long-run. I couldn't recommend him enough! Thanks!" Alexander Nicholai

"Look no further! Darrell made the most thorough survey you have ever seen. He measured absolutely everything on the boat, and even made a full table of hull thicknesses in the report which came through very fast. He dealt with our enormous number of questions on the day and had an amazing capability for finding things out about the boat that we had never realised. Darrell worked as a marine engineer for years in marinas around the UK and lives on his own boat fully off-grid so has extensive experience with all things boating - he was recommended to us by two independent sources! Honestly, we were so lucky. You won’t find a better surveyor: kind, timely, and extreme rigour and expertise." Ella Crane

"Darrell has recently undertaken a pre sale survey for me, I am extremely pleased with the service I received, from the initial enquiry to receiving the outcome of the survey. Darrell has been extremely approachable answering any questions I have, ensuring I understood fully the outcome of the survey and any recommendations he made. The report was received in a very prompt timeframe and was in depth. I would definitely recommend Darrell to anyone looking to get a survey done!" David Weston

"Darrell has recently surveyed a narrowboat for us. The pre survey preparation was very good with plenty of communication.

Despite appalling weather, Darrell was extremely thorough and left no stone unturned. Darrell was very happy to go through his findings on site and show us the relevant areas of the boat. The subsequent report and valuation arrived promptly and were well written and clear. I learned a lot about narrowboats and will also be able to look at any future boats with a slightly more informed eye (before getting Darrell to do a proper job!).

All in all an excellent experience. I would unreservedly recommend Darrell if you need a surveyor."

Adam Gittings

"Darrell just completed a full hull survey for our boat and he was fully professional throughout. He is a very nice chap and kept me fully informed n throughout the survey and we discussed the results and a range of possible work to be done. His wide experience was clear all the way through and helped me make some important decisions. He is highly recommended." Anne Stubbings

"Darrell did an Insurance Survey for our boat. He was very friendly and professional. He took the time the discuss his finding and helped us to make decisions about how to prioritise the work to be completed. His report was concise and very useful to us and our insurance underwriter. He also performed a valuation of the boat, not a trivial task given its age." Steve Mitchell

"Darrell has done two narrowboat surveys for me over the last 12 month. First one on a 50 foot boat with Gardner Engine. Professional and thorough with a detailed report that was received within two days. My wife and I sold that boat and purchased a 60 foot narrowboat and Darrell was top of the list to do the survey. Again a very thorough report with detailed recommendations what work was required to get the boat up to standard. We live aboard now. If you’re purchasing a boat give Darrell a call, you will not regret it." Mike Ruffles

"Darrell was brilliant - professional, approachable and non patronising for a newbie boater! He really put our minds at ease. I liked his honesty and for also showing us around with verbal recommendations. Highly recommended and will use again." Cheryl Collier

"I have met many surveyors from all disciplines who have come to the industry from a wide variety of backgrounds. Darrell is for sure one of the most appropriately experienced and qualified surveyors in the narrowboat field. " David Pestridge IIMS Vice President

"I really can’t recommend Darrell Broscomb as a marine surveyor enough. His skill-set and experience in the industry, in particular in marine engineering and boatbuilding, puts him in a fairly unique position and makes him a reassuring choice. If you’re looking for a recommendation for your marina or boatyard, Darrell is certainly worthy of being on your list. "

Tiffany Gale-Haynes Owner Kingsground Narrowboats

"If you are looking for a surveyor, you can stop now. Darrell was very responsive to my initial enquiry, and the fee charged was very reasonable. He thoroughly researched my boat by reading previous surveys, before producing a very thorough and detailed report. He liaised with boatyard regarding repairs and offered very helpful advice to me on all aspects of boating. He has many years of experience and I learnt so much from spending a day with him. He has been very responsive to questions following the survey about recommendations I was able to action. And he is a really nice man! I can't recommend him enough." Thomas Fea

"Darrell carried out a full pre-purchase survey on a 60 foot narrowboat for me and I can't recommend him highly enough. I was able to get the boat booked in very quickly and the price charged was very reasonable. The survey was incredibly comprehensive and helped me negotiate a fair price for the vessel, I was then able to book the highlighted repair recommendations with a qualified marine engineer and address small issues myself, guided by the quality report. Darrell has been responsive with small follow-up questions and offering helpful advice to me as a new boater. If you're searching for a marine surveyor look no further." Martin Baldwin

"We docked our 70' old working boat for blacking and realised it would be a good opportunity to have a new survey done for insurance purposes.
Darrell responded quickly to my enquiry and kindly squeezed us in to his schedule with very short notice.
He was so helpful throughout, with such knowledge and attention to detail, showing genuine interest and care in our narrowboat. Communication throughout the process was excellent and we received the full report within a matter of days. The concise report was excellently presented and Darrell's expertise was very clear. He also provided advice for future improvements which was very much appreciated. Excellent service, would definitely recommend."

Charlotte Hunt

"Virgins to the process on a narrowboat survey! Darrell was fantastic, explained everything, he arranged with the marina a time and to get the boat dry docked. The survey was a pre-purchase one and Darrell provided a thorough report, even the broker commented on how good the report was. The nice added touch, that Darrell called after he has finished for a summary report chat. The whole process was painless! Thank you Darrell!" Mark Breeze

"We honestly couldn’t be happier with the service we received. From start to finish, the survey was incredibly thorough and professional, and the level of detail in the report far exceeded our expectations. Everything was explained clearly, with time taken to answer all our questions and offer practical, honest advice. It was obvious that a huge amount of care and expertise went into the survey, and we felt completely supported throughout the process. Truly went above and beyond — an amazing marine surveyor and we can’t recommend him highly enough." Victoria