Testimonials

I started a dialog with Richard when I was in the early stages of looking for “the right boat for me”.
Richard was not only pivotal with this, having owned so many himself, but also his extensive professional marine background.
Richard helped me short list a few yachts suited to how my partner and I would use it. What we landed on was a Dufour 36 Classic, which has been a great fit for the use case. Not only that, since the thorough survey now over 2 years ago, the boat has been extremely reliable and sailed particularly well for a cruiser.
I will be sure to use Richard for surveys and advice on all future boat purchases.

RF Marine surveyed my Moody 45DS as part of the purchase process. From the outset Richard was responsive and highly professional. The service was personable, flexible and exactly what was needed. He’s a very knowledgeable and experienced sailor who has plenty of miles under his own keel to draw on. I highly recommend his services.

In one simple word - Professional.
In the last 30 years I have had a few surveyors, Richard is very professional in his approach and has knowledge encompassing all aspects. The written report was received promptly and easily interpreted. No hesitation in recommending RF Marine.

RF Marine’s Richard Farrington is a first-class surveyor and delivery skipper. Richard guided my search to select the right boat and then travelled at short notice to Berlin to carry out the survey and sea trial. His surveying was meticulous and the resulting report most comprehensive.
Following the purchase, Richard was the ideal delivery skipper for a demanding 900 mile passage through rivers, canals, the North Sea and the English Channel. I learnt a lot through joining Richard on the delivery trip. I recommend RF Marine both for surveys and for boat deliveries.

Richard provided an outstanding service, especially during COVID restrictions meaning I could not travel. He went the extra mile not only to complete the survey but then resolve issues. The survey was comprehensive, balanced and he was always on hand to add detail or answer queries. Friendly, professional and utterly trustworthy I would strongly recommend him to anyone looking for a Surveyor and will undoubtedly use him again.

I have commissioned Richard for two surveys, a Najad (sail) and Nimbus (motor). Richard has spent his life at sea. He understands boats, what is important to owners and their partners, and how the industry works. He is very responsive, very clear in his analysis, and works hard to match customer demands. For my last boat purchase pre-survey, he was on the job within a week and I received my report that Sunday evening - ie all within a week. A clear and informative report which I have found useful even now 18 months later. Very highly recommended and a pleasure to do business with.

I engaged Richard to carry out a condition survey on a Starlight 35 prior to purchase as his office was close to the boat. I was concerned about the condition of the teak laid deck and sought his initial advice as to what to look for over the phone. He very kindly volunteered to accompany me on my inspection and reassured me that the deck was in good condition for the age of the vessel. Based on this, I agreed to purchase subject to survey and instructed Richard to proceed with this. He arranged for the boat to be taken over to Gosport, lifted out and spent several hours carefully assessing its condition. He then let me have a verbal assessment later that day and a full detailed written report followed within a couple of days. It was clear from the report that he had been very assiduous in his inspection and also suggested certain minor improvements to the boat. I found his fee to be very reasonable and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to others seeking a similar service.

Richard Farrington of RF Marine conducted a buyers' survey on a Bavaria 36 (2003) to inform our intended purchase. We were given an immediate verbal summary, clearly explaining his findings, and a very detailed written report followed. A small number of defects requiring immediate attention were highlighted, along with advice on general maintenance and updating of obsolete equipment. All told, this gave us the confidence to proceed with the purchase. Very happy with the service provided, and delighted with our yacht. Thoroughly recommended.

We commissioned Richard to carry out a shore side survey of a potential purchase in mid-2022. It involved a trip down to Cornwall which he was very happy to do. He carried out a very detailed survey of the vessel and was quick to identify significant issues with the registration of the vessel and its legal position within the EU. He also provided a very comprehensive report of the material state of the boat and identified practical solutions to all the issues.
In the end we did not purchase the vessel due to the EU registration issues, but it was Richard who brought these to our attention and avoided a potentially very costly and bureaucratic situation had we gone ahead.
When this purchase was not successful, he was happy to advise on the type of boat to look for to suit our cruising plans and the pitfalls facing potential buyers of blue water cruisers.
Richard is a man of vast experience and integrity, and I would be more than happy to recommend him to anybody looking for a quality, marine surveyor.