Our participation at the Barcelona Boat Show has been a very positive experience. An opportunity to measure the market and strengthen collaborations and above all an opportunity to learn – about the sector in general and about the expectations of sailors regarding the services of a Marine Surveyor. 

Apart from the novelties of boat models, which are presented in this show as every year, in this edition a new section dedicated to innovation was presented, where electric propulsion and sustainable construction have been the protagonists: outboard motors from Remigo, the ECOracer boat made with recyclable materials or the various electric boats, including the electric Menorquin llauts from MEDVolt are a few examples.

But perhaps the most interesting aspect from my point of view, as a marine surveyor with international experience, is the difference in perception of the profession in Spain with respect to other countries. Compared to France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Holland, Germany and the Nordic countries, in the Spanish market the figure of a marine surveyor is less known and therefore less valued. Somewhat less systemic within the buying and selling process. It may be a matter of market maturity, since foreign boat buyers are well aware of the added value of the services of a Marine Surveyor, mainly to avoid unpleasant surprises. While in Spain it is not uncommon that buyers often realise this at their own expense, when they have a problem with the boat after the purchase.

We know that the work of a surveyor is of great value when it comes to determining the state of a boat before a purchase: with a minimum investment, which is often around 1% or 2% of the value of the boat, a potential buyer can greatly reduce risks and avoid surprises. And we are going to work in this direction: following our desire to develop the sector, the show has taught us that there is much to explain about our profession and much to do; and in the near future we will contribute in this sense. Stay tuned! 🙂