Sidney J Fisher - Full Member YDSA

Sid first became interested in boats at the age of five when he clearly remembers handing tools to his father as he repaired vessels at a Christchurch boatyard. He built his first boat when he was about 10 years of age. Boat-building is “in his blood" as boat-building and sailing trawlers has been a Fisher Family tradition since 1850.

Initial training in Fibre Reinforced Plastic construction was gained under the guidance of the British Aircraft Corporation, because at that time (early 70’s) they were, by far, the most technically advanced laminators/fabricators. This knowledge was developed to the highest standards while working for Bucklers Hard Boat Builders on the Beaulieu River (Bucklers Hard Boat Builders demanded "meticulous craftsmanship and dedicated professionalism").

Over the years, Sid surveyed several thousands of craft and often carried out sea trials and delivered new Nelson Motor Yachts to their new owners. He inspected most craft (mainly F R P) that were lifted out of the water at BHBB (about 2,500 inspections of craft up to 55 feet over a three year period).

Sid managed his own boatyard and engineering shop where:

New builds included 50 ft wood epoxy high-performance sloop for transatlantic passages and traditional oak on oak 25 ton gaff cutter for single-handed sailing.
Restorations included an original clinker built Nelson "Nigella" now preserved in the Falmouth Maritime Museum and still afloat. "Seaway" a 60 ft all teak motor yacht, “Shuttle” 46 ft M’Gruer designed teak cruiser/racer believed to be one of only 5 pre-war yachts still in class with Lloyds.
Total reconstruction of Dunkirk Little Ship "Dawn" 35 ft gaff yawl and 50 ft ex steam yacht "Puffin".
Design and Build of motor launches, winches, engine re-builds, pattern making, masts and spars.

Examples of Work undertaken :

Smallest rebuild, 10 ft Lymington Scow for daughter of Tom Cunliffe.
Biggest job, £1m. refit for 90 ft ex steam yacht "Mauna Loa".
Biggest mast surveyed, 156 ft J-class yacht “Velsheda”.
Principal Surveyor of round the world, Van de Stadt design, aero rigged, performance cruising yacht "La Novia".
Professional Skipper of 60 ft motor yacht for three years.

Sid also took time out to sail about 20,000 miles, some 50% of it single-handed in a 65 ft (overall) gaff cutter, designed and built by himself.

Having worked with the tools of his trade for many years, he has embraced modern technology in a big way and now, with the aid of a "high tech" computer and relevant Voice Recognition Software, can produce detailed reports, usually within 24 hours. These reports can be Emailed on completion with hard copies in the post. Digital photographs are taken during survey and where the condition of the boat warrants it, these can be included in the report.

For Surveys of larger vessels, carried out over several days, interim reports can be produced and Emailed on a daily basis.

As a Marine Surveyor, the product supplied is information. The knowledge and experience gained over many years as Master Boatbuilder, Professional Skipper and Nominated Y D S A Surveyor is offered in respect of many different aspects of yacht and small craft Operation and Surveys. We work to a standard, not to a price.

As a YDSA Surveyor the minimum requirements are that one must have trained for at least five years and undergone a strict intake examination and interview. Also one must have a proven record of professional competence. Fisher and Son are pleased to participate fully in the Association's programme of Continuous Professional Development.