Fortis Marine – Service Centre Terms & Conditions
Last updated: 24/06/2026
These Terms & Conditions govern all service, the supply of parts, repair and installation work carried out by Fortis Marine. By instructing us to proceed with any Work or by approving any estimate that includes the supply of parts, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If anything within these Terms & Conditions is unclear, please feel free to ask and we will be happy to explain.
Fortis Marine is a trading division of X‑Yachts (GB) Ltd, Company Number 04738623.
1. Definitions and Scope of Agreement
1.1 “We”, “us” and “Fortis Marine” refer to Fortis Marine Ltd, acting as a marine service centre.
1.2 “You” refers to the vessel owner or the person authorised by the owner to approve work.
1.3 “Vessel” means the boat identified on the job sheet or estimate.
1.4 “Work” means any repair, servicing, inspection, installation, modification or other tasks we carry out.
1.5 “Goods” means any parts, materials, consumables or equipment supplied by us.
These terms apply to all Work and Goods unless we agree otherwise in writing.
2. Owner Authority & Vessel Access
2.1 You confirm that you own the Vessel or are authorised by the owner to approve Work.
2.2 By delivering the Vessel to us (or granting access to it), you request that we begin Work as soon as reasonably possible.
2.3 You authorise us to move, lift, launch or relocate the Vessel as required for operational or safety reasons, including when Work is carried out at third‑party yards or marinas.
3. Estimates, Variations & Authorisation
3.1 Estimates are our best approximation of cost and are valid for 14 days.
3.2 Prices for Goods may change due to manufacturer or supplier adjustments. If the increase exceeds 10% of the estimate, you may cancel before we proceed.
3.3 If Work is likely to exceed the estimate by more than 10%, we will seek your approval before continuing.
3.4 Approval may be given through any reasonable communication method, including email, phone, messaging apps or other digital channels.
3.5 Remote approval is binding, including approval given by your skipper, crew, agent or representative.
4. Parts, Suppliers & Lead Times
4.1 We service all boat brands, including but not limited to X‑Yachts, Vaan, Leonardo Yachts, Hallberg‑Rassy, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Hanse, Bavaria and others.
4.2 We work with a wide range of marine suppliers (e.g. Lewmar, Jefa, John Mast, Selden, B&G, Raymarine, Yanmar, Volvo Penta, Harken, etc.).
4.3 Lead times vary between manufacturers and suppliers. If parts are not in stock, delivery times are outside our control.
4.4 Fortis Marine does not hold parts in stock. All Goods supplied by us are ordered specifically for your Vessel and are therefore classified as special‑order items. Special‑order items include, but are not limited to:
- engine parts,
- rigging components (standing and running rigging, terminals, turnbuckles),
- steering components (bearings, quadrants, linkages)
- electronics (chartplotters, autopilots, radar, AIS, instruments)
- pumps, plumbing fittings, hoses and valves
- imported items or items subject to duties or tariffs
- any Goods cut, configured, spliced or assembled for your Vessel
Special‑order items are non‑returnable and non‑refundable unless faulty, whether or not they have been installed.
4.5 Payment for Special‑Order Items. We may require full or partial payment in advance for special‑order items. Once ordered, these items cannot be cancelled.
4.6 Estimates may include parts imported from outside the UK.
4.7 Such parts may be subject to import duties, VAT, tariffs or customs charges.
4.8 By accepting an estimate, you acknowledge that final pricing may increase due to these charges.
4.9 Parts are supplied on a Delivered at Place (DAP) basis, and all import-related charges are the responsibility of the purchaser.
5. Workmanship, Standards & Subcontractors
5.1 We will carry out Work with reasonable care and skill, following recognised marine standards where applicable.
5.2 We may use subcontractors, but we remain responsible for their workmanship.
6. Warranty
6.1 We warrant that Work will be carried out with reasonable care and skill.
6.2 Workmanship warranty period: 3 months OR 25 engine hours. Whichever occurs first.
6.3 Manufacturer warranties apply separately to supplied Goods.
6.4 Warranty is limited to repair or replacement only at our discretion.
6.5 Warranty exclusions include but not limited to:
- normal wear and tear
- misuse, neglect or improper operation
- racing or high load sailing
- corrosion, electrolysis, osmosis or water ingress
- owner supplied parts
- pre-existing faults
- failure to follow manufacturer guidance
- third-party interference or modifications
6.6 Claims must be made within the warranty period.
6.7 You must allow us the opportunity to inspect and remedy the issue before third-party work is undertaken.
6.8 Warranty is non-transferable.
6.9 Warranty work shall be carried out by Fortis Marine at Hamble Point Marina.
6.10 If you request warranty work at another location, this may be agreed at our discretion, subject to you paying all travel, time and displacement costs.
6.11 We are not responsible for lifting, relaunching, access or transport costs unless agreed in writing.
6.12 Our total liability under warranty shall not exceed the price paid or payable for the original Work.
6.13 Consequential Loss Exclusion. We are not liable for any consequential or indirect losses arising from warranty work, including delays, loss of use, charter income, regatta fees or marina charges.
6.14 Electronics Data Disclaimer. We are not responsible for loss of data, settings or user configurations on electronic equipment (e.g., chartplotters, autopilots, instruments) during diagnosis, updates or installation.
7. Paintwork, Gelcoat & Cosmetic Work
7.1 Marine surfaces behave differently from automotive paint. Colour matching may vary due to age, UV exposure and gelcoat fade.
7.2 We cannot guarantee prevention of future osmosis, corrosion or staining on older substrates.
7.3 On older hulls or substrates, micro‑blistering may reappear over time even after treatment. We cannot guarantee long‑term prevention where underlying age‑related degradation exists.
7.4 Antifoul compatibility depends on previous coatings; we will advise where risks exist.
8. Working at Other Locations
8.1 We may carry out Work at marinas, yards or facilities not operated by Fortis Marine.
8.2 Local rules, access restrictions, environmental policies and safety requirements at those sites apply.
8.3 Additional lifting, storage or access fees charged by third‑party yards are your responsibility.
8.4 We are not responsible for delays, damage or restrictions caused by third‑party yard conditions, access limitations, unsafe lifting points, or environmental policies outside our control.
9. Sea Trials & Testing
9.1 We may operate the Vessel for testing.
9.2 You authorise such use.
9.3 We are not liable for faults revealed during testing where pre-existing conditions exist.
9.4 Fuel used during sea trials or testing is chargeable unless otherwise agreed.
10. Photos, Videos & Documentation
10.1 You agree that we may take photos or videos of the Vessel, components, bearings, rigging, systems or areas of concern for:
- documenting condition
- explaining findings
- obtaining your approval
- training and quality assurance
10.2 These images are stored securely and not used for marketing without your explicit consent.
11. Completion, Payment & Collection
11.1 We will notify you when Work is complete.
11.2 Payment is due on collection unless you hold an approved credit account.
11.3 We may retain the Vessel until payment is received in full.
11.4 Storage charges apply if the Vessel is not collected.
11.5 If the Vessel remains uncollected for 3 months, we may sell it after giving 7 days’ notice, deducting amounts owed and returning any balance.
11.6 Diagnostic time, inspection, dismantling, testing and fault‑finding are chargeable, even if you decline further work or cancel the job.
12. Delays
12.1 All timeframes are estimates only.
12.2 We are not liable for delays caused by:
- suppliers
- weather
- yard restrictions
- external factors
13. Storage, Yard Rules & Safety
13.1 You must remove personal valuables; we cannot accept liability for these.
13.2 Shore power, batteries, gas systems and heaters must be left in a safe condition.
13.3 Owners and third‑party contractors may only work on the Vessel with prior agreement and must follow safety and environmental rules.
13.4 Storm damage, tidal events, flooding or environmental conditions are outside our control.
13.5 Shore power must only be left connected if we have specifically requested it. If shore power is left on without our instruction, we cannot accept liability for any electrical issues or resulting damage. Where we do request shore power to be left connected, our responsibility is limited solely to the Work we have carried out; we are not liable for faults or failures within the Vessel’s existing electrical system, chargers, wiring or equipment.
14. Liability & Exclusions
14.1 Our liability is limited to the value of the Work or Goods supplied.
14.2 We are not liable for:
- loss of use, charter income or regatta entry fees
- mooring or marina fees
- indirect or consequential losses
- pre‑existing defects, corrosion or water ingress
- failure of owner‑supplied parts
- damage caused by third parties after handover
14.4 We are not liable for damage arising from unsafe access, poor yard conditions, inadequate lifting points or unstable cradles not provided by us.
14.5 Nothing in these terms limits liability for fraud, death or personal injury caused by our negligence.
15. Returned Goods
15.1 Standard stock items may be returned within 5 working days if unused and in original condition.
15.2 Special‑order items cannot be returned unless faulty.
16. Distance Selling and Off‑Premises Contracts
16.1 These rights apply only where you are a consumer and the Agreement was made either:
- without any face‑to‑face contact (for example, entirely by phone or email), or
- at a location that is not our usual place of business.
16.2 If these conditions apply, you have the right to cancel the Agreement within 14 days without giving a reason.
16.3 For Goods (parts, equipment or materials), the 14‑day cancellation period starts on the day you, or someone you nominate, receives the Goods.
16.4 Because Fortis Marine does not hold stock, all Goods supplied are special‑order items. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, special‑order Goods cannot be cancelled or returned, unless faulty. This includes (but is not limited to): rigging, electronics, plumbing components, adhesives and sealants, wiring, steering components, any Goods that become inseparable from the Vessel once installed.
16.5 For services (labour, inspections, repairs or installations), the 14‑day cancellation period starts on the day the Agreement is made.
16.6 If you ask us to begin Work during the cancellation period, you agree to pay for the Work carried out up to the point you notify us of cancellation. This includes time spent diagnosing faults, removing components, preparing the Vessel or ordering parts.
16.7 To cancel, you must tell us clearly in writing (email or letter is sufficient). The cancellation is effective from the date you send the message.
16.8 If you cancel after Goods have been delivered, you must return them to us within 14 days, unused and in their original condition. You are responsible for the cost of returning the Goods.
16.9 We will refund payments due within 14 days of either:
- receiving the returned Goods, or
- receiving evidence that you have sent them back,
16.10 We may deduct an amount for any loss in value caused by handling the Goods beyond what is necessary to inspect them.
16.11 Special‑order or custom‑made Goods cannot be cancelled or returned unless they are faulty.
16.12 These rights do not apply to:
- Work fully completed within the cancellation period where you asked us to begin immediately
- emergency repairs requested by you
- Goods that become inseparable from the Vessel once installed (e.g., rigging, electronics, plumbing components, adhesives, sealants)
17. Data & Communication
17.1 We may communicate with you using any reasonable method, including email, phone, messaging apps or digital platforms.
17.2 Communication channels may change over time; we do not guarantee availability of any specific platform.
17.3 We store job‑related information securely and only for operational purposes.
18. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by English law, and any disputes arising from them shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
