Peter Hartoft, the founder of the company, came to the United States in 1972 from Copenhagen, Denmark. He initially worked as a boat builder and then as a yacht broker before becoming a marine surveyor in 1978. His goal was to "provide a better survey service."

Within a short period of time, Peter Hartoft became known as one of the best surveyors on the East Coast of the United States.

Hartoft Marine Survey, Ltd., specializes in surveys of power boats and sail boats from 20 feet to over 100 feet. Most of the surveys are conducted in the mid-Atlantic region; however, surveys have also been conducted in other locations in the United States, Canada, Spain and the Caribbean.