Welcome to Suenos Azules Marine Surveying and Consulting
Capt. John Banister, AMS
Pre-purchase Marine Surveys
An extensive vessel inspection is highly recommended (and in some cases required) when considering the purchase of any new or pre-owned boat or yacht regardless of its age, condition or reputation. The survey will reflect the appearance and functionality of the vessel. The survey includes: Hull structural integrity, electrical components and wiring, the drive system, fuel transfer system, engine or other propulsion modules, electronic and navigation equipment, onboard support systems, and additional safety equipment. The evidence of previous maintenance, or lack of, is also noted in the survey. An out of water bottom inspection and an operational sea trial should be included. This survey is concluded with an overall condition rating and a market value of the vessel.
Marine Engine Surveys
An inspection and evaluation of the vessel's engines so the prospective buyer or boat owner understands the true condition of the engines on board the vessel and what repairs and / or maintenance may be required to get the engines up to good working order. This inspection is very important in determining a more accurate value of the vessel based on the engine's overall condition and performance. Some problems may not be visible or even noticbly apparent during a marine survey until the engine survey is performed. A good thorough marine engine survey can save you a significant amount of money if problems are found before the purchase or a complete failure of the engines occur. I can perform engine surveys on most marine gasoline outboard and inboard engines. I have genuine factory training and hands on repair and service experience with Yamaha, Mercury / MerCruiser, Honda, Suzuki, BRP, and Evinrude / Johnson marine engines. Some of the tests conducted during a marine engine survey are: A thorough sea trial, computerized marine engine diagnostics, compression testing, infrared thermal imaging, engine oil analysis, CAN bus and NMEA 2000 testing, and engine electrical testing.
Insurance Marine Surveys
This survey is performed to assist the insurance carrier in the determination of the risk involved for a particular vessel. Their interests include structural integrity, safety, as well as its intended use. Many insurance companies require a survey on a particular boat or yacht before coverage will be offered. The vessel's market and replacement values are included in this survey. As an active member of SAMS® all insurance surveys are written to their standards and are accepted by most marine insurance companies in the United States and abroad.
Valuation Inspection
This type of inspection is performed in order to obtain adequate data or information solely for the determination of the market value of the vessel. This inspection is often required for financial considerations, estate dispositions, charitable donations or litigation.
Vessel Damage Inspection and Investigation
This inspection and investigation is conducted to demonstrate or determine the extent and cause of a reported casualty. The resulting report may be used for claim indemnification or protestation. Normally, this inspection is required to assist in the insurance claims settlement process and could include recommended repairs, estimated repair costs, and if requested, possible cause.
Infrared Thermal Imaging
This service is offered to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical or hull problems by finding abnormal temperature anomalies using thermographic cameras. These temperature anomalies that can be detected and photographed can reveal hidden or suspected problems with malfunctioning equipment or hull deformities. Such problems infrared scanning can detect are: Overheating wires, malfunctioning electrical equipment, malfunctioning bearings, engine heat sources, transmission heat sources, marine air conditioning malfunctions, leaks in tanks where they can not be typically sighted, and fiberglass delamination. This testing can save alot of time and money by finding the root causes for problems on board a vessel. This is also a great resource for a prospective buyer to see things within the vessel that may not be seen by using conventional marine survey methods. Findings and thermographic images are then composed into a professional looking report with a list of recommendations and are sent to the client. I can also record thermal imaging video to see anomalies in real time and compose them in to a professional video presentation. This service is performed using only professional grade high definition Flir infrared thermal imaging cameras by an ITC Certified Level III Master Thermographer. A sample pre-purchase survey report with thermal imaging can be found here.
Marine Engine Diagnostics
This service is a computerized analysis of the engine's built in computer system. A special processor attached to the engine's computer system communicates with engine's ECU and tells the technician valuable information about the engine which includes: The engine's model number, the engine's serial number, actual engine hours, the engine's RPM history profile, the engine's running temperature profile, current and stored fault codes, and a data parameter summary. A report of this analysis can be sent to the Client's email typically within 24 hours after the analysis is completed.
Oil Sample Analysis
This test includes a spectroscopic examination of the oil to determine the levels of metals, additives, and possibly coolant. The test will also measure viscosity and the percentage of solids in the oil. The test report will include possible causes of any irregularities. Other engine fluid analysis tests for diesel, gasoline, and engine coolant are also available.
Expert Witness
I have been an expert witness in many cases over the years. I have given many depositions, court testimonies, and know how to conduct myself in the courtroom. I can assist in all phases of the case and have the technical expertise in many types of marine related casualties and mechanical failures. My written reports are detailed to better explain complex or technical details with photos to educate the reader, judge or jury as to the cause of the loss or failure. I have over 20 years of courtroom experience that includes criminal and civil cases in my previous career as a law enforcement officer and as a Florida licensed private investigator. I have acted as an expert witness in both state and federal court cases.
Other Marine Surveys, Mechanical, and Inspection Services
I offer other consulting services for new boat, yacht, and sailboat owners based on my collective experience and training over the years. Some of these services include: Ultrasonic thickness testing, corrosion analysis, CO (carbon monoxide) testing, engine compression testing, yacht construction inspections, yacht maintenance inspections, and repair inspections for boat and yacht owners. I also offer marine engine service and repair on most gasoline powered inboard and outboard engines.
ABYC Certified Technician
Some of my previous work are in the videos below:
Outboard engine survey on quad Mercury Verado engines
Outboard engine survey with component activation of twin Mercury Verado engines
Sea trial of a 2007 35' Fountain Lightning 35 with twin Mercury Racing 525 EFI inboard engines
Outboard engine survey of twin Yamaha 425 XTO Offshore outboard engines
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Suenos Azules Marine Surveying and Consulting - Fort Lauderdale, Florida