We prepare customized vessel appraisals detailing condition and value in the purchase/sale of yachts and small craft.  We also assist vessel owners and insurance providers in obtaining a vessel’s accurate value and provide a "to-do" list to make the vessel insurable.  We conduct a thorough and extensive inspection of not only the hulls of such vessels but also their rigging, machinery, electrical, gas, and accommodation systems.  

General surveys include...

• pre-purchase surveys for potential buyers; 

• insurance surveys for conditions and valuation for boat owners to maintain insurance of financing; 

• damage assessments for insurance providers; and 

• absent buyer inspections for buyers interested in learning about a vessel prior to committing to long-distance travel to see it.  

Captain Tom "TommyO" Ottenwaelder graduated from the US Coast Guard's Marine Inspection Course, the Chapman’s School of Seamanship’s Yacht & Small Craft Surveying course and is a certified ABYC Standards member.  Captain TommyO is also a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® as a Surveyor Associate.  

Check out our "Marine Surveys" page for more details

We provide on-water training to boat owners from licensed captains certified to teach the National Safe Boating Council’s (NSBC) approved on-water practical boat handling course.  This course is taught on the customer’s boat, so they learn on their equipment, and covers four sessions.  The primary areas are Introduction to safe power boating; precision docking and close-quarters maneuvering; open-water boat handling, and open-water advanced maneuvers (i.e. handling emergencies, anchoring & beaching).  Here is a link to this course information from NSBC.  

https://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/training/on-water-courses/boat-control-on-water-training-course/

We also provide consultation and advice to boat owners on properly outfitting, maintaining, and safely using their boats and equipment.  

Check out our "Education & Training" page for more details

We offer general consultations to private vessel buyers and owners about vessels and boating in general. This will provide the buyer or broker with insight into the condition of the vessel and requirements for proper care and maintenance.  

We also provide legal reviews and case studies for specific areas of expertise; arbitration services to help resolve disputes without involvement in the court system; and expert witness testimony for litigated maritime cases.

Check out our "Consultation Services" page for more details