I have never had to buy another boat until my 30 year old boat finally gave in to electrolysis and the expense was too great to repair the lady. So my adventure start with beware of boat dealers who advertise that they will take anything in trade. That doesn't mean you don't deal with them; it just means that you need the best boat surveying company on the planet and I recommend Modern Marine Surveys for that position. I came by Modern Marine Survey from a recommendation of some friends and they gave me the contact information. I was told by several of these friends that Modern Marine Surveys was a boat buyer's best friend and a boat seller's nightmare. So with little knowledge of buying a used boat I hired Modern Marine Survey to do the survey on a large boat that I was looking to purchase. I accompanied Modern Marine Survey during the 8 hours that the identified boat was surveyed. That day was divided into three phases: Inspect and document the condition of the boat and its equipment while in the water (and this is everything - electronics, furnishings, cabin, etc.), haul and pressure wash the bottom of the the boat and inspect and document the condition of the hull and props, and an extensive sea trail to inspect the performance of the nav equipment, boat handling, and engines. The report that I received was a 46 page report with 16 major report sections including pictures, inspection information of both acceptable condition of boat areas and equipment and three priority levels of the vessel's condition and problems: Priority I, II, and III Recommendations. It also gave an condition rating, estimated fair market value, and estimated replacement cost. Of the Priority I there were 8 Safety & Regulatory recommendations (e.g., these were issues that needed to be fixed or provided - things not found on the vessel at the time of the survey). Of the Priority II, there were 31 Maintenance & Standards related recommendations (these were things such as light problems, GPS problems, horn problems, etc.). There were items that would need to be fixed to work properly - in my case some expense would be involved if I had to replace or fix the item - like replacing a spotlight that didn't work. Then finally, there was the Priority III (10 areas such as windshield wiper were worn out, vinyl seat cushions in need of repair), Other Observations. These could be future problems if not watched or fixed. Modern Marine Survey also provide advise on the boat as to winterizing, monthly checking of equipment, etc. Besides the complete survey, I received 3 oil sample reports from a lab. Modern Marine Survey took oil samples from the two engines and the generator. The reports listed the amount of different materials found in the oil indicating wear and tear of the insides of the engines. Bottom line for the engines of the boat surveyed was it needed the oil to be changed. So, my adventure continues but I highly recommend Modern Marine Survey to survey any boat. The boat I was looking at was beautiful to look at but I needed a good surveyor that I could trust and I found that surveyor at Modern Marine Survey. My suggestion is don't buy a used boat without having a trusted boat surveyor such as Modern Marine Survey to do a survey of the boat. It is well worth the small expense for the survey, haul out, power wash, and oil lab reports that will provide a true picture of what you are about to purchase. read more

I did a lot of research on surveyors and spoke with a number of surveyors before speaking with Michael. As soon as I talked with him on the phone, I decided I definitely wanted to work with him. I talked with other surveyors, but then I heard about Michael and I heard very positive things about him from extremely reputable sources -- even after deciding to go with him, I continued to hear many positive things about him and his reputation, which just served to validate that I had made the right decision to go with him for a pre-purchase survey. I felt he had the perfect background to help me find the right boat. His expert knowledge of every system in a boat, and his advice on how to figure out how to learn what I needed to learn as a first time boat buyer was invaluable to me as a first timer. His background as a technician and captain and years of experience in the industry, his knowledge of every system of a boat, and his knowledge and reputation and contacts in the local area, gave me every reason to go with him for a survey. It was very clear as I worked with him that he is an absolutely excellent surveyor. We spent a lot of time talking before I decided to make an offer on a boat. When I made an offer on a boat, the pre-purchase survey he conducted for me was extremely detailed with lots of helpful and critical information. The information he provided before, during and after the survey was invaluable. I anticipate referring back to the survey for many years to come. As a first time boat buyer/owner, I have to admit that I was somewhat high maintenance throughout the process, but Michael was extremely patient and helpful and I really can't imagine having a more positive experience with a surveyor than I did with Michael. If you need a survey, go with Michael and you will be happy you did. read more

Ahoy! It is with great pleasure I am writing this review. Michael Minor with Modern Marine Surveys was a pleasure to work with! He was very accommodating from the start as we were flying in from out of town. We accompanied Michael for the Sea Trial portion of the survey. Not only was he informative each step of the way he was very thorough. He left no stone unturned. With his depth and breadth of knowledge he took the time to educate us on various aspects regarding the boat, engines and captaining. He provided us with key insights that helped us through the entire process. He was very easily reached and responsive answering any and all questions we had. He provided an outstanding report complete with an addendum that provided all necessary information regarding the issues and resolution of them. In addition, he provided us with information which will prove useful maintaining our boat. We feel very confident moving forward with the purchase of our boat. Michael made the process painless. He went above and beyond communicating to us, the marina selling the boat as well as with our broker. We can not express enough gratitude for the work he did for us and the confidence we have knowing Michael performed the survey! We would not hesitate to bring Michael in to any location we were considering purchasing a boat. Having him as our surveyor is a must for any future purchases! We heard he was the best in the business and his reputation certainly proceeds him! Thank you Michael! Brian & Kelly read more

After searching the Marine Sureyor Associations, I found Mike of Modern Marine Surveyors and I was extremely happy. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. This was for the purchase of a 22 ft fishing boat, which one would expect to take one day. However, this took two days. If it wasn't weather, it was something else. Mike continued to hang in there, even during a family emergency I had, Mike persisted. His honesty and willingness to go the extra mile made this experience very comfortable and provided the platform for me to make a sound decision. I highly refer Mike and Modern Marine Surveyors to anyone buying a boat or yacht. During this process, Mike earned a client for life. Once I am ready to upgrade, Mike will be my guy. His professionalism earned my trust and repeat business. All the best Mike and to all the other boaters out there. read more

Michael Minor of Modern Marine Surveys was recommended to me as someone who was thorough, efficient and knowledgeable. After spending the better part of a Friday with him going over every single inch of a boat I was interested in, I very quickly realized that description was somewhat inaccurate. Michael Minor is EXTREMELY thorough, efficient and knowledgeable. If there is anything about a boat that Michael doesn't know he kept it very well hidden. In addition to his complete assessment of the vessel, Michael also offered many great tips for maintaining the various systems aboard. He is also very easy to get along with which made for a very enjoyable experience all the way around. If you are in need of a marine survey and Michael is available, do yourself a favor and schedule him. If he's not available, you may want to wait until he is! read more

Mike completed a thorough and comprehensive survey on a 35' boat I am considering purchasing. He was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to answer any and all questions that I had as a potential buyer. He proactively explained his findings and recommendations in plain language that was simple for someone without deep mechanical/marine expertise to understand. I especially like the fact that he was able to perform engine compression checks and inspection of engines while underway. For this reason, I felt comfortable without hiring an additional engine surveyor. Because of his advanced mechanical knowledge and inspections Mike even identified a potential deal-breaking problem that would not have been detected by a typical survey. Needless to say, I highly recommend Mike for anyone purchasing a used boat. read more

Mike is the best, I purchased a Sea Ray 260 and not only was his inspection thorough so is he. This is my first cruiser and I proceeded with Mike's recommendation, Mike had inspected this boat about two years prior. When I call Mike he took the time to do a quick walk around before I proceeded. Mike really took the time to go over things with me and make me feel comfortable about buying the cruiser. Mike is very knowledgeable in every aspect of a boat; he even gave my wife some great tips. Also, along with his inspection Mike gives future recommendations and maintenance. I will continue to reach out to Mike in the future for knowledge, I would rather pay someone like Mike for the knowledge than a person I do not trust. Mike, I have a lot of trust and respect for you. Thanks for all that you have done for us. read more

Scary to buy a Camano 31 Trawler sight unseen from Woodbridge Va. when I live in Canada in the Pacific Northwest! Michael' s survey was one of the best I have seen in terms of detail for the other three boats I have had surveyed in the past. He flagged a number of relatively minor but important issues that were critical to know about but he gave me the confidence to proceed with an informed purchase. He also provided some very helpful advice and info on the phone. Boat was as he described and no surprises after being trucked to the Pacific. Lots of very useful photos with survey but only quibble is it would have been nice to have a couple of photos of the whole boat beam on when it was hanging on the travel lift. Wish other surveyors I have used were this good. Bill read more

Mr. Mike Minor conducted a thorough and professional survey of a Cruiser Yacht 340 Express which my wife and I are in the process of purchasing on 10 July 2023. He is extremely knowledgeable, and he took every opportunity to pass on very helpful information and instructions to us as he conducted the survey. His survey was extensive, lasting over five- and one-half hours, and he spent a considerable amount of time doing engine compression checks as well as a complete inspection of the engine and generator. Due to this inspection, I felt comfortable enough that I did not see the need for a second engine survey to be conducted. I was very impressed with Mike's survey techniques, and I highly recommend him to anyone considering having a boat survey conducted. read more

We hired Mike to survey our 2011 Chaparral 330 Signature before purchase. I called Mike based on his website and reviews -- and he more than met our expectations. He traveled from Virginia to Annapolis, was on time (early, actually), professional, a nice guy, and extremely knowledgeable. This is a boat guy through and through and he knows what he's doing. He was also very concerned about simply providing my wife and I with knowledge and tips on maintenance and operation in a way that was understandable and useful. The survey was efficient but thorough, the written report was extremely detailed and professionally done, and the cost was very reasonable. Could not recommend him more strongly. Thank you Mike! read more

Our thanks to Mike Minor for an informative and detailed marine survey. This is our first boat, Mike was able to answer our questions and advise us through the survey, including questions that came up prior to our survey. We had an aquaintence that had a not so good survey (from another surveyor) that prompted additional questions... The results from the written report helped us decide what if any changes needed to be made to our initial offer and provide peace of mind regarding our puchase as well as something to reference should we have any future questions regarding the boat and its safe operation. I would highly reccommend Mike Minor and Modern Marine Surveys to anyone thinking about a boat purchase. read more

Mike Minor is simply the best in the business! He responded promptly to all my questions before the survey and was very prepared and professional during the survey. We had to do this on a very cold day and he thought of everything in advance to make sure we could finish this on the planned day. Mike is very knowledgeable and is generous with both his time and information. He shared so many tips of how to keep the boat in excellent running and cosmetic condition. I felt a great sense of confidence in this major purchase once Mike gave it a thumbs up! If you need a boat survey - look no further! You will not be disappointed - we HIGHLY recommend Modern Marine Surveys and Mike Minor! read more

Mike is an excellent choice for boat surveys. I have had him survey four boats now two of which I have bought. What that means is two of them weren't good enough to buy as discovered during the survey. Mike has a very extensive mechanical background and knowledge of seemingly all the United States Coast Guard rules. He is also a certified and excellent Boat Captain. I have a background in mechanical issues myself holding Masters licenses in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and gas. And also hold 100 ton captains license and who does my surveys and captains the boat for me on long hauls. Mike does ! This is a guy you can trust. read more

Mike is terrific. There are few things that are more prone to obscure problems than a good-sized boat. Mine is a 45', custom, 20-year old, Bay-built, twin-diesel, "crab boat". On short notice, Mike arranged to look at a paint problem on the starboard side of Impromptu, diagnosed it, and prepared a thorough report that I've used with the boat's builder and boat yards, to obtain repair cost estimates. Mike is thoroughly trained, experienced, and totally professional -- and an easy-to-work-with great guy. Oh, and the price was very reasonable. I look forward to working with Mike again in the future! Rob D. read more

Mike completed a survey for me on 03/22/2021. First impression was he was knowledgeable and personable. As the survey went on throughout the morning it felt like I knew him for 10 years, which was comforting as he had my best interest at heart. As issues arose I was immediately notified and suggested repair advice was given. The process was smooth and he gave thorough details about the vessel and was very knowledgeable in his trade. If I could give 10 stars I would!! Thank You Mike and Modern Marine Surveys for the excellent customer service. read more

If you are considering the purchase of a vessel, and really want to understand inside and out what you are buying, hire Modern Marine Surveys (MMS). For my pre-purchase survey, I found Mike of MMS to be an extremely knowledgeable, experienced professional who listens to you and takes the time necessary to properly inspect your prospective vessel. MMS was prompt, respectful of both the buyer and broker, and made the overall purchase experience educational and fun. I would highly recommend MMS as a worthwhile investment. Don Chaptico, MD read more

Very thourough survey, I have confidence both major and minor problems have been found. The pictures Mike uses to support his findings really support an understanding of the location and extent of any problem. His descriptions are in depth and technical, yet are educational and easy to understand by less experience boater (saying this for a friend). I feel both more comfortable about what I'm getting with this boat and more educated in what I will need to do to keep it in top shape going forward. Job well done, thanks Mike!! read more

Michael did a great job on my survey and was very thorough and professional. He performed a pre purchase survey on a 23' center console. It was my first time buying a boat and he took the time to walk me through all the details and explain anything I didn't understand. He was was very responsive and got back to me quickly with any questions I had while scheduling the service. I would highly recommend and will use him again if I ever purchase another boat in the area. read more

Mike was great to work with for the survey and sea trail of our new boat. Made the process easy and felt very confident with my purchase based on the detailed report provided since we are several states away from the boat. Mike is reasonable, honest, and has a great line of communication. Highly recommend Mike for your next boat survey! read more