John Banister of Suenos Azules was extraordinarily helpful in guiding me through decisions on both…read moreengine survey and the overall vessel survey.I have been a boater my entire life, have done much of my own mechanical work, including diesel engines, and hold a 100-ton USCG Master's license. I am not new to boats, engines, surveys, or the buying process. I have rarely encountered anyone with John's combination of technical sophistication, experience, judgment, and straightforward common sense.
What is extraordinarily rare is discussing the hull survey, overall systems, diesels or outboards, its not just what he knows, but how he thinks. He is logical, patient, candid, and able to take complicated technical issues and turn them into clear, actionable decisions. There is no drama, no salesmanship, and no tendency to overstate problems or minimize them. He simply works through the facts and helps you understand what matters. A small example is taking borderline moisture meter readings on a hull and turning them into the need for thermal imaging so you don't run into a problem that was hidden later. Looking at sophisticated outboards and realizing you can't re-sleeve this particular model but have to bore scope the cylinders for the plasma coating. These things are beyond the usual surveyor and beyond the usual engine, but a chip shot for John.
If you are looking for a surveyor, a master diagnostician for engines, help evaluating a difficult hull issue, or simply an experienced second opinion before buying a boat, John is a rare and valuable resource.
I cannot recommend him highly enough.
