Pre-Purchase Testimonials

Steve:

I would like to thank you for your very thorough and detailed report on my new 48-foot motor yacht.

As you know, this purchase represented a substantial financial investment on my part. Not only did your report reassure me that what I was buying was what had been represented, it also gave me a valuable tool with which to negotiate the modifications, corrections and changes you suggested, all at the builder's expense.

Having read your articles in "PassageMaker" over the years it is obvious that your reputation in the boating world is second to none, particularly on the technical aspects of boat building, systems and mechanics etc. Most of us boat owners know enough to generally get us into trouble. Therefore, I felt I needed someone with your reputation and expertise in my corner when buying my next boat. My only regret is I should have done it sooner, when buying my first boat.

Again, many thanks for your valuable help.
Ron Thompson

"After taking Steve's D'Antonio's PassageMaker University course on Ship's Systems we asked him to help us choose our new boat. We looked at several trawlers together and Steve pointed out the positive and negative aspects of each boat in great detail. He also provided a thorough written report on each vessel.

With Steve's help we felt confident that there were no "hidden issues" with the boat that we finally chose. We also used items from his report in the purchase negotiations. Hiring this guy to consult on a new boat purchase will pay big dividends in knowledge and peace of mind."

John and Dianne Kernan
San Diego, CA

"A note of thanks for your time and expertise on our behalf, your services as an advisor have been invaluable. We'll certainly call on you for assistance with our next project. Many, many thanks."

LC and Robin Lombard
Taftsville, VT

"In a perfect world all doctors, lawyers and boat industry representatives would be knowledgeable, honest and ethical. This is not a perfect world. Unless you are extremely experienced in all aspects of buying a boat you enter the boating world at your own peril.

Steve, you provide a service that has been missing from the boating industry for the duration of my 30 odd years of buying, owning and selling boats. Your 20 years of experience and your eye for detail allows you to focus on things that may appear minor on the surface but could represent significant safety and cost issues down the road. But Steve is an additional cost, some might say….how do you justify that? It is always difficult to apply a finite value to something that did not happen but most logical thinking people understand that prevention is paramount to risk management.

Your competent assistance and counsel in the selection and purchase of my trawler was invaluable! There is little doubt in my mind that over the long haul you saved me far more than your fee. And how do you place a value on peace of mind? Rest assured that I will be calling for your assistance again in the near future."

R. Burt Prater, MD