Looking for mechanical and general hull surveyors in the Chesapeake Bay area.

[jrbrein]

Hello Everyone,

I am looking for an engine surveyor and general hull surveyor in the Chesapeake Bay area, specifically Annapolis/Kent Narrows.

Thanks!


Jonathan Brein

 

[holtcl]

I've recently gone through this (like a week ago) and getting ready to do it again. General hull and engine surveyors and have two really great recommendations, one for each. Feel free to send me a PM.

Cheryl

 

[GJH]

I highly recommend Hartoft in Annapolis, either Peter Hartoft or Gale Browning(who did mine when I bought my Hatt)
They in turn can help you find a good engine surveyor for the particular engine brand involved.

http://www.hartoftmarinesurvey.com/

 

[jrbrein]

Thank you!


Jonathan Brein

 

[bobk]

Assuming you have Detroits, Tom Hugg or Frank Butt who does business as AP Marine for the engines. Don't forget the Genesis 30 sec compression test (cold start test) which is described on this forum.

Bobk

 

[jrbrein]

Assuming you have Detroits, Tom Hugg or Frank Butt who does business as AP Marine for the engines. Don't forget the Genesis 30 sec compression test (cold start test) which is described on this forum.

Bobk

Absolutely!

Thank you.


Jonathan Brein

 

[SeaEric]

I highly recommend Hartoft in Annapolis, either Peter Hartoft or Gale Browning(who did mine when I bought my Hatt)
They in turn can help you find a good engine surveyor for the particular engine brand involved.

http://www.hartoftmarinesurvey.com/

AFAIK Gale Browning passed away in December 2015. Peter Hartoft (her husband/partner) is semi retired and I have heard that he is no longer a NAMS or SAMS member. This was told to me by the customer who purchased holtcl's boat and tried to hire him/them.

 

[bobk]

I should have also suggested you get a marine moisture meter and learn to use it and then go over the boat before the hull surveyor does and make him double check what you find to be wet. I like the moisture meter better than the sounding hammer because it finds issues at a much earlier stage. Areas to look at are around the bow pulpit, under all windows and any other hull and deck penetrations including spray rails. Just remember on a Hatteras, you may have molded in metals as backing or radio grounds that will read like water.

Good luck,
Bobk

 

[GJH]

AFAIK Gale Browning passed away in December 2015. Peter Hartoft (her husband/partner) is semi retired and I have heard that he is no longer a NAMS or SAMS member. This was told to me by the customer who purchased holtcl's boat and tried to hire him/them.

Wow Eric that's just awful and heart breaking news. I assumed that their web site was current. Ruins my whole day.

If Tom Hug is still doing engine surveys I can recommend him very highly. Very articulate, good teacher, great mechanic.
When he did mine he threw in a thorough orientation after I bought the boat. The last number i have for him is 410 274 7636

 

[oscarvan]

I should have also suggested you get a marine moisture meter and learn to use it and then go over the boat before the hull surveyor does and make him double check what you find to be wet. I like the moisture meter better than the sounding hammer because it finds issues at a much earlier stage. Areas to look at are around the bow pulpit, under all windows and any other hull and deck penetrations including spray rails. Just remember on a Hatteras, you may have molded in metals as backing or radio grounds that will read like water.

Good luck,
Bobk

Have you actually ever used a moisture meter? Some science, some art..... much voodoo. No easy answers.

 

[bobk]

Have you actually ever used a moisture meter? Some science, some art..... much voodoo. No easy answers.

Oh yes. I own one and have used it for pre surveys as well as an annual check of decks and house. It's remarkable what you can find before rot starts. Science and art, yes. Why do you think voodoo is a part of it?

Bobk

 

[oscarvan]

Oh yes. I own one and have used it for pre surveys as well as an annual check of decks and house. It's remarkable what you can find before rot starts. Science and art, yes. Why do you think voodoo is a part of it?

Bobk

It was a manner of speech. Reaching hard conclusions from moisture meter readings can lead one astray.

 

[sweet red]

Cant say enough good stuff about Randy Renn, out of Stevensville, MD. He traveled to Portsmouth RI to complete our hull survey in March. He is the current Regional Director for SAMS. He is also an engine surveyor and although we hired a MANN specialist for our engine survey, Randy was also very knowledgeable and informative. Very Thorough, Very VERY fair on pricing, too.

www.marineforensics.net
Office: 410-604-2327
Mobile: 410-490-0216
Fax: 410-604-2329

 

[jim rosenthal]

Derek Rhymes, in Annapolis area. Can't remember the web address, but I've got a card around somewhere. If you can't find him, let me know.

I had no idea Gale Browning had died. That is a shame. She and Peter were some of the most experienced surveyors in this area- really knew their stuff.

 

[oceanlivin]

I second on Tom Huggs. He just did our survey on 3208 cats. Very knowledgeable..

 

[nautibake]

Cant say enough good stuff about Randy Renn, out of Stevensville, MD. He traveled to Portsmouth RI to complete our hull survey in March. He is the current Regional Director for SAMS. He is also an engine surveyor and although we hired a MANN specialist for our engine survey, Randy was also very knowledgeable and informative. Very Thorough, Very VERY fair on pricing, too.

www.marineforensics.net
Office: 410-604-2327
Mobile: 410-490-0216
Fax: 410-604-2329

X2 on Randy Renn, he was outstanding to work with in every respect. Extremely knowledgeable and very candid observations. Saved us a ton of $$ and heartaches.