Business Details
17 Years
experience
Professional Marine Surveys and Engine Diagnostics in Florida
Founded in 2009, Suenos Azules Marine Surveying & Consulting is a licensed and insured provider of comprehensive marine surveying, engine diagnostics, and consulting services. Our expertise spans sail and power vessels, gasoline marine engines, appraisals, and specialized inspections, with a commitment to the highest standards in the boating industry. We operate throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Belize, and Costa Rica, offering services such as pre-purchase surveys, insurance evaluations, damage inspections, and infrared thermal imaging. Our team holds certifications from SAMS, ABYC, Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, and ITC, ensuring technical excellence and adherence to ethical standards. We prioritize client satisfaction by delivering thorough, non-biased reports within 3-5 business days, with flexibility for urgent requests. Our founder, Capt. John Banister, brings over 30 years of boating experience, 20 years of courtroom expertise as an expert witness, and advanced training in marine engine diagnostics. We utilize cutting-edge tools like Flir infrared cameras to detect hidden issues, enhancing the accuracy of our assessments. Our mission is to empower clients with detailed insights, enabling informed decisions when purchasing, insuring, or maintaining marine assets. We pride ourselves on transparency, professionalism, and a client-centric approach that has earned us testimonials from satisfied customers and industry professionals.
Services
Pre-purchase Surveys
Marine Engine Diagnostics
Infrared Thermal Imaging
Insurance Surveys
Damage Inspections
Valuation Reports
Expert Witness Testimony
Ultrasonic Testing
Carbon Monoxide Analysis
Engine Compression Testing
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of boating and surveying experience with SAMS and ABYC certifications.
- Our team uses Flir infrared thermal imaging to detect hidden hull and engine issues.
- We provide 24/7 client communication via email for urgent inquiries.
- Our founder is an ITC Certified Level III Master Thermographer and expert witness.
- We conduct surveys on vessels up to 115' with manufacturer-specific engine certifications.
Associations and certifications
- Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS)
- American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC)
- International Thermography Certification (ITC)
What people say
Extremely thorough surveys
Prompt and professional service
Detailed reports with thermal imaging
Expertise in engine diagnostics
Highly responsive communication
Services
Pre-purchase Marine Survey
A comprehensive inspection of vessels up to 115' to assess structural integrity, mechanical systems, and safety compliance. Includes hull evaluation, electrical systems checks, engine diagnostics, and operational sea trials. Delivers a detailed report with market value assessment and repair recommendations, incorporating infrared thermal imaging to detect hidden issues. Ideal for buyers seeking informed purchase decisions.
Marine Engine Diagnostics
Computerized evaluation of gasoline outboard/inboard engines using manufacturer-specific tools. Analyzes fault codes, RPM history, temperature profiles, and fluid conditions. Covers Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, and Evinrude systems. Provides emailed reports within 24 hours, identifying maintenance needs or hidden failures to prevent costly breakdowns during ownership.
Infrared Thermal Imaging
Advanced detection of temperature anomalies in hulls, engines, and electrical systems using Flir professional-grade cameras. Identifies overheating components, water intrusion, and fiberglass delamination invisible to conventional methods. Enhances survey accuracy by revealing hidden structural or mechanical issues in real-time imaging.
Insurance Marine Survey
Evaluation meeting SAMS standards for insurers, covering structural safety, compliance, and replacement value. Documents vessel condition to determine insurability and premium rates. Accepted by major U.S. and international marine insurers, with detailed reporting on risk factors affecting coverage eligibility.
Damage Inspection
Forensic analysis of marine incidents to determine cause, extent of damage, and repair costs. Supports insurance claims with photographic evidence and repair cost estimates. Utilizes ultrasonic testing and thermal imaging to validate claims for incidents like collisions, fires, or mechanical failures.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We operate throughout Florida, the Caribbean, Belize, Costa Rica, and other U.S. locations. Travel beyond Florida incurs negotiated expenses.
Do you offer urgent survey appointments?
Yes, we accommodate urgent requests and aim to complete surveys promptly to meet client deadlines.
What certifications do you hold?
We are SAMS-accredited, ABYC-certified, and hold manufacturer-specific credentials from Yamaha, Mercury, and Honda.
How long do reports take?
Reports are delivered within 3-5 business days after surveys, with expedited options available.
Can thermal imaging detect hidden issues?
Yes, our Flir cameras identify overheating components, water intrusion, and structural flaws invisible during standard inspections.
Do you provide expert testimony?
Yes, with 20+ years of courtroom experience, we offer litigation support and expert witness services for marine cases.
Videos
Reviews (16)
D. C.
Jun 24, 2022
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John did an engine survey for me. He is extremely professional, detail oriented, and easy to work with. This was the 3rd survey that I've had done in the last 10 years and John's analysis and report was by far the best. He also made himself available after the survey to answer any questions that I had. I would highly recommend John and will definitely use his services again.
Scott Douglas
Oct 12, 2021
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This was my first experience with purchasing a pre-owned boat and having it surveyed. The excellent reviews John has from previous clients are very well deserved. He arrived around 10am, after driving several hours, and did not leave until late in the evening to ensure every item was covered. John documented, tested and evaluated every system on the boat. The engine survey was especially thorough as was John's written survey report.
Thanks to John's excellent and thorough work, we have only a few minor details to address to give my family the assurance that we have purchased a safe, sound boat that will give us many years of enjoyment.
Thanks to John's excellent and thorough work, we have only a few minor details to address to give my family the assurance that we have purchased a safe, sound boat that will give us many years of enjoyment.
Scott Douglas
Oct 11, 2021
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This was my first experience with purchasing a pre-owned boat and having it surveyed. The excellent reviews John has from previous clients are very well deserved. He arrived around 10am, after driving several hours, and did not leave until late in the evening to ensure every item was covered. John documented, tested and evaluated every system on the boat. The engine survey was especially thorough as was John's written survey report.
Thanks to John's excellent and thorough work, we have only a few minor details to address to give my family the assurance that we have purchased a safe, sound boat that will give us many years of enjoyment.
Thanks to John's excellent and thorough work, we have only a few minor details to address to give my family the assurance that we have purchased a safe, sound boat that will give us many years of enjoyment.
Capt Bill
May 08, 2021
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John is exactly who you want when having a Boat surveyed or engines surveyed. He has amazing qualifications and knowledge. He is methodical in his work and takes the time to do things correctly. He has very high ethical standards and professionalism and most importantly he communicates with you throughout the process! He recently surveyed our 31-ft Intrepid with twin Yamaha 300's. We will call on him again because I'm sure there's another boat in our future sometime down the road!
Yacht Access Ddys
Mar 10, 2021
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John Banister came out and did an engine diagnosis March of this year (2021). We had thought the problem with one of the engines was totally different than what John had found, we are very thankful. If you are buying an outboard boat and want a survey done the right way, John is the one you want there. He does hull and outboard surveys. Will continue to use an refer him in the future. Thank you!
Chad Dionne
Dec 26, 2020
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John did an amazing job with my pre-purchase survey. His survey was extremely thorough and very professional. I highly recommend his services when purchasing a boat or needing an inspection performed. He helped me to make the right decision when it came to my boat purchase and his service was worth every penny.
Cara Ryan
Oct 28, 2019
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We would not buy a boat without consulting Captain John Bannister! He is honest, thorough and professional! Boat sellers and brokers will tell you what you want to hear, but Capt. John will tell you the TRUTH! He leaves no stone unturned and pays attention to every detail in a no BS kind of way. If you are buying a boat and can schedule him as your surveyor he could save you thousands and a lot of heart ache. We learned so much from our time with him and will be forever grateful.
D. Heath
Jun 01, 2018
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I hired Suenos Azules to survey a 26 Regulator for me. Being from VA I didn't know any Surveyors in the south FL area. After talking to a couple of surveyors I decided to go with Suenos Azules. John seemed to be the most responsive and professional out of the bunch. I had to wait an extra week because he was so busy, but i'm glad I did. John was on time and spent an entire day going through a 26 foot center console.
He found some minor issues with the boat, which in turn more than paid for his fee when I renegotiated the price. During the survey John checked the usual pumps, switches, lights etc. But he was also able to scan the hull with a moisture meter, a thermal camera (which can show hull patches not visible to the naked eye), and a complete Suzuki engine diagnostic check complete with hours run at different rpms, fault codes and last but not least a compression test on all the cylinders.
I would not hesitate to hire John again. For the service that John provides his fee is nominal. I am a licensed Captain and have been around boats my entire life. Even so, having an accomplished surveyor on your side is worth the cost and adds a piece of mind.
He found some minor issues with the boat, which in turn more than paid for his fee when I renegotiated the price. During the survey John checked the usual pumps, switches, lights etc. But he was also able to scan the hull with a moisture meter, a thermal camera (which can show hull patches not visible to the naked eye), and a complete Suzuki engine diagnostic check complete with hours run at different rpms, fault codes and last but not least a compression test on all the cylinders.
I would not hesitate to hire John again. For the service that John provides his fee is nominal. I am a licensed Captain and have been around boats my entire life. Even so, having an accomplished surveyor on your side is worth the cost and adds a piece of mind.
John Eppert
Dec 21, 2017
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Capt. John Bannister is very knowledgeable professional and conducted a survey on my now boat & engines about a year ago. Happy to say that he gave me peace of mind in choosing to go forward in purchasing the vessel and I've enjoyed it for the last year. He also gave me valuable information and tips on how to maintain and keep my boat in tip top condition, which was very helpful being that this is the first boat of my own.
He also recently took a call from me (a year later) when I had an additional question regarding my engines. I strongly recommend Capt. John Bannister and Suenos Azules Marine Surveying for your boat & engine surveying needs.
He also recently took a call from me (a year later) when I had an additional question regarding my engines. I strongly recommend Capt. John Bannister and Suenos Azules Marine Surveying for your boat & engine surveying needs.
Daniel May
John is a great guy, always looking to improve his educational and technical understanding of marine vessels! Always a pleasure working with him.
Matthew Davis
Captain John Banister made the surveying process an enjoyable event. He employs the newest of technology to make the process as seamless as possible. Great website, easy payment system, super fast response time, available for phone calls, etc! His actual report was extremely thorough and included numerous photos. Would highly recommend Suenos Azules for all your surveying needs! Thanks John for a job well done. And yes, we bought the YACHT!
Scott Morgan
John did an outstanding job. I was an out of state boat buyer and he spend the time to speak with me at length of the telephone. He always conducted a very thorough inspection of the vessel, to the point that even the experienced seller of the vessel commented to me that he was impressed with the professionalism and thoroughness of John. The final report was very well done and is impressive to read. Lastly, he was responsive to all my needs and was very competitive in his price. I also liked how I could pay for his services via Paypal. You will not regret working with John. Stand up guy.
Dave Batchelor
John is the man, I rarely write reviews, but was blown away by the marine survey he did recently for me! He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to anything boating/marine related. I stayed with him during the entire surveying process and felt like I got an entire education about the engines, boat and everything in between. He's very personable and easy to talk to which made the day fly by. He's the only local surveyor I have seen who uses a FLIR camera which gives you and added piece of mind.
He also scoped out each cylinder of the engine which helped. I've had a number of engine inspections after buying boats over the years, but he goes above and beyond anything I could have imagined. Without a doubt I would recommend him to anyone in a second and will definitely be using him on any boat purchases again in the future.
He also scoped out each cylinder of the engine which helped. I've had a number of engine inspections after buying boats over the years, but he goes above and beyond anything I could have imagined. Without a doubt I would recommend him to anyone in a second and will definitely be using him on any boat purchases again in the future.
Linda Ward
John was friendly, prompt, and communicated with us regularly. He provided a thorough survey of our boat at a fair price. We highly recommend Suenos Azules.
David Heath
I hired Suenos Azules to survey a 26 Regulator for me. Being from VA I didn't know any Surveyors in the south FL area. After talking to a couple of surveyors I decided to go with Suenos Azules. John seemed to be the most responsive and professional out of the bunch. I had to wait an extra week because he was so busy, but i'm glad I did. John was on time and spent an entire day going through a 26 foot center console.
He found some minor issues with the boat, which in turn more than paid for his fee when I renegotiated the price. During the survey John checked the usual pumps, switches, lights etc... But he was also able to scan the hull with a moisture meter, a thermal camera (which can show hull patches not visible to the naked eye), and a complete Suzuki engine diagnostic check complete with hours run at different rpms, fault codes and last but not least a compression test on all the cylinders.
I would not hesitate to hire John again. For the service that John provides his fee is nominal. I am a licensed Captain and have been around boats my entire life. Even so, having an accomplished surveyor on your side is worth the cost and adds a piece of mind.
He found some minor issues with the boat, which in turn more than paid for his fee when I renegotiated the price. During the survey John checked the usual pumps, switches, lights etc... But he was also able to scan the hull with a moisture meter, a thermal camera (which can show hull patches not visible to the naked eye), and a complete Suzuki engine diagnostic check complete with hours run at different rpms, fault codes and last but not least a compression test on all the cylinders.
I would not hesitate to hire John again. For the service that John provides his fee is nominal. I am a licensed Captain and have been around boats my entire life. Even so, having an accomplished surveyor on your side is worth the cost and adds a piece of mind.
John Eppert
Capt. John Bannister is very knowledgeable professional and conducted a survey on my now boat & engines about a year ago. Happy to say that he gave me peace of mind in choosing to go forward in purchasing the vessel and Ive enjoyed it for the last year. He also gave me valuable information and tips on how to maintain and keep my boat in tip top condition, which was very helpful being that this is the first boat of my own.
He also recently took a call from me (a year later) when I had an additional question regarding my engines. I strongly recommend Capt. John Bannister and Suenos Azules Marine Surveying for your boat & engine surveying needs.
He also recently took a call from me (a year later) when I had an additional question regarding my engines. I strongly recommend Capt. John Bannister and Suenos Azules Marine Surveying for your boat & engine surveying needs.