Suenos Azules Marine Surveying and Consulting offers complete marine surveying of sail and power vessels, appraisals, and consultation. This company is dedicated to the highest standards in the boating industry. The south Florida area is our home territory, however we conduct surveys in the Caribbean, Belize, and Costa Rica. Travel to other places can also be arranged. A variety of report formats are available.Pre-purchase, appraisal, insurance, damage, ultrasonic, consultation.
Sail or power yachts.
Report guaranteed within two business days after the survey.
Fully insured.
We work weekends and most holidays.
A surveyor's goal is to find problems before they cost you money or worse! A qualified surveyor knows where to look for trouble. Do not buy without an independent expert survey and appraisal.
Our surveyor will only provide you with a non-biased report of findings on a vessel that will satisfy any underwriter or lender because our surveyor is a member and prescribes to the ethics and standards of SAMS -Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, USPAP -Universal Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, and ABYC -American Boat and Yacht Council. Furthermore, as a graduate of the Chapman School of Seamanship, our surveyor will survey thoroughly to the standards set forth by their program.
Highlights and features
- Marine surveying, yacht deliveries, damage claim inspections, pre-purchase inspections
Associations and certifications
- SAMS, ABYC, and the NFPA
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Services
I am an independent and professional SAMS Accredited Marine Surveyor servicing Florida, Belize, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and other locations in and around the United States. I am also a Yamaha Certified Outboard Engine Technician, a Mercury / MerCrusier Certified Technician, a Honda Certified Outboard Engine Technician, and an ABYC Certified Technician.
Suenos Azules Marine Surveying and Consulting offers complete marine surveying of sail and power vessels, appraisals, and consultation. This company is dedicated to the highest standards in the boating industry. The South Florida area is my home territory, however I conduct surveys throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Belize, and Costa Rica.
Below are sample marine survey reports on some of the different types of marine surveys that I provide. A sample report of an ultrasonic hull plate survey on a commercial vessel can be found here. Depending on your connection speed, it may take a few minutes for the files to download to your computer before you are able to view them.
Thermal imaging (also sometimes referred to as thermography, infrared imaging or thermal scanning) is the means by which humans can see the infrared portion of the light spectrum. Every object gives off some amount of thermal radiation so thermal imaging is ideal for observing temperature anomalies that are abnormal in machinery, electrical equipment, and even in solids such as wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and steel.
A marine engine survey is an in depth mechanical inspection of the engine(s) on a boat or yacht. This is not an inspection that just any surveyor can perform. To conduct a proper mechanical survey on marine engines the surveyor needs to have professional marine engine technical training, factory specific engine training, hands on mechanical experience, (service, troubleshooting, and repair), and continuing education on the engines the surveyor is inspecting.
People
Capt. John Banister
Principal Marine Surveyor, Captain
Captain John Banister is a USCG Licensed Master Captain and a SAMS Marine Surveyor. Captain John was a former enlisted member of the U.S. Coast Guard where he served as a qualified Federal Boarding Officer and a qualified Coxswain. He is also a graduate of the Chapman School of Seamanship where he obtained his education in yacht and small craft surveying and damage claim surveying. Captain John has lived and sailed aboard his own 34 foot sailing catamaran, and has over 17 years of sailing an boating experience. He is known locally for his professionalism, thoroughness, and honesty in his work.
Reviews (18)
D. C.
Jun 24, 2022
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
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.
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.
Scott Douglas
Oct 11, 2021
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.
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.
Capt Bill
May 08, 2021
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!
Menette Burns
Apr 23, 2021
Captain John Banister did an outstanding job surveying a boat for us. He showed up earlier than our meeting time and was working before I got there. He was thorough and competent. I appreciated his calm demeanor and courtesy, both to me and to the owner of the vessel which I had hoped to purchase. (The owner was also present at the survey and he navigated that with professionalism and grace.) His knowledge, skill and training was impressive to me, and being a boat broker myself, I have been present at more than just a few surveys. John uncovered an issue with the vessel that was not readily apparent, and in doing so saved me tens of thousands of dollars, along with an untold amount of consternation, aggravation, and frustration. Ultimately, I did not purchase the vessel, and have not regretted that decision for a minute.
I will be forever grateful and plan to use John when I find my next potential vessel. (I am still shopping.) My only hesitation in recommending him wholeheartedly and publicly is my fear that he will become so popular, and therefore busy, that he will not have time to fit me into his schedule when I finally find my next boat candidate! Menette Burns, boat broker & ASA sailing instructor (101, 103, 104, 114) Thomas Burns, USCG Master 100 ton & ASA sailing instructor (101, 103, 104, 114) THANK YOU JOHN!
I will be forever grateful and plan to use John when I find my next potential vessel. (I am still shopping.) My only hesitation in recommending him wholeheartedly and publicly is my fear that he will become so popular, and therefore busy, that he will not have time to fit me into his schedule when I finally find my next boat candidate! Menette Burns, boat broker & ASA sailing instructor (101, 103, 104, 114) Thomas Burns, USCG Master 100 ton & ASA sailing instructor (101, 103, 104, 114) THANK YOU JOHN!
Yacht Access Ddys
Mar 10, 2021
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
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
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
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
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.
Angela Hoy BookLocker
Apr 25, 2017
Capt. John Banister is our savior! Literally! He saved us tens of thousands of dollars, which would have been needed for future repairs for broken and leaking parts that had not been disclosed to us by the seller and broker, and John Banister may very well have saved our and our children's lives. Yes, that's how bad this boat was and we've have never known about the dangerous situation if we hadn't hired John! Here's our story: We had been shopping for a 50-60 foot motor yacht (a live-aboard) for several months.
We thought we'd finally found the perfect one! The boat looked awesome from the outside, and even the inside. Clean, beautiful furnishings - the works! When the broker kept delaying the survey and sea trial, we and Capt. John started getting suspicious. When the date finally arrived, the broker claimed they'd spent $10K in repairs to get the boat ready. Hmmm. Capt. John arrived for survey day with his impressive, high-tech equipment. Starting in the engine room, he tore that boat apart, leaving no stone (or knob) unturned. And, what he found hidden under the bilge and behind the electronics was terrifying!
He was professional but stern when the broker got nervous about driving the boat at full throttle, claiming the engines were "too old" and it "might damage them." Uh huh. John's suspicions then proved correct. The port engine overheated. A seal blew and oil sprayed in the engine room. Leaks started appearing everywhere. A manifold broke. And, things went downhill from there.
The broker's mechanic had "painted" the engines and they looks so pretty.until John revealed all the hidden leaks, broken parts, and more that should have been disclosed to us, the buyers, by the seller/broker in the very beginning. Then, John tackled the rest of the boat. From non-working electronics, to a missing needle on the fuel gauge (and other missing needles as well), to the hour meters being non-functional, to the overheat alarm not working, and even to a soft spot on the hull, and dry wood termite dung, John found all this and more!
The worse problem was a leak under the guest stateroom (gray water). John pulled back carpet to find mold and rotten wood and even live wires in the water. The broker admitted that problem "had happened before." But, it was never disclosed to us. John also discovered the generator was venting into one of the staterooms, which could have been deadly!
Per his evaluation: "The natural ventilation vent from the generator compartment vents to the forward stateroom. This can potentially leak deadly CO gas into the forward stateroom and head if there was an exhaust leak in the generator compartment." So, John not only saved us thousands of dollars but he also very well may have saved our lives. Needless to say, we didn't buy that boat.
We're now back to square one, shopping for a live-aboard for us and our children. And, John will be the ONLY surveyor we will ever hire in the future. The good news is he travels all over Florida for his clients so we can shop all over the state. Hire Capt. John Banister, AMS of Suenos Azules Marine Surveying and Consulting as your personal surveyor. BROKERS HATE HIM. You'll LOVE him!
We thought we'd finally found the perfect one! The boat looked awesome from the outside, and even the inside. Clean, beautiful furnishings - the works! When the broker kept delaying the survey and sea trial, we and Capt. John started getting suspicious. When the date finally arrived, the broker claimed they'd spent $10K in repairs to get the boat ready. Hmmm. Capt. John arrived for survey day with his impressive, high-tech equipment. Starting in the engine room, he tore that boat apart, leaving no stone (or knob) unturned. And, what he found hidden under the bilge and behind the electronics was terrifying!
He was professional but stern when the broker got nervous about driving the boat at full throttle, claiming the engines were "too old" and it "might damage them." Uh huh. John's suspicions then proved correct. The port engine overheated. A seal blew and oil sprayed in the engine room. Leaks started appearing everywhere. A manifold broke. And, things went downhill from there.
The broker's mechanic had "painted" the engines and they looks so pretty.until John revealed all the hidden leaks, broken parts, and more that should have been disclosed to us, the buyers, by the seller/broker in the very beginning. Then, John tackled the rest of the boat. From non-working electronics, to a missing needle on the fuel gauge (and other missing needles as well), to the hour meters being non-functional, to the overheat alarm not working, and even to a soft spot on the hull, and dry wood termite dung, John found all this and more!
The worse problem was a leak under the guest stateroom (gray water). John pulled back carpet to find mold and rotten wood and even live wires in the water. The broker admitted that problem "had happened before." But, it was never disclosed to us. John also discovered the generator was venting into one of the staterooms, which could have been deadly!
Per his evaluation: "The natural ventilation vent from the generator compartment vents to the forward stateroom. This can potentially leak deadly CO gas into the forward stateroom and head if there was an exhaust leak in the generator compartment." So, John not only saved us thousands of dollars but he also very well may have saved our lives. Needless to say, we didn't buy that boat.
We're now back to square one, shopping for a live-aboard for us and our children. And, John will be the ONLY surveyor we will ever hire in the future. The good news is he travels all over Florida for his clients so we can shop all over the state. Hire Capt. John Banister, AMS of Suenos Azules Marine Surveying and Consulting as your personal surveyor. BROKERS HATE HIM. You'll LOVE him!
Daniel May
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'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.
Linda Ward
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 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.