279 thoughts on “Guestbook”

  1. Alan did a great job for me giving great advice and information. His detailed survey identified some major issues that I would never have known without his expertise; he saved me from making a huge financial mistake! I highly recommend him as a surveyor for anyone looking at a boat.

    Boat surveyed: 1998 Tiara 3500 Express

  2. I am new to the world of power boats and was buying a small center console (19′ Carolina Skiff) as a first boat. I was looking for something inexpensive, but adequate, and reliable, and I found a boat that I thought would be a perfect fit. Given that it was an older boat and priced below some other comparable boats, I wanted to get a complete understanding of the condition of the boat, and know what I would be getting myself into, beyond what I could tell in a sea trial and general walk around as a layman. Alan worked with the guys at the boat yard and did a through inspection of the hull, engine, and electrical systems. He let me know what was working, what was not, what would be an issue, and what could be fixed / done without. His expert advice was exactly what I was looking for, and I feel confident in purchasing the boat. Alan also answered all of my questions about general boat maintenance, operation, and repairs, and provided some great recommendations for additional resources to get more information. I would recommend Alan to anyone thinking about buying a boat, no matter how big or small.

    2010 Carolina Skiff 198DLV
    Essex, MD

  3. I needed a Condition and Value Survey for my USCG Inspected Passenger Sailing Vessel for the commercial insurance company. Alan is an experienced and knowledgeable surveyor. As a Captain for hire, Alan and I have worked together on sea trials on several other vessels. Alan is a seasoned professional and has the skill sets to survey any vessel that you may need this service. Highly recommended with confidence!

    1981 Endeavour 43 Ketch
    Tracys Landing, MD

  4. I used Alan to survey a used 26′ Sea Ray prior to buying it. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. During the survey he pointed out items of concern and how to deal with them. H provided me with a clear, concise and comprehensive written report within a day of completing the survey. He followed up with a phone call to review the report and answer the questions I had. He is the 2nd Surveyor I worked with this year and by far the best. I would use him again if the need arises.

    2001 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer
    Essex, Maryland

  5. Finding a competent marine surveyor in the world of surveyors is not easy, but I will tell you my experience with Alan was amazing. He was VERY patient with me and took a LOT of his time to answer any and all questions I had along the journey. He would also call just to check in on everything, including my sanity through the process. He was very thorough and a voice of reason in a crazy market. I would highly recommend Alan to anyone looking for a trustworthy partner to help with your next boat purchase!

    2013 Back Cove 34 Express
    Middle River, MD
    2013 Tiara 3100 Coronet
    Annapolis, MD

  6. My husband and I used Alan to inspect not one but two boats this past summer – he was so knowledgeable and so helpful and really went above and beyond helping us to find a second boat when the first didn’t pass muster. I would highly recommend him.

    2002 Chaparral 230 SSi Bow Rider
    Essex, MD

  7. Alan surveyed a 1987 Wauquiez Centurion 38 sailboat for me. This is my fourth sailboat purchase, and by far the best survey experience I have had. Alan arrived on time and did what he promised – a very thorough review of the hull & systems. His report clearly identifies items that need immediate attention vs. those that are optional or can be deferred. He also clearly understands that old boats have issues, and that some are more concerning than others. Overall I really enjoyed the day on board with Alan and highly recommend his services.

    1987 Centurion 38 Sloop
    Essex, MD

  8. I know I have the right surveyor when the broker asks who I’m using and I give Alan’s name. Game changer!

    This is the second boat Alan has surveyed for me. I was not required to have a survey, but I wouldn’t buy a boat without Alan giving his bow-to-stern check-up. As far as I’m concerned, he doesn’t charge a fee. It’s an investment that has paid back dividends for me on a few occasions.

    Above and beyond his technical skills (certified aircraft mechanic also, BWT) and tools (he spared no expense to make sure he has every tool possible), he reviews his survey results with you in light of how you will be using the boat and with a realistic approach to any issues (all boats have issues, right?). It is what I find most helpful about working with Alan.

    Finally, the added bonus you get with Alan is the ability to reach out to him down the road for thoughts and advice on a boat he has surveyed. On a number of occasions, I asked for his thoughts on upgrades or issues on my original boat and his insights helped me make the right decision on repair/replacement.

    2008 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer
    Edgewater, MD

  9. Alan did a great job helping us with a survey of an old boat we had our eye on. He really took the time to make sure we understood the boat as well as we could and went beyond, making sure we understood insurance and other things not directly related to the boat itself.

    He’s clearly very experienced, knowledgeable, and he’s going to do everything he can to make sure you know everything you need to know. It was a real education, and an enjoyable one at that!

    Minneapolis, MN
    1973 Westerly 26 Sloop
    Pasadena, MD

  10. If you’re purchasing a used boat, do yourself a favor and hire Alan with Bayside Marine Surveying, Inc.! As a first time boat buyer I very much appreciated Alan’s patience and willingness to answer all my questions. His knowledge and attention to detail really helped me feel confident in my decision. As others have noted, the report he produces is truly top-notch and was exactly what was needed for both financing and insurance. I’d also like to point out that because of all the tech gear he has, he was able to pull critical information from the engine (including in real-time during the sea trial), which I was able to use to make an informed decision about whether or not I needed a separate engine survey (always nice to save money when you can!). Moving forward, I’d never even consider purchasing a used boat without first having Alan survey it for me!

    2005 Bayliner 285
    Middle River, Maryland

  11. Alan was very detailed with our survey, was easy to talk to, and took the time to answer questions and provide solid explanations of the things he found – as well as giving great boat advice. I really enjoyed working with him and highly recommend him!

    Sea Ray 230 Signature
    Severna Park, MD

  12. Alan was fantastic. Explained everything in detail and has helped me figure things out on my boat even after the survey. Money well spent! He saved me at least a few thousand dollars for repairs I would have had to come out of pocket with had I not chose him for the survey. Will definitely contact him again for future boat purchases.

    2004 Crownline 270 CR
    Essex, MD

  13. I’ve worked with Alan a few times over the past couple years, and he has always been excellent in all aspects. Alan works to understand you and your expected usage of a boat, answers any questions you have, and beyond the “normal” survey experience, he goes above and beyond to make sure you feel comfortable about every aspect of the vessel. Alan doesn’t take shortcuts, and always takes his time to truly inspect and survey a vessel. Combined with his years and years of experience of various brands and types of boats, he’s truly the best choice in getting a proper and confident survey for pre-purchase or any other needs. I can’t recommend Alan enough, and I thank him immensely for his guidance on our journey with our new boat(s).

    2003 Cruisers Yachts 3372
    Middle River, MD

  14. Alan has surveyed a few boats for me. I am thankful for Alan’s deep expertise because he saved me from buying boats with hidden defects, the repairs of which would have driven my cost of boat ownership well beyond any conceivable valuation of the boat.
    Get the honest survey on a boat from a true professional who has seen it all. Alan’s inspections were carried out in a very timely and professional manner. And he has a very practical approach to the surveying which ensures that you get the results you need to evaluate the boat without committing to expensive tests before you determine there is a problem.
    Go with Alan, he is truly a professional boat surveyor.
    Thank you very much Alan!

  15. Alan surveyed the Hunter 33.5 we ended up purchasing and did an excellent and thorough job. He took whatever time we needed to answer all of our questions, gave us confidence in understanding what we were purchasing, delivered a comprehensive written report by the end of the following day, and followed up via phone to make sure we had no other questions. I wouldn’t hesitate to use him again and give him the highest recommendation!

    1994 Hunter 35.5
    Annapolis, MD

  16. Alan is great to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable and he did very thorough work surveying the boat. The survey report was comprehensive and provided excellent information. Additionally, Alan is supportive answering many questions after the survey. I would hire Alan on my next boat purchase -Thank you!

    2005 Carver Mariner 36
    NMB, SC

  17. I had a great experience using Alan to survey a 30′ cruiser. I found Alan to be not only very knowledgable but also very meticulous and thorough. All of his findings were presented in a very professional and concise manner; perfect for presenting to my insurance company and bank, and delivered complete to me within about 36 hours of the conclusion of the sea trial. I would not hesitate to recomend Bayside Marine Survey to anyone in the market for a boat.

    2007 Chaparral 290 Signature
    Middle River, MD

  18. Way more than a surveyor. Alan is not only incredibly knowledgeable and detailed, he’s basically a coach. As a first time boat buyer I had a ton to learn and Alan spent a significant amount of time talking me through all the considerations on numerous boats. A true advocate for his client, Alan made sure I got the right boat and even coached me on where I should be from a price perspective (and prevented me from making a large mistake with the first boat I had under contract). I highly recommend Alan and wouldn’t consider anyone else surveying a boat for me.

    2005 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer
    Essex, MD

  19. Alan is very knowledgeable and he did a great job surveying the boat we wanted and purchased in November 2021. The survey was thorough and provided excellent details including safety tips and requirements. Alan spent time answering so many of our questions via phone and in person. He helped us out with a tight timeline as well. Thank you!

    1996 Hatteras 52 CMY
    Middle River, MD

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