Client Comments
Gale: Thanks for the report. It is extremely thorough. Thank you too for recommending the Chapman book. I used it to look up a few of the recommendations that I didn't understand; e.g., using safety wire on the shackle pins. I certainly will recommend Hartoft and you specifically to anyone I meet who is looking for a marine surveyor. I also look forward to using your services again as I now realize the importance of periodic surveys in the future. Charlie Schwan |
Gale, Just thought I would let you know that we finally took possession of the 38' Pearson, "Fable." Myself and another Murphy, Philip, (No relationship) actually cancels Murphy's law, two Murphy's, ha, ha! Anyway, we only made fifteen miles from Annapolis due to a very late start on Friday, October 21st and very snotty weather. Following day, Sat., we made Dover De., but anchored under airport landing approach, so much for Murphy's law being cancelled out. Spent beautiful Sunday sailing to Cape May and spent Sunday resting and drying out. Were told that we did not have any availability to stay until Tuesday to avoid what was considered rough waters. Left 6:30 AM, Monday, October 24th with expected 2-3 foot seas building to 5-7 ft. with 20-25 kts. of wind. Ended up with 12-14 ft. seas and fifty kts. of wind, including two knockdowns at entrance to Little Egg Inlet (Beach Haven, NJ) where we were able to locate outer buoys and enter Little Egg and the safety of Little Egg Harbor. Thought the weather would be better inside on the ICW, but forty-five to fifty kts. provided hectic trip on the ICW against the wind. Wind was measured at 72 kts in the very early hours of Tuesday. We were able after several attempts to pull alongside a floating dock at Brant Beach Yacht Club where I am a member. Members came to our aid tying "Fable" to the dock. "Fable" is a fantastic vessel. She handled extremely well even when the engine started to "miss," most likely sucking up some small amount of water, that she worked out of her system. She handled magnificently during and after the two knockdowns. There are, as you reported in your survey, some minor issues. The most pressing were taken care of before our departure from Annapolis. I would have saved my face from the loss of two layers of skin had there been a dodger. Of course, no one could locate where it is. The owner did not provide any information regarding the dodger. Oh, well, I should not have expected much more. Thanks again for your work and suggestions to make this vessel better yet. We are already working toward next season's work projects with our list of things to do. Most importantly the rigging needs serious attention ... the roller furling appeared to be flopping about during trip North. Overall, my wife, Patty, and I are very happy with this purchase and are grateful for your detailed work. Look forward to sending work your way in the future, Warmest regards, Frank & Patricia Murphy |
I happened on your website and saw that you include testimonials... I'd be pleased to offer one as well. We hired Gale to survey both of our boats (old O'Day 27 and a not quite as old O'day 34). Gale was very thorough and walked/talked us through the pros and cons of her findings. I have retained her report and still refer to it to provide a baseline of what is/was there. When we buy another boat, Gale will be our surveyor. Elliot
Rosen |
Gale, I read the report entirely, and I have no questions. I thought you did a terrific job—your survey was thorough and professionally written. Now I see why you're so highly recommended!! Thanks again for all your help. Best regards, Jim Evans |
Gale, As I have been going through the process of buying this boat, I have come to realize that the part the surveyer plays is the most important. I learned more from our exchanges and from comments you made than most of the books at West Marine could have given me. The experience you brought to the table is invaluable. I reviewed your 36-page survey report with the interest one would expect from a concerned buyer and found nothing lacking. Your attention to detail and your recommendations removed the “what if’s” and replaced them with hard facts. I buy this boat well informed and confident in her condition. Cordially, Jack
Cheasty, Major US Army |
Hi Gale, Thanks for your professional work on the Sabre 402. You do really good work and I was glad to have had you on the job. Your thoroughness and extensive knowledge boats and their systems were very much appreciated. Thanks again for your help. Regards, Al
Getz |
| Hi Gale, It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday. As this is my first major marine purchase, I particularly appreciated the care and thoroughness you applied in evaluating True North. Though not a novice sailor, I am a novice buyer and your ability to evaluate the boat clearly went far beyond anything I could have hoped to do on my own. The amount of information was overwhelming. I particularly appreciate your ability to apply a methodical approach to the process and your willingness to address what may have been simple minded questions with careful, patient answers that contributed greatly to my comfort level with the boat.I’m looking forward to receiving your report. Regards, Bill
Strong |
Dear Peter, It was a real pleasure doing business with you. Your report was meticulous and your service (including the promptness of the report) was OUTSTANDING. You will be hearing from me when I upgrade to my next boat. Hope to see you in the bay sometime. Best regards, Mounzer |
Hello, My name is Al Saunders and I work for National Marine Underwriters, Inc., here in Annapolis. I just wanted to send you a note thanking you for the superior surveys that come from your company. We require surveys on some boats we insure, usually because of the age of the boat, and yours are the best. My colleague, Brian Sommers, and myself enjoy getting your surveys because they are very easy to read and are formatted much better than a lot of other surveys out there. We are always glad to get a Hartoft survey. Some are hard to read due to very small print or others are missing info like registration or documentation numbers. Yours are always much better. Keep up the good work. Thank You,
Al Saunders |