Jim Elfers Marine Surveyor

Captain Elfers was able to survey our boat on short notice as we were in an urgent situation. in addition, he provided us with clear, actionable information and delivered a professional report in a timely manner. He is extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with in every way. When and if I find myself in a position to need another survey - either pre-sale or insurance, Jim Elfers will be my first call.

Recently purchased an Ericson 32-3 with Jim's help as the surveyor. TL;DR - Myself and the seller both appreciated his pragmatic approach, thorough inspection, and even-keeled mindset. This left us with a fantastic base to finish negotiations and feel good about the deal (yes, both buyer AND seller!)More if you want to read: I started the search for my first sailboat looking at J/24's. Even the first phone call with Jim was straight forward as he let me know that particular boat is difficult to survey based on it's construction. Even with this warning he was more than willing to take the job and help out. Over the course of looking, I moved up in sizes and eventually landed on the Ericson. Jim was never shy about spending a few minutes here or there with me on the phone to help guide my interest.Couldn't be happier. Thanks, Captain Jim!!

Great guy and fast response. Had Jim survey a boat prior to purchase and he was able to come out in record time, not to mention turned around the report within one business day. Highly recommended!

Jim inspected a used ski boat I intended to purchase and it was the best money I've ever spent. I learned a ton from him just watching what he was inspecting. He provided me with facts I needed to make a wise decision. I ended up not purchasing the boat he inspected and I couldn't be happier that I passed on that boat. If you're thinking of purchasing a used boat, you'd be foolish not to have Jim give it an inspection first.

I can't recommend Capt Jim enough. Very thorough, knowledgeable, professional, & helpful.His surveyed saved my wife and I from a project that would have sank us. Then he pointed us in the right direction to find our dream boat. His book was a good read, full of pratical information, and inspiring stories.Thanks Jim

Having already decided on what boat to purchase, I looked at the need to get a surveyor (due to insurance) as a burden. By some stroke of luck, found Jim Elfers who was able to accommodate a tight schedule for the survey and spent over 90min with him going over every detail of the Catalina 36' that I was already in contract for. Bottom line, not only was it worth every penny, his assessment helped me better prioritize some refurbishment and minor repairs that may have otherwise gone un-noticed. His experience also paid off in some post purchase recommendations for cost effective maintenance.I'd recommend him to anyone, and will call him first if/when looking to purchase a boat.

5 star service for sure. Jim brings many years of boating experience to the job. He has a great background for survey work and will give you an honest inspection.

My wife and I recently bought a boat. It was our first time going through the process, so our nerves were frayed and we had many small questions and reservations about the boat that we had set our sights on. We feel very lucky that we scheduled a survey with Jim. He was very professional and affable in general. He answered all our questions with plenty of patience while meticulously inspecting the boat, and kept it all in balance so nothing felt rushed. Once we ran out of questions, he filled the time answering all the questions we didn't know to ask. At the end of the survey, when he gave us his opinion on the boat, he was direct and frank about his findings, never leaving us to try to read between the lines. He said he'd get us a full report soon-after.I've seen several survey reports recently, so I thought I knew what to expect, but Jim's survey surprised me: it was incredibly detailed and well organized. When laying out the projects we should complete on the boat, he prioritized those that were safety-related, giving us a great road map for the purchases and work that we can expect ahead.I would not hesitate to recommend Jim to anyone looking for a surveyor with deep knowledge and a disposition toward accuracy--he'll tell it to you straight. Money well spent!

Honest phone call saved me some money as new old boat owner. We appreciate that, us old boat owners. Excellent.

Jim performed a pre purchase survey on a boat for me. Jim was easy to work with, extremely flexible, did a thorough job, and provided a report that was well documented. The cost of his services were very reasonable.