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Buyer’s Agent for Sailboats & Powerboats – Inspections + Advice (berkeley)
offered in person
offered virtually
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I’m Dustin Allen, a full-time sailor/live-aboard, certified marine mechanic, and independent buyer’s agent for both sailboats and powerboats.
I’ve seen it all: hidden rot, engines ready to fail, electrical disasters, bad tanks. Sellers don’t always catch the problems, and brokers are focused on moving the deal forward. My job is to protect you.
One inspection now can save you years of headaches and thousands of dollars later
A recent client was ready to buy a “clean” trawler. On the surface it looked solid. My inspection uncovered soft decks and a failing engine. Walking away saved them over $25,000 in repairs plus years of headache — and we later found them a better boat for less money.
Inspections start at just $20 for a quick listing check (I can tell a lot from pictures and a listing description). If the boat passes that first filter, I also offer full pre-purchase inspections over video call anywhere in the world or in person if you're local to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Your dream boat is out there — I’ll make sure you don’t settle for a nightmare.
Call or Text Anytime: 415-910-5507
Email: Dustin@ShipshapeSociety.com
Look Me Up
Instagram: @DustinTheSailor
Facebook: Dustin Allen
More About Me
I started my professional marine technician career by working at several Bay Area sailing schools in the fleet service department leading the maintenance and repair team.
Before that I worked as an auto mechanic building hot rods.
Once I discovered this amazing lifestyle, I dedicated everything to transitioning my skills to boats. I worked at OCSC and Modern Sailing, two of the best sailing schools in the world..
I took care of about 50+ boats. Everything from J24s to Catalina 30s, c320s, c36, up to J105s, large Beneteau’s and several large cruising boats including a Hans Christian 43 Christina.
I also live-aboard a Sparkman and Stephen’s Catalina 38, co-own a Bristol 29.9 and sail/race on a J105. I live on the bay and sail everyday.
Over the years I’ve owned multiple different vessels. I buy them, restore them and then sell them as a part of my live-aboard lifestyle. So far I’ve had about 15 boats. Feel free to ask me about them. I have stories for days.
I also ran a marine services business for years after working for the sailing schools. Throughout the process of fixing boats for so many years, I learned all the ins and outs. I can help you avoid serious mistakes.
Throughout the last 10 years, I’ve been on the water in a professional manner 24/7. I understand all systems onboard a vessel from the top of the of the mast to the bottom of the keel and everything in between. Feel free to ask me any questions you have about me. I’m here to help. These days I do more consulting and teaching than anything. I help aspiring boat owners and new boat owners through several avenues. I offer pre-purchase inspections, buyers agent services, surveys, boat setups and I even teach courses (marine diesel, marine electrical, and marine systems). Contact me anytime at 415-910-5507. Let’s get you a great boat!
Cheers
Professional Marine Inspector
Dustin Allen