Marine Surveys & Services for Sail & Motor Yachts

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Marine Surveys

Count on us for marine surveys to ABYC standards for sail and power yachts, and for small commercial craft.

We offer comprehensive surveys and vessel inspections for insurance, pre-purchase evaluation, marina compliance, and safety or seaworthiness assessment.

Icon of a boat on water inside a blue circle.

Yacht Brokerage

Buying or selling a boat? With decades of sales, financing, and boating experience, we provide professional representation for buyers and sellers throughout California.

 For buyers, Captain Dave helps evaluate vessels, identify potential concerns, and navigate the purchase process with confidence.

For sellers, we provide strategic pricing, marketing guidance, skilled negotiation, and steady support from listing through closing.

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Captain & Delivery Services

USCG licensed Master Mariner available for boat deliveries, captain-for-hire services, charter arrangements, and professional consultation.

Based in the the San Francisco Bay Area & Serving Boaters throughout California.

We’re located in Berkeley, and we serve boaters throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and California, including San Francisco, Sausalito, Richmond, Oakland, Alameda, Redwood City, Vallejo, Benicia, Stockton, Sacramento and beyond.

Fulfilling Dreams – One Boat at a Time

Captain Dave Talton is an ABYC Certified Marine Technician and maritime professional with decades of hands-on experience evaluating, operating, buying, selling, and delivering vessels throughout California and beyond.

Dave specializes in surveys for insurance, valuation, and condition of sailboats, powerboats, and small commercial vessels. His survey work combines technical expertise with practical real-world knowledge, helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions and helping owners understand the condition, safety, and value of their boats.

A seasoned blue-water cruiser and USCG-licensed Master Mariner, Dave has logged extensive offshore miles and brings deep knowledge of vessel systems, seamanship, navigation, and route planning. His experience as a USCG Auxiliary Coxswain, Instructor, Fishing Vessel Examiner, and Pollution Inspector reflects a lifelong commitment to boating safety and education.

Whether conducting a detailed marine survey, assisting with a yacht purchase, or delivering a vessel to its next destination, Captain Dave provides clear communication, objective assessments, and trusted professional guidance backed by decades of experience on the water.

"I had the pleasure of working with CAPT Dave during the America’s Cup in San Francisco in 2013 and doing various charters on SF Bay after that. His knowledge and professionalism was appreciated and even comforting during busy times on the Bay with extreme marine traffic. I hope to work with him again, soon."

—CAPT Larry, circumnavigator and author, “Boy Behind the Gate”
"My partner and I hired CAPT Dave to manage our new boat – a 45’ power cat – and teach us how to run it. He did a great job with instruction and maintaining the boat, keeping it perfect running condition for the seven years until CAPT Dave sold it for us, getting top dollar.. It was a pleasure working with Dave."

—Lionel A
"CAPT Dave was our agent for the purchase of our 65’ Marquis. We'd never had a boat of this size. He not only negotiated a great deal for us but helped oversee the survey and work done after the purchase. He also was invaluable with teaching me how to handle the boat in all conditions. We can’t thank CAPT Dave enough for the many hours of fun we experienced from our new yacht."

—Larry and Karen C

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

1474 University Ave. #49
Berkeley, CA, 94702

Email
captdave@dktyachtservices.com

Phone
‭(415) 205-0687‬