Norse Star Marine Request a Survey

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area & Beyond

Professional Marine Surveys for Sail & Power

Partner with Mike “RedBeard” Gresham for meticulous inspections that protect your investment, support insurance underwriting, and keep East Bay owners confidently underway from Oakland to Alameda.

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Mike “RedBeard” Gresham, Norse Star Marine surveyor
Mike “RedBeard” Gresham Accredited Marine Surveyor • ABYC Member • SAMS® Affiliate

Survey Services

Detailed reporting tailored to the vessel, the mission, and the decisions you need to make.

Sailboat Surveys

  • Pre-purchase evaluations covering rigging, spars, deck hardware, hull integrity, and keel structures.
  • Moisture mapping and thermal imaging for core assessment in decks, cabins, and rudders.
  • Rig tune checks, sail inventory inspection, and safety gear audits aligned with offshore requirements.
  • Sea trial oversight to document sailing performance, auxiliary propulsion, and onboard systems.

Ideal for bluewater cruisers, race boats, and classic restorations seeking objective documentation.

Motorboat Surveys

  • Gas and diesel systems analysis, including compression testing coordination and fluid sampling.
  • Electrical and electronics diagnostics with ABYC-compliant recommendations.
  • Hull and structural inspection from stem to stern, including transom, stringers, and through-hulls.
  • Performance verification during sea trials to benchmark RPM curves, fuel burn, and handling.

Supporting cruisers, sportfishers, trawlers, and high-performance craft with actionable insights.

Insurance & Appraisals

  • Condition & valuation reports meeting underwriter and lender requirements.
  • Damage assessments with repair scope guidance after incidents or severe weather.
  • Refit progress inspections for yard quality assurance and project documentation.
  • Consulting for risk mitigation, maintenance planning, and seaworthiness upgrades.

Deliverables formatted for insurers, financiers, and legal counsel when needed.

About Norse Star Marine

Mike “RedBeard” Gresham founded Norse Star Marine to champion safe, reliable adventures on the water. With decades of bluewater experience and hands-on yard work, Mike brings a surveyor’s discipline and a seafarer’s intuition to every inspection.

  • Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) and ABYC Standards proficient
  • Comprehensive digital reporting with photo documentation and prioritized findings
  • Flexible scheduling at Bay Area marinas, yards, and waterfronts across Oakland, Alameda, and the greater East Bay
200+ Surveys Completed
25 yrs Professional Sea Time
48 hr Average Report Turnaround

Survey Process

1

Discovery Call

Define vessel specs, intended use, and survey scope to tailor deliverables and timeline.

2

On-Site Inspection

Comprehensive topside, internal, and underwater inspection with high-resolution imaging.

3

Sea Trial & Testing

Operational checks under load, system diagnostics, and verification of safety equipment.

4

Report Delivery

Actionable findings, valuation analysis, and recommendations delivered within 48 hours.

Client Confidence

“Mike’s survey saved us thousands in unexpected repairs. His report gave us leverage and peace of mind.”
— Laura & Ben, 42’ Bluewater Cruiser
“Professional, thorough, and easy to work with. The insurance company called his report one of the best they’ve seen.”
— Captain Rodriguez, 38’ Sportfisher
“From haulout to sea trial, RedBeard guided us every step. We’re on the water with total confidence.”
— The Bailey Family, 32’ Trawler

Schedule Your Survey

Ready to move forward? Let’s align on timing, scope, and deliverables for your next voyage.

  • Email: norsestartmarine@gmail.com
  • Service Area: San Francisco Bay Area marinas, with a focus on Oakland, Alameda, and the greater East Bay.

Mike's Marine Survey