Letters of Recommendation

Ian Van Tuyl, IVT Yacht Sales

To Whom It May Concern:

I am pleased to recommend Duane Smets of Smets Surveys for marine survey work in San Diego and Southern California.

As a yacht broker with IVT Yacht Sales, I have worked with Duane on more than 2 dozen surveys since 2024. These include pre-purchase and seller’s surveys on vessels such as a Jeanneau 64, Azimut 60, Beneteau 54, Fairline 50, Tartan and Sabre yachts, and the list goes on and on.

Duane is thorough, organized and easy to work with. He arrives prepared and on time, explains his findings clearly to buyers and sellers, and delivers his report quickly, typically by the next business day. His reports are detailed and well documented, and they give my clients the information they need to make confident decisions.

Just as important, Duane gives an honest, independent assessment. My clients trust his findings because he calls things as he sees them, even when the news is not what they hoped to hear. I continue to recommend Duane to my clients without hesitation. You are welcome to share this letter with prospective clients, and please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Ian Van Tuyl, Broker, IVT Yacht Sales, Inc. · 619-507-4416 · October 21, 2026

Sean White, Breakwater Yachts

As a busy yacht broker, I’ve attended multiple surveys performed by Duane Smets. My clients are impressed with his attention to detail, his willingness to explain issues in detail, his comprehensive reports, and his pleasant demeanor while undergoing a stressful task under pressure from multiple touch points.

As a testimony, I had Duane Smets do the survey on my personal 42’ sailboat, and there could not be a higher recommendation than that.

Sean White, Yacht Broker, Breakwater Yachts · October 14, 2026

Bradley Destache, Destache Yacht Service

“Mr. Smets has served as an independent contractor, conducting yacht and vessel surveys for my operations over the past five years.

The quality of his inspection reports has been reliably thorough and professional, providing my company with the detailed and accurate assessments necessary for our clients. His efforts have been an asset, and he has always approached his assignments with a positive and cooperative attitude.”

Bradley Alan Destache, SAMS® AMS, Destache Yacht Service

Scott Young, South Coast Yachts

“As a sales agent with ACY Yachts, I have worked with Duane on multiple surveys since 2021. These include pre-purchase surveys on vessels such as Beneteau sail and power boats of all sizes. He has a professional demeanor that clients appreciate.”

Scott Young, Yacht Sales Consultant, South Coast Yachts, an ACY Yachts Company · October 22, 2026

Keenan Hirsh, Harbor Sailboats

I have been a marine professional and yacht salesperson for more than 15 years, and during that time I have worked with many marine surveyors. Without hesitation, Duane is my first recommendation for both buyers and sellers seeking a marine survey.

Duane consistently delivers the level of professionalism, attention to detail, and responsiveness that clients deserve during the purchasing or selling process. He has a friendly and approachable demeanor that immediately puts clients at ease, while his thorough inspections provide the confidence needed to make informed decisions.

One of the qualities I appreciate most is the quality of his reports. Duane produces clear, detailed, and professionally written survey reports that are easy to understand and exceptionally well organized. Just as importantly, he delivers them promptly, allowing buyers, sellers, brokers, and lenders to keep transactions moving forward without unnecessary delays.

Throughout the years, I have confidently referred countless clients to Duane knowing they will receive honest, unbiased, and comprehensive evaluations of their vessels. His reputation for integrity and quality work has made him a trusted resource within our local boating community.

Whether you are purchasing your first boat, upgrading to your next vessel, or preparing a yacht for sale, I highly recommend Duane’s services. He is a true professional and one of the most dependable marine surveyors I have had the pleasure of working with.

Keenan Hirsh, Marine Professional & Yacht Salesperson, Harbor Sailboats · October 28, 2026