Know the unknowns
Separate seller claims from supporting records and unanswered questions.
Love the boat.
Check the story.
A second look before you buy. Know what’s missing before money changes hands.
WHAT WE LOOK AT
Engine historyHidden maintenanceOwnership & titleElectrical systemsTrailer & parts
Before the deposit+
Start with the listing and the seller’s claims. Find out what still needs evidence.
Before the inspection+
Turn unknowns into a focused checklist for a mechanic or surveyor.
Before the decision+
Know your next steps and which questions remain unresolved.
BEFORE THE DOCK
Buying a used boat should start with better questions. We help you look beyond the listing, understand what’s missing, and plan the right next step — with a clear path to hands-on marine expertise.
GET A SECOND LOOKA better starting point
Look below the surface
Engine history, wiring, corrosion, trailers, and the details a listing leaves out.
Make the next move
A practical plan for seller follow-ups and the right in-person inspection.
OUR SERVICESA clearer picture.
A clearer picture.
Before you commit.
LISTING · SELLER QUESTIONS · NEXT STEPS
Listing risk review
A second look at the listing, seller claims, missing evidence, and questions to resolve before you send a deposit.
Explore the reviewBETTER QUESTIONS✦FEWER SURPRISES✦BEFORE THE DOCK✦BUY WITH A CLEARER PICTURE✦
DETAILS MATTER
Your next boat.
Your hard-earned
investment.
A fresh polish can’t explain an engine’s maintenance history. A low hour count can’t answer every parts question. Start with the evidence, then bring in the right specialist.
See what we checkEngine history
Service records, model details, claimed hours, and diagnostic questions.
Hidden maintenance
Photo and video prompts for places buyers often overlook.
The paper trail
A checklist for ownership documents, HIN, and trailer details.
Expert follow-up
A defined scope for a separately agreed physical inspection.
HOW IT WORKS
Simple process
From a listing link to a more informed next step. Here’s how the review works.
STEP
1
1
STEP 01
Send the listing
Tell us about the boat, the engine, and what concerns you. Paste the seller’s description and any shareable media links.
STEP
2
2
STEP 02
Confirm the scope
We confirm availability, the questions to cover, the final price, and the timing before paid work starts.
STEP
3
3
STEP 03
Get a clearer picture
Use your private review link for the findings, missing evidence, seller questions, and recommended next steps.
STEP
4
4
STEP 04
Arrange the next step
If needed, request a separately quoted mechanic visit or marine survey before making your purchase decision.
A CLOSER LOOKWhat the listing
What the listing
doesn’t show.
Turn missing details into questions worth asking.
View the sampleCAPTAIN-OWNED · ISLAMORADAMeet Captain
Meet Captain
Kit Carson.
Before the Dock is owned and operated by Captain Kit Carson, an Islamorada charter boat captain and the owner/operator of DirtyBoat Charters at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada.
The idea is simple: help used-boat buyers ask better questions before committing their money. Kit coordinates the review and the next steps, with specialist mechanical inspections agreed separately.
Talk to Captain KitLOCAL KNOW-HOW
The right marine expertise
Different engines need different expertise. Inspection scope and availability are confirmed with each specialist.
Jason
Big Beard Boats
Outboard expertise in the Upper Florida Keys.
BIGBEARDBOATS.COMJack
Marine Mechanics
Diesel and generator expertise in the Keys and Miami.
MARINEMECHANICS.COMSERVICES & PRICING
Start with the right level
Send a request first. We confirm the scope, availability, and final price before paid work begins.
Listing review$149
PROPOSED PILOT PRICEA preliminary review of the listing and information you supply.
- Missing evidence & risk questions
- Seller follow-up checklist
- Written next steps
- Private review link
Outboard inspectionQuote
SEPARATELY AGREEDRequest a hands-on mechanical inspection for your outboard boat.
- Engine-specific scope
- Yamaha & Suzuki requests
- Availability confirmed first
- Priced by the specialist
Diesel inspectionQuote
SEPARATELY AGREEDRequest specialist attention for diesel engines and generators.
- Diesel & generator requests
- Keys and Miami coverage
- Testing scope agreed first
- Priced by the specialist
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A few things to know
Clear expectations before you send the listing.
Is this a marine survey?+
No. A listing review is preliminary guidance based on the information supplied. It does not verify condition, ownership, seaworthiness, or value. A qualified surveyor and appropriate mechanical testing cover separate work.
Can you review a Facebook Marketplace boat?+
Yes. Send the listing link and paste the seller’s description. If the listing is private or unavailable, we will need the details and shareable photo or video links from you.
Are high engine hours always a red flag?+
Hours alone do not tell the whole story. The engine model, service history, usage, storage, and diagnostic evidence determine which questions deserve attention.
Can you help with discontinued engines or parts?+
We can flag model-specific parts and support questions for a specialist to verify. Availability must be checked for the exact engine and part; a listing review is not a parts-availability guarantee.
What does it cost, and when do I pay?+
The proposed pilot price for a listing review is $149. Submitting the form costs nothing. Availability, scope, final price, and timing are confirmed before paid work starts. Mechanical inspections and surveys are quoted separately.
Where do the mechanics work?+
Jason at Big Beard Boats focuses on Yamaha and Suzuki outboards in the Upper Keys. Jack at Marine Mechanics works on diesel engines and generators in the Keys and Miami. Each provider confirms availability and accepts work separately.