Unmatched Experience in Marine Surveying Services
Steve Verbanac, owner of Great Lakes Marine Survey, has spent a lifetime around boats. He has performed marine surveys since the mid-1980s, and is a Certified Marine Surveyor. He is a member in good standing of the Association of Certified Marine Surveyors.
Since 1997, Steve has been a full-time independent marine surveyor for pre-purchase, insurance and damage surveys. He has provided marine consulting to individuals and adjusting services for insurance companies on damaged vessels. He opened his first boat construction and repair business in 1981.
During the 1990s, Steve was an owner/manager of full-service marine repair businesses at a 200-slip marina (mostly sailboats) and a 150-slip marina and repair facility (mostly Power vessels) in Wisconsin with the largest marine lift capacity on Western Lake Superior.
This business performed major mechanical repair and re-powering of diesel and gas engines; wood and fiberglass refinishing and repair; marine painting; steel, stainless steel and aluminum repair and fabrication; electronics repair and installation; generator repair; and sailboat repair. In addition, Steve operated two marine retail stores and purchased goods and supplies for the entire business.
Steve did all the estimating for repair and service work on commercial and recreational vessels to 125 feet. He scheduled and supervised all shop and yard work, including up to 20 skilled craftsmen seasonally. His expertise included major wood construction and repair, as well as the specialized skills required for superior hull finishes (Awl-Grip systems). Commercial repair work included ferry boats, tugs, barges and passenger vessels.
Steve’s knowledge of wooden boat construction and repair stems from owning hands-on wooden boat building and repair businesses, from 1981 through 1997. During that time, he also was a part-time marine surveyor and consultant.
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During the 1980s, he operated boat repair facilities on the St. Croix River (400-slip marina), near Minneapolis/St. Paul, and in Hancock, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
A Viet Nam veteran with two years of service onboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise (he has not done the survey for that one), Steve currently holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Masters License for Great Lakes and Inland Waters with Towing Endorsement. He has extensive commercial vessel piloting experience on Lake Superior up to 65 feet, including tug and marine crane operations.
Continuing Education
Experience is important, but so is continuing education to build the knowledge base. Steve has pursued ongoing professional development, including a WoodenBoat Marine Surveying School in 1995, and a Corrosion Seminar by the American Boat and Yacht Council in 1998. He holds a B.A. in Production Engineering and Architectural Drafting from Central Michigan University, with a minor in Accounting.