Our Testimonials

Our boat is a custom lobster boat built in 1989 by Skip Zahniser on a Wilbur 34 hull. She needed some major work to bring her back to first class condition. The hull, a deep green, needed repainting. The bottom needed work and the boot stripe needed to be raised. The deck non-skid needed to be redone. There was carpentry work to be done where some rot had intruded. The pilot house teak sole needed to be stripped and refinished.

The work was begun and completed as scheduled. We got to talk to many of Tom’s boat builders, carpenters and painters as the work was underway. Their pride in the work that they did and their skills was obvious. Tom’s commitment to quality work at a fair price is reflected throughout his organization.

The boat is again a real head-turner wherever she goes. I recommend Diversified Marine without hesitation.

Chip Thayer
"Quickstep"
March 2010

My 1996 J/105 had a badly oxidized gel coat, faded decks and several small cracks in the fiberglass decking. I hired Diversified Marine to perform this major restoration for several reasons:

• Quality workmanship: Diversified Marine took the time to lay out his process to restore the boat in detail. It became evident to me that DMS would not take any shortcuts that would lead to a sub-standard job. Throughout the restoration, Tom immediately addressed anything he felt could compromise the end product, which ultimately led to a spectacular result.
• Customer-orientation: Tom was incredibly accessible and responsive throughout both the work specifications development and restoration process. He would always provide options and was more than willing to work within a budget. Tom made it clear that his #1 goal was for me to be satisfied with the end-product, and he went to extreme lengths to see that I was.
• Value: I am convinced that I received the best possible job for my money. I wouldn't consider another shop for future work!

Owner: Ed Brickley
Vessel: J 105
"Moxie"
July 2009

Just a note to tell you how pleased I am with the work Diversified did on my boat last week. I am particularly happy with the expertise and positive attitude shown by Frank Hoot and wanted to mention what I am sure that you know – that he is an excellent representative of Diversified Marine Services Inc.

While I can hope that I do not have to be calling for boat help often, you may be assured that when I do, it will be to you.

Bruse Chase
Hunter 34'
"Cat Walk"

Congratulations and thanks for all you, Chris and Tom Kicklighter did to help us find a new home for Odyssey II; she gave us great fun and enjoyment for many years and we hope her new family enjoys her as much as we did. We are looking forward to finding our new ark in time to meet the impeding floods. You have all been a great team to work with, honest, caring and straight forward and some times down right funny; nice to know you are out there looking out for us...we like doing business with all of you and we look forward to working with you as we move on to our next boat.

Jim and Anne
Cheoy Lee 36'
"Odyssey II"

Tom and his team at Diversified Marine did a fantastic job helping me refurbish my 1984 Hunter 34. The boat’s ports and windows were cracked and leaking and the whole boat needed painting. Tom’s team worked with me to replace all the ports and windows and made the boat look brand new with an AWLGRIP paint job. Tom was in constant contact keeping me updated on the progress. After the boat was finished, several folks in my marina asked if I had gotten a new boat after I returned to my slip and I even had someone whistle when the boat was about to be splashed! They did a great job with my boat and I highly recommend Tom and his team at Diversified Marine.

Jay Hurt, NBC news
Hunter 34' restoration
"Crimson Tide"

I have two boats - a sailboat and a tugboat/trawler. Diversified Marine has done an outstanding job on both. They are knowledgeable about boat systems and engines on sailboats and powerboats and have done everything from replacing the battery charger on my sailboat to replacing electrical outlets on my tugboat. They also have helped me with winterization and spring commissioning, bottom paint, and a variety of "punch list" smaller items. They do it all - which makes me feel good because they really know my boat. They are very responsive and keep me updated on their progress (and very patiently answer all my questions!). What's more, as a newer boat owner, I trust them to help me prioritize jobs and advise me on which repairs are really needed versus nice to have and in what timeframe. I feel very fortunate to have found Diversified.

Christy Tinnes, Groom Law Group
"Carolina Girl" (Beneteau 331)
"Sweet Caroline" (American Tug 34)
2010 March

Just wanted to let you know the swim platform looks and works great!! Your staff did a terrific job and your company was really easy to work with.

Ellis Kitchen
Cape Dory Down East Trawler 30'
"Slip Away"
2009 project

Diversified Marine Services delivered on three counts: quality of workmanship, timeliness and budget. Our project schedule was tightly wedged between two regattas - DMS met the deadline. Our project required a very "detail oriented' team, DMS approached our project with the goal returning our yacht to her original eye popping beauty, DMS delivered. To keep the costs down, our sailing team removed deck hardware and the stanchion, DMS worked with us to make this project successful. I recommend DMS to owners. Post Script - following the completion of our project dozens of people complemented boat at the yard; although the boat was NOT for sale, one person made an offer that could not be refused.

Owner: Robert Dunsky
Date of Service: 8.14.08
Boat Type & Name: X-yacht 38', "Equilibrium"
Hull Restoration - Awlgrip

Over the years, we at Martin Bird and Associates have consistently found that the clients we send to Diversified Marine Services receive excellent care, quick and accurate estimates and quality work. From small jobs such as cleaning, to large restoration projects of sunken vessels, the crew at Diversified Marine Services has demonstrated the knowledge and skills to do the job. You have earned a reputation for fair pricing, prompt service and high quality. We know we can recommend your services with confidence, and will continue to do so.

Chet Pawlowicz, President, Martin Bird and Associates

Once again you guys have done an OUTSTANDING job handling a tricky situation...a boat that is new to my client, with some issues, handled in a sensible way without presenting it as a can of worms. You're the pro's pro. Archie and Remy are very happy to have you helping them out and I am grateful for the confidence you give my clients that they can enjoy their boats. The easiest thing for an engine guy to do is a CYA by saying "well this could happen or that could happen", but that makes people very nervous to the point where they can't relax and enjoy sailing which is supposed to be the point. We all try to be smart and yes, do prudent maintenance and yes, hold the show up for something urgent. You are walking the link very well as far as I'm concerned.

Joe Thompson, Crusader Yacht Sales, Annapolis, Maryland

Ever since I found a Diversified Marine calling card attached to my boat’s lifelines, I have used them religiously for my spring prep work. Whether the work is bottom paint, seacock lubrication or anode replacement, the work has always be performed well and as scheduled. Most of all, Diversified’s crew has always been very helpful and friendly in explaining their work, and extremely responsive to maintenance/repair items that come up during the season.

Paul Chase

I want to thank you and your team for all the fine work Diversified Marine Services has done on my client’s boats. The work was always done professionally, neatly and on schedule. Your estimates in my view were consistently fair and accurate, and always in a prompt manner which is important when finalizing the sale of a vessel. From the Awlgrip job on the 56’ Bristol ketch to much smaller jobs, Diversified has delivered an excellent work product on time and on budget. When a customer has a repair or refit job, I am happy to recommend Diversified based upon the past satisfaction of my owners and buyers. Please keep up the good work.

Rick Casali, Manager – Gilman Yacht Sales of Maryland, Inc.

I can only sing the praises of the work you’ve done on Sonador, everything from the electrical work to the fabrication of the teak shelving, installation of refrigeration and the maintenance of the bottom during my haul out this spring. All of the work was done as discussed and the workmanship appears to be excellent. I really look forward to sending additional work your way, as I prepare for longer ventures next year.

Melissa Allen

Diversified Marine Services has been taking care of “Mistoffelees” (Bristol 33) for many years. From soda blasting, prepping and painting her bottom, coordinating the complete refit of the standing rigging, installation of electronics, painting her hull and mast (black), and general maintenance – I have been completely satisfied with the work of DMS. Their work reflects their years of experience – they are professional, responsive, on time and within budget. Tom and his crew know what they’re doing and they do it well.

John Ferman

My experience with Diversified Marine has been terrific. Diversified’s professionals are highly committed and always very responsive to my requests, helping to ensure that I have the best possible experience with my boat. With each service request, they take the time to call me, to explain what the problem is and how they propose to resolve it. The fact that they (John Eger) call me with such thoughtful explanations suggests they really care.

Matthew Alsted

Over ten years ago, I met Tom and started using Diversified Marine initially for bottom cleaning and changing the leads. But each year I am relying on him for more and more of the work on my 40 year old yawl. He and his well-trained and very polite crew have helped to keep the boat in excellent condition. Loyalty is a two way street with Tom and he has always been able to get to my work quickly no matter how swamped he may be. He has never told me he will get a job done by a certain time and not delivered – and that says a lot these days. He’s one of the best all around marine contractors I’ve ever met.

Sheila Ross