The Marine Butler Ltd.

My wife and I recently moved to Vancouver Island to retire with the water and mountains. We had been planning for several months to purchase a boat to enjoy time with friends and family. We have a boat load (pardon the pun) of grand children so we were particularly motivated to make sure we purchased a sea worthy vessel. Despite having a competent mechanical background I soon realized hiring a professional surveyor was the only way to go. We were very fortunate to hook up with Dale at The Marine Butler. From the first contact Dale made it clear that we could call anytime with questions and also forward listings of potential boats that he would give us his opinion. He spent hours of his time helping find the right boat for the type of boating we wanted to do. The Marine Butler does not charge for this service and I must say having a 42 year seaman to bounce things off gave us the confidence to make the right decisions. Dale surveyed two boats for us. The surveys were very thorough leaving no stones unturned. With Dale's help we purchased a great boat. Dale is a no nonsense guy, very passionate about boating and the boating industry, and I would recommend his services to anyone looking to purchase a boat.SincerelyPatrick and Frances

Dale provided a comprehensive survey on the purchase of a used Hunter. He communicated well, coordinated boat visits and offered candid insights regarding the overall condition of the boat, a priority list of maintenance, and a projection of future resale. The follow up survey document was highly detailed and accompanied with photos. I would highly recommend Dale of Marine Butler Ltd. if you want to crystal clear assessment of a boat you are considering to purchase.

We have been using the Marine butler for the past 18 years for marine surveys and repairs. We could always count on Dale to be prompt and professional. Many times has he come to the rescue on short notice where ever we were located. He comes with a wealth of knowledge and has always had solutions to all of our problems. Few of these we can look back on with a smile. He has taken the stress out of some of the problems that come with buying a new boat. We would highly recommend using him if you are looking to purchase a boat in the future.Sincerely Colleen and Gerhard Gerke

Dale did a thorough job surveying our boat we were considering buying and he was very honest with what he found. Would recommend if you want to make sure you find all the possible issues.

Dale has deleted a previous 1 star rating. Highly recommend seeking an alternative Surveyor. Don’t believe whatever gaslighting response he puts up here.

My wife and I recently returned to the coast and had the opportunity to use the services of Dale at the Marine Butler. This was our first boat purchase in many years. When our first choice did not work out Dale went above and beyond helping us locate a potential vessel. After a successful survey he assisted us in attaining service at a suitable facility. Dale brings over 40 years of maritime knowledge to the table. His experience, knowledge and thoroughness during the survey ensured our purchase was made with confidence in what we were getting and any work that was required. I would not hesitate to recommend Dale and the services of the Marine Butler to anyone.

You surveyed my boat for a buyer, when your father asked if all systems were working I replied yes, he then marked every single system as in working order without checking a single one. I find this to be absolutely brutal to toe anyone’s money and not do the work they are paying you to do. He is also rude and has no respect for anyone. I would never allow him back on any boat of mine!

We used Dale (Marine Butler) for the purchase and our survey and Mike (Mel Yacht Services) for the repairs and maintenance of our new to us boat, we had an amazing experience! The Knowledge behind this Father/Son dynamic duo far exceeded our expectations. They helped us purchase a boat and were very thorough in letting us know what to expect from beginning to end of the purchase. Mike then did all the repairs and Maintenance for us, explaining everything to us along the way. We felt taken care of at the largest level. There were no hidden costs and everything was done with the upmost professionalism. Not only after all of this great service they went above and beyond and gave us another Sea trial and taught us all of the things that we needed to know spending their valuable time with us! I cannot say enough good things about these two! We will use no other in the future for any surveys or mechanics we need done! Thank you again both of you, we are very happy customers!

Dale and Michael from the Marine Butler Ltd. have been my go-to guys for all boating issues since my first 1995 Bayliner to my current 2006 Meridian 411. They run a quality family owned company that stands behind their work and I won't go anywhere else. If you want the job done right the first time, the Marine Butler is the place to go!

We found Dale to be extremely knowledgeable, thorough, fair and ethical. He and his son Mike make a great team.! They truly work for you as the buyer which cannot necessarily be said of all surveyors. As Dale himself says, If I wouldn't buy it