Insights

Pelagic Perspectives

Evergreen essays on yacht ownership strategy, decision-making, maintenance, capital planning, and advisory thinking.

All Due Diligence & Verification Maintenance & Systems Ownership Strategy Risk & Preparation

September 2026

Cosmetic Doesn't Always Mean Inexpensive

What a $14,500 refinishing process taught me about interpreting survey findings, and why a cosmetic condition on a survey report doesn't always mean an inexpensive fix.

Due Diligence & VerificationOwnership Strategy

Close-up of the aftercooler's copper tube bundle from the end, showing two cracked tube openings among the surrounding intact, round ones.

July 2026

Pelagic Perspectives | Maintenance Records Are Not Evidence of Condition

A pre-departure inspection uncovered a damaged aftercooler that its service record said nothing about. A maintenance invoice tells you what was billed, not what condition the equipment is actually in.

Due Diligence & Verification