BAMS is owned and operated by Captain and Engineer Luis Martinez. He brings 25 years of professional maritime experience to meet the most challenging customer needs. Luis's cost effective and safety-focused management style reflects his breadth of experience that has earned him a first-rate reputation and loyal following.
Engines, general maintenance and repair, auxiliary & electrical systems, and trouble-shooting. To work with Luis was an exceptionally positive experience because a he's hard worker, always punctual, professional, insightful and on target. He can multi-task and comes up with creative solutions to unforeseen situations.
Engines, general maintenance and repair, auxiliary & electrical systems, and trouble-shooting. To work with Luis was an exceptionally positive experience because a he's hard worker, always punctual, professional, insightful and on target. He can multi-task and comes up with creative solutions to unforeseen situations.
Services
BAMS does not accept responsibility for any equipment which is discovered to be faulty while vessel repair is taking place, or as a result of vessel repair. Any faulty equipment or breakage due to age or previous poor installation will be replaced or repaired at client's expense. BAMS will endeavor to assist with any problems directly resulting from their BAMS repairs up to 90 days after service.
If you are a prospective buyer, are appraising damage, would like to sell your vessel or learn of its condition in detail, you will need a survey. Surveys are a valuable means to determine vessel condition, fair market value, damage and necessary repairs. For example, banks may require a survey to determine fair market value for financing.
Whether it is for deliveries, charters, day sails or instruction, we have the right person for you. We can take you sailing anywhere and will provide you with licensed and experienced captains, first officers, engineers, deck hands and chefs. Yes, we can provide catering too. Therefore, he was the perfect person to rebuild and repair my 56' yacht which was devastated by a storm.
Bay Area Marine Services (BAMS) offers competitive prices and professional services to the entire Bay Area. Every hour of labor includes over 25 years of experience as a naval engineer and captain, ranging from rebuilding frigates to overseeing multiple 100+ ton vessels in dry dock and managing wooden and fiberglass boats for local and circumnavigation travel.
Reviews (14)
Dominic M.
Dec 01, 2021
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I've used Luis and Bay Area Marine Services on two different occaissions. The first time, we had our starboard engine stuck in reverse, and couldn't find any yards open for months. Luis had a relationship with the Berekely Marina and was able to get us in quickly. WHile there we had the bottom painted and he fixed a few other issues with the hydraulic lifter.
Unfortunately, we just recently we had a cracked head, and Luis once again came to the rescue. It took some digging, but he eventually found a replacement head and was able to get us back on the water. There weren't many
Unfortunately, we just recently we had a cracked head, and Luis once again came to the rescue. It took some digging, but he eventually found a replacement head and was able to get us back on the water. There weren't many
Loki U.
Dec 01, 2021
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I have mixed feelings. Luis is a really nice guy, and timely once scheduled. The work performed has yet to be verified, though I know they worked hard on my engines.
We haven't been able to enjoy the water since full service due to both engines overheating intermittently. As I've been researching the solutions I found communication from Alison that indicates I paid for impellers and kits however as I've been diving into the issue and getting quotes for the work, BAMS sent me yet another quote for impellers which is twice as much as the first quote which included electrical.
When
We haven't been able to enjoy the water since full service due to both engines overheating intermittently. As I've been researching the solutions I found communication from Alison that indicates I paid for impellers and kits however as I've been diving into the issue and getting quotes for the work, BAMS sent me yet another quote for impellers which is twice as much as the first quote which included electrical.
When
Ghaida Zahran
Nov 04, 2021
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Luis and his team at Bay Area Marine Services are my go-to boat experts.
I first reached out to Luis when I had a project to repower my sailboat from an inboard gas engine to an electric engine. After a visit to the boat to consult he took measurements and came up with a plan for the repower that fit my budget. Throughout the project, he and his team kept me in the loop with pictures and updates so I felt confident about the progress of the project.
Luis is a naval engineer and captain, so you get more than a mechanic when you hire him. He has a deep knowledge and appreciation for boats, and
I first reached out to Luis when I had a project to repower my sailboat from an inboard gas engine to an electric engine. After a visit to the boat to consult he took measurements and came up with a plan for the repower that fit my budget. Throughout the project, he and his team kept me in the loop with pictures and updates so I felt confident about the progress of the project.
Luis is a naval engineer and captain, so you get more than a mechanic when you hire him. He has a deep knowledge and appreciation for boats, and
Will K.
Oct 26, 2021
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I am writing this review for Luis and BAMS. Luis is an amazing diesel mechanic. He's incredibly knowledgeable, creative, a problem solver, and hardworking; you won’t find anyone better than Luis for the job.
Luis conducted extensive tests on our diesel engine and examined several of the items flagged called during our sailboat survey. He monitored each item while suggesting repairs and maintenance to solve each problem in the most efficient and affordable way. Luis always took care of everything quickly and up to the highest quality. Nobody was better at examining our boat than Luis. He was
Luis conducted extensive tests on our diesel engine and examined several of the items flagged called during our sailboat survey. He monitored each item while suggesting repairs and maintenance to solve each problem in the most efficient and affordable way. Luis always took care of everything quickly and up to the highest quality. Nobody was better at examining our boat than Luis. He was
Evan P.
Jun 19, 2021
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This business attempted to sell me an extremely expensive ($15k) service that I did not need on the basis of a diagnosis that turned out to be totally wrong. I suspect this was done intentionally, as I was pressured to forgo any tests that would have confirmed the diagnosis.
I bought my first boat about a year ago and had Luiz come to do a survey and give me some tips on maintenance. He quickly concluded that I needed a new engine right away and quoted me $15k, the price of the whole boat. I've since used the engine every weekend for a year and it has been 100% reliable. I hired a different
I bought my first boat about a year ago and had Luiz come to do a survey and give me some tips on maintenance. He quickly concluded that I needed a new engine right away and quoted me $15k, the price of the whole boat. I've since used the engine every weekend for a year and it has been 100% reliable. I hired a different
Evan S.
Aug 25, 2020
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Buying my first boat and decided to go used, and wanted to have the boat assessed by a professional. Luis was very knowledgeable-able and distilled the key information about the boat for me. He pointed to a few things that we need to fix proactively and gave me an honest assessment of the condition of the engine and what I'd be looking at down the road.
He was prompt and responsive and efficient but thorough. His report came the same night and was detailed and complete.
I would use him again.
He was prompt and responsive and efficient but thorough. His report came the same night and was detailed and complete.
I would use him again.
Dave C.
Aug 14, 2020
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I met Luis on the dock when he was servicing other boats... Took his card and then followed up.
He was very quick providing a quote for basic maintenance on my J88 Yanmar diesel. And, I signed him up for the job. He arrived when he said he would, did the deed and provided excellent service and advice. Payment was easy and I would sign him up for maintenance anyday.
Fortunately, there is nothing wrong with the engine/saildrive so the project was basic preventative maintenance but I liked his approach and he left the boat clean and tidy.
He was very quick providing a quote for basic maintenance on my J88 Yanmar diesel. And, I signed him up for the job. He arrived when he said he would, did the deed and provided excellent service and advice. Payment was easy and I would sign him up for maintenance anyday.
Fortunately, there is nothing wrong with the engine/saildrive so the project was basic preventative maintenance but I liked his approach and he left the boat clean and tidy.
Briana T.
Jul 22, 2020
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Thank you BAM and Luis for the great customer service, communications and trouble shooting. They are quick to reply and have a very talented and knowledgeable mechanic. I have been trying for months before BAM to get a mechanic to look at my Yanmar 2gm20f. With professional service, the engine problem was found and fixed quickly. I am able to be back on the water with confidence.
Matthew A.
Jul 13, 2020
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It took me way too long to find a boat mechanic that would answer their phone, and have availability. Luis was just that. He scheduled me for the soonest appointment he could make for a boat fix in my area. I happened to have the problem solved by a neighboring sailor who wanted to take a crack at it, so I ended up not needing Luis services, but if I had, I know that he would have been professional, solution-ready and a good decision overall. (I wouldn't have left this review otherwise.) Thanks!
Paul R.
Jun 19, 2020
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These guys are great! We had myriad issues with our boat in Sausalito. The stereo no longer worked, pumps were failing, various parts were falling off, and the boat needed a good deep cleaning. Luis and his team came out and conquered every issue. Our fuses were replaced, clogs in the bilge and other pump-out areas were cleared and the boat was thoroughly cleaned by hand and pressure washing (they removed 10-year-old junk like rusty fishing rods!) so that it is now 10 years younger looking. I can't recommend them enough!
John F.
Jun 15, 2020
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Belinda I.
May 18, 2020
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Wave Jumper O.
May 17, 2020
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I can't say enough about Mr. Martinez and BAMS! I hired him for an engineering project and rebuild of a houseboat, and he was truly phenomenal. His thoughtful insight and project management was stellar, and his background gave him incredible insight into problem solving as I pushed the envelope and the project grew. I loved his crew members as well! I couldn't recommend him more highly; he is honest, a straight shooter and very creative as well while drawing from his 25 years of experience. I truly look forward to working with him again on an upcoming project this fall.
Bill H.
May 15, 2020
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Luis did some work on my Sea Ray 330; I had an interior stair with a weld that was failing. The job was larger than I anticipated (shocker) but Luis was all over it.
His work was fast, thorough and once finished he left everything super tidy.
I'll definitely use BAMS again and would recommend his work to anyone in need of it.
His work was fast, thorough and once finished he left everything super tidy.
I'll definitely use BAMS again and would recommend his work to anyone in need of it.
