Our team
A small team with a wide range of backgrounds.
Yacht Surveyors, Inc. started with a marina and repair shop on the Tennessee River in 1997. Today our surveyors bring experience from Army aviation, superyacht crews, the airline cockpit, automotive manufacturing, and on-the-water towing, so whatever your boat needs, someone on our team has seen it before.
Joel Jenkins
SAMS-AMS® · Founder, Principal Surveyor, Captain
Growing up on the Tennessee River, Joel dreamed of owning his own marina. In 1997 he founded Jay Landings Marina and RV Park, the starting point of his marine career. While running its repair facility, he was also flying CH-47 Chinooks and UH-1 Hueys with the Alabama National Guard, so he was no stranger to the ins and outs of expensive machines.
After retiring from a 26-year career in the United States Army, Joel now focuses almost 40 years of mechanical and marine experience on one job: making sure your next vessel is fit for you.
Credentials
Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS®), Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors
ABYC Marine Standards Technician, ABYC Electrical Standards Technician
Background
Marina owner since 1997 · U.S. Army, 26 years (retired) · Army aviator
Serves
AL · FL · GA · MS · TN
Reid Jenkins
SAMS-AMS® · Partner, Principal Surveyor, Captain
A North Alabama native, Reid inherited his love of the water from his dad and spent his free time growing up working on it or around it. He apprenticed alongside his father as a marine surveyor for almost a decade.
After four years at The University of Alabama, Reid worked as a deckhand on superyachts along the U.S. East Coast, in the Caribbean, and across the Mediterranean, aboard M/Y Excellence (262.5′), M/Y Excellence (153′), and M/Y Home (163.5′), and appeared on Below Deck Mediterranean. Now he brings that knowledge of how yachts are built and maintained to customers in the Tennessee Valley and beyond.
Credentials
Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS®), Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors
ABYC Marine Standards Technician, ABYC Gasoline and Diesel Engines Standards Technician
Background
University of Alabama · Deckhand on three superyachts · Over a decade surveying
Serves
AL · FL · GA · KY · MS · SC · TN
Bill Williams
Surveyor
Bill lives in Georgia and is a sailboat fanatic. After years as a pilot for Delta, he decided to put his mechanical and navigational knowledge to work serving his community as a surveyor, helping others make informed decisions on the boats they want to buy.
Bill is dedicated to good service and has the skill set you need to make sure your next boat is up to snuff.
Credentials
Pilot, Sailor
ABYC Marine Standards Technician
Background
Airline pilot, Delta · Sailboat specialist
Serves
GA
Contact
Thomas Smith
Surveyor, Captain
Captain Thomas is a native of Middle Tennessee and has spent most of his boating hours on the Tennessee River system. After spending 33 years in the automotive manufacturing industry, Thomas transitioned to working with Yacht Surveyors, Inc., where he is able to combine his eye for detail with his passion for boating.
He holds a USCG Master 100-ton license with a towing endorsement. He’s helped countless boaters as a local TowBoat U.S. captain, and he has a strong desire to help you make the best decision on your new boat purchase.
Credentials
USCG Master 100-Ton license with towing endorsement
ABYC Marine Standards Technician
Background
33 years in automotive manufacturing · Local TowBoat U.S. captain
Serves
AL · FL · GA · KY · SC · TN
Professional membership
All YSI members hold required American Boat and Yacht Council Standards training. Joel and Reid have additional membership in the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® as Accredited Marine Surveyors (AMS®), which requires documented field experience, examinations, continuing education, and adherence to a code of ethics.
Work with our team
Tell us about the boat and we’ll match you with the right surveyor for your area.