Tasman Boat Company

My name is Eric Hunter and I have well over a decade of experience in the vessel inspection and safety field.  I am certified by the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) to work ethically for you on your project and help you find the right boat for you.

I started in the Coast Guard at 24 years old operating motor lifeboats on the Columbia River at Station Cape Disappointment where we went out in the worst weather to bring mariners back to shore often having to make repairs to unfamiliar boats in a short period of time and under high stress.  It was a privellege to serve the people of SW Washington and my proudest accomplishments during this time was helping keep these mariners safe.

My next Coast Guard job was stationed in Alaska doing vessel inspections, marine accident investigations, managing navigation systems, maritime salvage supervision, pollution response and co-leading a grant funded naval architecture research team.  I conducted over 400 major marine accident investigations ranging from small craft to ships over 990 feet long and have a diverse and extensive knowledge of all kinds of ship systems including tow boats and commercial fishing vessels.  My research experience spans from the implications of localized currents on navigation in the permitting of large marine construction projects as well as research into ship hull corrosion for which my team was awarded 2 patents and a nationwide award for innovation.

After the Coast Guard I continued my research and consultation business specializing in corrosion issues and salvage and I concurrently worked to transfer my military survey qualifications to the civillian world.  I very much enjoy the maritime community especially in Seattle and look forward to many more years helping to keep boaters safe.

Outside of work, I own a Spencer 44 sailboat which I have cruised extensively offshore to the south as well as taking it with me up to Alaska to explore a fantastic cruising area.  I enjoy maintaining this classic sailboat and partnering with it to reach for the horizon.

In my off time I enjoy volunteering and any outdoor activity from ice climbing and mountaineering to sailing and exploring around town.