The Jon Diesel difference

How I got here

I was born and raised in the Sarasota and Bradenton area and have been working in the marine diesel industry for two decades. I started at eighteen at Darrel's Mobile Marine, where I spent three years on every kind of early model marine diesel that came through.

After that I worked seven years as the mechanic for a yacht maintenance company, maintaining all styles of yachts and their mechanical systems. During that time I travelled the east coast as a mate delivering boats for my employer, Captains Maintained Yacht Services. That is where I learned to maintain every aspect of a yacht, from air conditioning systems to waterproofing to engine service, including operating large vessels for monthly exercising.

I then took a job with a local Volvo Penta dealer and learned the Volvo Penta engines and drive systems thoroughly. It was during my time with Volvo that I began performing marine diesel engine surveys with full engine inspections. Having grown up around yachts I had always been interested in that work. I kept performing surveys with real success and was certified by Volvo. I stayed six years before deciding to start my own business.

Why I started Jon Diesel

I founded Jon Diesel LLC in 2017 to build a marine diesel service, engine survey and repair company on my own terms. It has grown steadily since. I have worked all over Florida and travelled through the Bahamas and the Caicos Islands doing it.

What that means for your boat

• The person who quotes the job is the person who does the job
• Survey findings are photographed and coded, not summarised in a sentence
• Compression is read on every cylinder, not estimated from engine sound
• Testing happens under load, because idling at the dock proves nothing
• If a job belongs with a dealer or another shop, I will tell you plainly
• No job too big or small, which has been the rule since day one

Where I have worked

• Throughout the state of Florida
• The Bahamas
• Turks and Caicos