So you want some comments on our experience in working with you:
Well, first and foremost, you're a gentleman. You listen, and you are thoughtful and polite and you treat the wife with the same respect as the husband. Not all boat brokers can say that. But even better, you're a real person with common sense and the willingness to share. Not only do you know your stuff, but you are candid and thorough and most helpful. In addition, you provide the best service. Not only do you arrange all the purchase and sales details, but you follow up afterwards. When I forgot to do my bottom job, or to change a zinc, or to replace a worn fitting that the surveyor warned about, you were on it. You watched over me and my boat and kept us both in good shape. But above all else; you've got deal brain.That's the quality that's possessed only by the rare few who actually make the overwhelming majority of all the sales. The rest don't count. When we made an offer on a boat with multiple owners who couldn't agree, you pursued it until you made the deal. When it came time to sell, you conscientiously helped us get the price right, and bingo, the deal was done in days. We worked with many brokers, and we've never been happier than when we worked with you!
So there. Put that in your pipe and smoke it; and best of luck to you in your new passage in life. Regards, Merle
In early 2018 my wife and I worked with John as our buyers broker to purchase a Hylas 54. John had been recommended to us by amutual friend and previous client of John's, and it turned out to be a very good recommendation.
My wife and I are lifelong sailors, but we had limited cruising experience, and we were purchasing a sailboat with the intent of cruising Canada, the US West Coast and Mexico. John was extremely helpful guiding us through the purchase process, and helping us evaluate the pros and cons of the various boats we were considering. John has a wealth of cruising experience, and we found his insights into boat design features quite useful. Once we settled on the boat, he was excellent helping us negotiate a good deal. John is a good communicator, and his calm demeanor helped us to comfortably move through what can be a stressful and emotional process. We always felt John was working in our best interests,and we never felt pressured.
We enjoyed working with John on the purchase of our boat, and have continued to stay in contact with him to solicit his advice on various issues. We are enjoying our boat, and after spending two summers cruising in the San Juan's and Gulf Islands we've moved her to San Francisco and are preparing to head to Mexico in 2020.
Our experience using John as our broker was very positive, and we would recommend him to others who are in the market for a good boat.
