Bill Palmer

Bill joined the team at Denison Yachting in Newport Beach, California, in 2016. He just won the Award for Broker of the Year for New Yachts in 2020. Bill has decades of experience and a vast knowledge of boating and boats of all kinds. His passion for boating and being on the water began at a very young age. He grew up in Ohio where his dad took him on boating excursions and fishing trips, exploring the Great Lakes. He learned to drive and dock a boat when he was just 8 years old. By 19, Bill already had his first boat. He was also an avid water skier and power boat racer. Bill even set a world record in power boat racing in 1972!

By the mid seventies, Bill had a new hobby... sailing! He moved to San Diego, where he honed his skills and fell in love with sailing. It was not long until he even completed a Trans-Pacific journey to Hawaii. Upon his return to San Diego, Bill pursued his passion for boating by making it into a career and began working in the yacht sales business. He was hooked.

In 1983, Bill formed Coastline Yachts. He became the Chris Craft Dealer in San Diego, adding Ocean Yachts, Ocean Alexander, Tollycraft and Blackfin to his product line. He also founded Palmer Yachts, which had an exclusive focus on brokerage (pre-owned) boats, as well as both power and sail. Bill gained a wealth of experience and knowledge while running his own companies.

Another big opportunity landed in Bill’s lap in 2003, when he joined Ardell Yacht & Ship Brokers, a large brokerage firm in Newport Beach that had a national focus. He had 13 very successful years with them. Bill led the team in 2009 as the Top Sales Broker of the Year, and again in 2013 as the Top sales Broker of the Year, for the entire company, nationwide.

Bill feels he is at home now at Denison Yachting and in the perfect place to share his passion and knowledge of both power and sail boats, while helping his clients find the perfect fit for them and their lifestyle. In addition, Bill’s personality, sense of humor and dedication often lead from client relationships to lifelong friendships.