I've had some amazing life experiences in the past year of sailing, and it started with great advice, support and follow through from Byron Shirley.

In the beginning I was searching for the right kind of boat; a live aboard as well as a boat that I could comfortably single hand. Byron took the time to understand my needs and not only suggested the correct boat for me, but recommended the outfitting and upgrades that have enabled me to
enjoy the experience post purchase. I ended up taking his advice, and purchasing a new Sense 43'. Byron stayed close through the outfitting process, and the attention to detail on many of my custom requests (extending the main berth, Apple upgrades for a mobile office, diesel heaters and outfitting for cold weather live aboard, etc.)

Not only did Byron help with early suggestions, and attention to details through the purchase process, he also followed through by delivering the boat with me to San Francisco and helped ensure everything was perfect. I've heard that Yacht purchases are not for the faint of heart, but with Byron's support, from the choice of boat, to attention to details, and follow through made it rather simple and enjoyable.

I have had the pleasure of dealing with Russ Schafer twice in the last several months.  Once when we bought our 2002 38 Tiara, and second when we sold our 2001 34 Pursuit.  Both times I was impressed with his knowledge and professionalism.  He sincerely seemed like he cared.....not just going thru the motions.  Phone calls, emails and text were returned promptly. His suggestions and advise were appreciated.

As a businessman myself, I know how hard it is to get "Good People".  Russ is Good People.

My name is Carl P Blackwood. I am a bit addicted to boats, at this moment I own 8 boats of various sizes & makes. I guess you could call me a connoisseur of things that float or simply a boat nut. Don’t matter. In 2008 my wife & I set out to purchase a larger boat that we could possibly retire on or simply enjoy. Honestly, at the time I was sort of leery about dealing with a broker (I am terrified of salesmen). Then I came across a man named Rodney Robertson. This man was not pushy, in fact he was very patient (I am not exactly the easiest to sell to). Through all of the "hunting", questioning, negotiating, surveying, renegotiating, sea trials, purchase and actual transfer from Florida to Texas, he some how kept me sane and made what could have been a horrible experience pleasant. I am pretty rough around the edges & my wife is quite the opposite and somehow he kept us both happy and treated us with great respect. I have, in Florida, not only a knowledgeable broker but also a friend in Rodney.

Everything he said he would do, he did and followed through until the deal was complete. His honesty (whether I wanted to hear it our not) was refreshing in a world where salesman tend to blow a lot of smoke. Whether my wife & daughter like it or not, I am not finished buying or selling boats, but I am finished looking for a broker who can & will help me. Thank you Rodney, you are stuck with me for life.

I hope this letter will adequately convey my sincere thanks and appreciation to you for your outstanding efforts assisting me with the purchase CHINA MOON. She has successfully delivered from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, Texas. Should you desire to use this letter as a letter of recommendation, or provide my contact information as a reference, please do.

Honesty and integrity are an important part of any commercial transaction, yet they are qualities rarely found to the degree that you employ them. Our transaction, due to the long distance nature of this sale & purchase, required that I depend upon you for many activities normally handled personally by the buyer. Your willingness to travel great distances, take numerous detailed photos of prospective vessels, provide your honest assessment as to the condition and value of the vessels were invaluable to me.

Your persistence in arranging and organizing many pre and post-sale services were similarly so important to this purchase and you handled every one professionally and represented my interests to the fullest. By helping me coordinate the boat survey, engine survey, vessel prep and wrapping, along with assisting me with activities which extended well beyond the closing date (i.e. securing additional documentation for Texas state registration requirements of a foreign vessel), were very important services I would not have expected from a broker post-sale. Thank you so much for that.

It is rare to find a broker whose priority is less focused on the sale rather than the client’s needs. Rodney, I could not have hoped to have found an individual who would represent my interests fully and devote himself to finding the right vessel for me. Not only have you exceeded my expectations as a broker, you have become someone I am proud to call a friend. Thank you very much for your outstanding efforts and service in helping me find CHINA MOON.