9/7/2011
What did you like most about the Paradise Yachts buying process?
The complete service from hunting for a boat to the final checkout; I would hate to have purchased this boat and been handed the keys. I can’t say enough about the service provided.
What would you tell another boater that was considering using a broker to buy his boat?
He better make sure he knows what the broker is going to do before the purchase right through moving the boat. Buying a boat on his own is just asking for problems. When problems do occur, you are going to need a knowledge broker to walk you through them.
Is there anything you would recommend to us we change or improve upon to offer customers a more satisfying experience?
Everything worked out fine, and the service was great. Two suggestions for your blog; 1) The checklist that we got from the insurance company would probably come in handy, fits well with your "Trawler School" outline, and 2) Hurricane Preparedness Plan is probably going to be asked by all insurance companies, BoatUS Insurance has a good booklet.
I would like to say how much I appreciate everything that Mary and you did for me in the purchase, closing, and most of all the moving of the boat. It only shows that when you say you are a full service broker you mean it. Without your help, I am not sure what I would have done about all the issues that came up, including repairs and move. Again thanks for all of your help, and extend to Mary my thanks for her help also.
John W.
40 Hatteras
Buyer
6/14/2011
Hi Mike,
As we said before we thought you did a great job. We can not think of anything that we would recommend you add or change. We thought you were professional, dedicated and easy to contact. You made the sale relatively easy for us. We would certainly recommend your services to anyone.
Gillian & Bill
49 Hyundai Motor Yacht
Seller
11/23/2010
Is there anything you would suggest we offer customers in the future?
Try to get the previous owner to put together an operations writeup for his boat especially related to any unique setups on the boat.
What did you like most about our services?
Great support:
The "Trawler School" was worthwhile and helped us become more discriminating buyers.
Mike showed us boats and gently steered us in the right direction.
They helped us with hotel reservations.
We probably would not have ended up with this boat, that we like so much, without his help.
They were always nice and as helpful as they could be.
They were always responsive to our emails and phone calls.
They came by frequently while we were outfitting the boat.
Mike gave us needed advice on painting the boot stripe - how to sand between coats, for example.
They were good at staying in touch and answering questions quickly, before and after the sale and all during the shake down cruise..
They spent four days on the boat cruising south to show us how to work the boat, how to navigate (staying in channel), how to dock, how to fuel the boat, etc. Mary was very much part of that orientation. She showed us how to live on a boat., how to work together on lines and fenders and that was invaluable.
Is there anything we can improve upon?
Your services far exceed those of other brokerages. Any improvements would be fine tuning.
We made it home after 7 1/2 wonderful days on the water and we are extremely grateful to Mike and Mary for making it all possible.
Rusty and Betty
1986 36 Monk
Buyer
11/2/2010
Is there anything you would suggest I offer customers in the future?
- definitely keep Trawler, Motor Yacht and Cruiser Buyer's School
- do a quick safety check of boat when helping to return it
What did you like most about our services?
- your help in bringing boat home
- the team concept (two of you)
- no pressure when it came to purchase the boat
Is there anything we could improve upon?
- with new boaters, start from very begining--assume nothing; explain
what/how as far as what you are doing with the boat: example-lines
Bonnie and Rick
1989 Nova
Buyer
3/30/2010
Since Sharon and I met you some 2+ years ago, We were then, and now, impressed with your honesty and integrity. You are not in this business for a job, you enjoy and live the boating life. Your extra service and helpfulness go way beyond any broker we have dealt with in the last 15 years.
We cannot think of any thing you could do better than you do now. Keep up the good work. We thank you for all the help and assistance you have offered.
Jerry and Sharon B
1986 Bayliner
Buyer/Seller
3/29/2010
We chose your service because your website was so customer-focused. It seemed clear that you actually cared about the right boat match for a customer, not just a sale... We were somewhat hesitant, though, because you were located so far north, out of the mainstream of most boats offered for sale. Were concerned that we might miss some boats in south Florida. Think I was somewhat of a unique customer, in that I had already done exhaustive research and knew where most of the boats that suited us were... When you made it clear that you would go wherever to see a boat, it alleviated concern.
LOVED the pre-purchase training--so thorough, and gave us a look at your boat, your standards and your exceptional organizational skills. That totally enforced our decision that you were the right broker.
Excellent follow-through on the purchase, paperwork, etc... VERY RESPONSIVE!
Invaluable training post sale. We need this more than most, since our experience is so limited. But again, since we are here, and you are there, we feel reluctant to ask you to travel so far for training...
Best tool you have is your website. Questionnaire also good. Training manual, excellent. Had some concern turning over our boat for you to run, since you are not a licensed captain. But because we have come to know you, we trusted you to live up to your claim that you could run the boat. And run it you did! Excellent!
In sum, it was an outstanding experience, and we would enthusiastically recommend you to anyone!!!
Beth and Cort D
1975 Hatteras LRC
Buyer
3/25/2010
I was very pleased with my experience with Paradise Yachts. You are very professional and you did take great pictures and with them on your first class web site, the boat sold and I received a reasonable price. I have no suggestions as I think you did a fine job!
Bob & Lisa L
1986 Bayliner
Seller
1/15/2010
First of all I was impressed by the presentation of (boat name) at Yacht World and by your Web site. The best part of doing business with you was that you "said what you were going to do and did what you said". The paper flow was made easy by your direction and your followup was excellent ie. returning phone calls and Email which was important as it was mostly long distance. Your organization of documents was excellent.
Mike , Bottom line is that I thought you and Paradise were great and if you ever need a very positive endorsement I would be happy to help.
Pat M
1998 36 Sabreline
Buyer
1/10/2010
Best in service: extensive, creative marketing exposure. Impossible for any seeker to miss it, or not appreciate it in the listing.
Carl B
1983 37 Tayana
Seller
12/5/2009
Mike,
I could not begin to imagine what you could do differently or how you could do it better. From what I have seen you blow folks over with that old fashioned business concept. Take care of the customers. I felt that you were always attentive, kept me in the loop as to what was going on, and looked out for me. I could only say thank you for all that you have done. I am planning on coming down in February for several weeks. I wanted to get some things done on the boat. I would very much like the chance to take you out to lunch while I am there. This is just a small way to say thanks. I will keep in touch and would also take this time to wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Regards,
Tony T
1979 34 Mainship
Buyer
7/19/2009
Hi Mike,
The fuzzy feeling continues, but at least I can breathe now. We want to thank you ever so much for all that you have done for us, this week has been a whirl wind, an education and learning process and fun. Stress included (only toward the end). You told us you would find us a good boat this week but you found us a GREAT OLE BOAT. Thank you, thank you, thank you, you are special.
We are super excited about the Tradewinds - just waiting to get past the survey. You were exactly right about knowing when you found the "right boat". Almost like getting knocked over - Whew!
We just got home a few hours ago and the old people have to rest, Brad will go to the office in the morning and get a copy of the contract and will have it to you by Monday morning. I was so wired I talked nonstop forever. Brad even talked lots too, about the week - the boat - the
future. Life is good. Boat is good. You are good. - Naw - Great. Thank you a million Mike, it was a pleasure.
Will talk soon, appreciate everything,
Your Fuzzy Yank friends,
Karen & Brad M
1987 43 Tradewinds
Buyer
7/2/2009
Mike.
I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank you for your assistance in the purchase of our new boat/yacht. Your knowledge and patience are to be commended by all who have dealings with you whether buying or selling. You made it a truly stress free event through the inspection, sea trail, documentation requirements and the assistance in the delivery of the boat. Most importantly your communications and updates on the progress of all the actions required enabled my wife and I feel we were in good hands. Once again thank you and please stay in touch as you are a special kind of person.
A.J. and Linda A
2000 - Viking
Buyer
2/18/2008
This testimony was written by a French buyer, new to boating in the US. I've added clarifications in parentheses.
Hi Mike
Thanks for your mail.
Today,we have been to West Marine and came (away) with a "ton" of things. It is quiet difficult because (everything) all is far away and (there are) very few cabs.
We have also found a slip at Ft Pierce city marina for two months. We (will) go there tomorrow! I (am) now registered at "BoatUS" too.
Bridgett and me ha(d) had a very pleasant and instructive trip (from Clearwater Florida to Stuart, Florida) with a so comprehensive and professional Captain.
Our relationship has been successful because (of) your reactivity, professionalism, personal engagement of a "non too big company" and your famous after (the) sale services . I would have been very alone if not.
Your website is also friendly and attractive.
(To) be sure, if some friend(s) of mine are looking for a boat, I would send him to you with confidence.
I will keep in touch for my February (return to the US) dockage and to take (your) advice to upgrade the boat .
I will now have a dry martini with my darling.
See you soon
Bridgett & Capt Philippe
1995 - 42 Grand Banks
Buyer
11/15/2008
Mike,
You were very patient with me in being an inexperienced boat buyer and were helpful throughout the process of buying the boat offering up financing and insurance options. You were also very quick at responding to emails and calls which goes a long way. (I'm) not sure what more can be done, you did a fine job. I don't have any suggestions for improvment.
Eric S.
1986 - 42 Grand Banks
Buyer
9/15/2008
Hey Mike,
Thanks so much for taking the time to check on this for me.
You did such fabulous job for us--that I really want to tell you. Again, please let me thank you for your part in the transaction.
Jimmy and I love the boat and we appreciate the role you had in the acquisition of it.
Best regards
Julie L.
2002 - 40 Sea Ray Sedan
Buyer
8/4/2008
Lucky for us I read an entry on one of the cruising websites. My wife and I lost a 42’ trawler during Hurricane Ivan and had been in the hunt for about a year to find another boat. On this post we read talked about a broker that actually owns a trawler, and of him and his first mate’s experiences of living aboard. This sounded like a person that walked the talk, but what really caught my attention were the services that he offered.
We made an appointment to meet Mike Dickens of Paradise Yachts; really to check him out, to see if this person was real, or just another quick sale yacht broker. That first meeting lasted well into the afternoon discussing the used trawler market, the perfect used trawler for us, and listening to Mike’s passion as a yacht broker and a boat person. He shared so many stories about his boat the Patricia Ann and of his experiences of living aboard a trawler.
Over the years I have dealt with many brokers; mostly the kind that are there for the quick deal and then on their way. I knew right away Mike didn’t fit into that category. His services of finding the right boat at the right price, protecting the buyer with pre-disclosure documentation, pre-surveying the boat, being there throughout the buying process, technical advice, and most important…hands on training to operate the boat and helping to get her home is what sealed the deal for us.
To make a long story short, Mike found us the perfect boat, a used 43’ Albin Sundeck Trawler, in almost mint condition. Mike lived up to every one of his commitments, making numerous trips on our behalf, compiling a list of possible used yachts that fit the criteria we had previously discussed.
After the survey, negotiations, sea trial, and the deal was finalized, the day came that we took to possession of our new trawler. Mike was there to assist us in getting our boat from Tampa Bay to Northeast Florida by way of the Florida Keys. He helped my wife and I with the electronics, navigating, anchoring, docking, handling the trawler in open seas and many other things too. This whole experience was a very positive and enjoyable because of Mike Dickens’s professionalism and for being a person of his word.
Mike B
1986 - 43 Albin
Buyer
6/25/2009
I feel the service from Paradise Yachts was overall excellent.
The best thing was the web page/exposure to the boat but close to this is your knowledge of boats and demeanor.
The only thing I could suggest at closing tell the people they need access to a notary and UPS or FED Ex mailing. I feel more glad and less sad each day. Maybe one day I will get back to boating.
Mary M
1999 - Silverton 453
Seller
10/21/2008
What do you like best about my service to you? Upfront with us and had good followup.
Dori K
2001 - 46 Nordhavn
Seller
0/12/2008
Mike,
It was our pleasure meeting you. Thank you for stopping by to introduce yourself. Your approach to selling boats is refreshing. You are at the top of our list of brokers to consider if and when we make up our minds to sell.
Roy E
1988 - 44 Heritage East
Seller
9/25/2008
Good evening Mike,
Yes, we are also glad that you finally found a serious buyer for our trawler. It was a long and hard struggle but we finally made it. I am glad that (buyer) is happy with the boat. I hope that he has good luck with it. I understand that he is going to have the bottom milled off and have it resealed to take care of the blister problem.
What I liked most about your services was that you didn't give up on the boat. You stayed in there and kept looking for new buyers. I know it wasn't easy. At times it was very discouraging.
Harry J
1979 44 Marine Trader
Seller
