Customer Testimonials

 “Do What You Say You Are Going To Do.”  When diligently applied, this simple phrase speaks volumes about commitment to excellent service and professionalism, both critical traits for any yacht broker. Michael Porter, broker at the ECYS Portsmouth, RI office exceeded our expectations during a detailed examination and survey of a 2008 Zimmerman Z36. When COVID-19 travel restrictions prevented us from visiting the yacht, Mike provided a live video walk through. He provided written answers to our many questions accompanied by supporting photographs. When we requested information related to oil sample analyses he confirmed his interpretation of the data by contacting the lab technician who had performed the tests, and provided written comments. Our many voice messages were promptly answered and Mike was unfailingly generous with his time and considerable expertise. Most importantly it was clear to us from the beginning that Mike Porter is a true professional who values customer service, provides accurate and timely advice, all while maintaining a laser focus on ensuring that the yacht will fulfill the needs and desires of his clients. Mike “Does What He Says He’ll Do”, and then some! We are happy to provide this recommendation – it was well earned.

 Ben did a superb job with our listing – knowledgeable, straightforward and focused. Would definitely work with ECYS again.

ECYS is terrific! Several years ago we decided to downsize from our Gozzard 41 to a smaller power boat. After meeting Ben Knowles, we gave him the listing. He is knowledgeable about both sail and power boats. Always diligent, professional and thoughtful, he created a video which showcased the wonderful features of our Gozzard. The boat was in contract within months! A job well done. We then considered the power boats within our size requirements and quickly, with Ben’s numerous contacts, knowledge of the market and contacts, identified a MJM34z. Ben knew it was the right boat for us and he was right!! We would highly recommend Ben and the entire team at ECYS for all your nautical needs – whether buying, selling, even deliveries or just advice – they are highly experienced, friendly and qualified to help with any issues. Ben and ECYS will be a friend forever!!!

I have purchased 2 boats thru East Coast Yacht Sales and Ben Knowles. The company is professional and very thorough. I can call anytime an get my questions answered, in other words , they don’t forget you after the sale is made. Congratulations to East Coast on all your success, you have earned it. All the best.

Congratulations on opening new Mystic location!! Earlier this year I purchased a boat and worked with Ben Knowles. Ben and company were terrific to work with. Direct and honest answers, integrity, and enthusiasm remained consistent pre/post sale. Buying or selling, ECYS and Ben Knowles will be my go to. Thanks for everything!

What a wonderful NEW location! East Coast Yacht Sales goes above and beyond for there customers from the moment you walk in the door. Just OUTSTANDING service! They have helped my friends and I through the years! So glad to see this company growing! Thanks for taking such good care of me and my needs! I will always use your company!

Scott helped us buy a Herreshoff 12 1/2, which had been one of my dream boats.  When old age made it hard to handle he arranged the boat’s donation to the Maine Island Trail Association.  Throughout both processes he was attentive to our needs and even some of our whims.  He’s a friend but I have no problem in saying he’s the most professional and honest yacht broker I’ve ever worked with.

Professionalism, knowledgeable, and courteous are just three of the praises that should be bestowed on Scott Woodruff and his staff at East Coast Yacht Sales in Camden, Maine. From my first inquiry in regard to the availability of the Sabre 38 MK II, I purchased with their assistance through a year and a half of ownership, Scott has been their to assist me in every aspect of the purchase and ownership. He is clearly someone who develops a relationship with a client that does not end at the closing. A value on the guidance he has provided throughout the purchase process and thereafter cannot be  put into words.

Mike Porter, broker East Coast Yacht Sales, was extremely helpful in guiding me through the process of buying an Alerion 20 Express Day Sailer. It was a totally positive experience from my initial inquiry to the final hauling of Anna Leah from Maine to Michigan . He provided advice and resources about getting a competent boat survey, registration and title transfer, insurance, funds transfer, working with the marina in preparing the boat for shipping and finally helping find a great boat hauler who took real good care transporting my boat to Michigan. Also electronic document handling (purchase agreement/bill of sale etc) was efficient and accurate. He’s honest , responsive and a great person to work with. I highly recommend him. Greg Rice, Michigan

I worked with Mike Porter for the purchase of my yacht. Mike was very knowledgeable, helpful, and sincere throughout the process. He guided me through the boat purchasing steps without being pushy or “salesy.” At one point he even went down to the boat on a Sunday night to check on something for me, he also ran to buy a new zinc to put on the shaft before our sea trial. He is a very nice guy and genuinely cares about his clients. I’ve already referred him to some family members for their next boat purchase. I would definitely use Mike and East Coast Yacht Sales again.

My wife and I worked with Spencer Drake to purchase a 2005 MJM 34z and to sell our 2002 Jupiter 27. Spencer guided us through the entire process, making it simple and easy. He and the entire East Coast Yacht Sales team are professional, thorough and a pleasure to work with. We would highly recommend ECYS.

I have acquired and sold many many vessels. My experience with Ben Knowles at East Coast Yacht Sales was without a doubt, the best one I have ever had. His unique characteristics of deep expert knowledge, superb proactive communication (frequency and content), creativity, innovation (including the use of drone video), and tireless tenacity were exactly what I was hoping for. I have incredibly high standards for professional service providers and have been told I am a tough grader; Ben and ECYS are an incredibly breath of fresh air in a sometimes tradition-bound industry. I recommend him without reservation and am happy to have people contact me if they’d like more detailed input.

East Coast Yacht Sales is a super professional firm!! Ben Knowles helped me identify the best boat for my family, purchase the boat, sell my old boat and all without any angst whatsoever!! I recommend ECYS wholeheartedly!!

I purchased a J160 listed by ECYS from another broker but got to observe the depth and professionalism of the ECYS team lead by the “lead by example” style of its owner Jon Knowles. Three years later I purchased and Alden 63 using ECYS as my representative. Again, professionalism and follow up above and beyond expectation in a complex transaction with a European owner. ECYS also listed my J160 and sold it in 120 days through Tim Kohl’s leadership.

A great team, with drive, experience and integrity!

I recently purchased a beautiful J 124 through East Coast Yacht Sales. I was impressed by their thoroughness in the entire process, overseeing the commissioning and sea trial of the boat and delivering to me a vessel ready for sea. They displayed their concerns for their client’s satisfaction by quickly addressing any minor mechanical issues that arose after closing.

I would like to thank you for your excellent professional assistance in acquiring a Pearson 37 sailboat. From the outset when I asked for assurance that the pictures in the listing were current and that the boat was worth the drive to Maine – through the transaction and inevitable survey issues, your integrity and communication were superb. Beyond the sale you weven went out of your way to provide a missing part for the furling system, which you spied at a yard sale- which tells me you continue to look out for your clients long after the deal is done. I would highly recommend you to a friend and look forward to working with you again in the future.

I chose ECYS after talking with about 5 brokers primarily because of responsiveness; I just got a better feeling with ECYS that your group was going to be the most responsive and customer oriented. My early experiences have met my expectations, which I appreciate because I am 1000 miles away in Wisconsin. Thank you.