Russ Schafer was the listing broker for the 54' Hatteras we purchased in 2010. It's rare to find a yacht broker whose commitment to service is just as strong after the sale as it is leading up to the sale. Russ is just that kind of salesperson.

We had been looking to move up to a larger boat for some time. When we first met Russ we knew we had found a different kind of yacht broker. Russ took the time to walk us through all the details of the boat before we made the trip to look her over. He made sure the captain was on board to answer any questions. When we decided this was the boat we wanted, he worked with us to bring the deal together.

It was a very tough negotiation process, but Russ stayed with it, and kept the deal together. His follow-up and follow-through was exceptional. His commitment didn't end with the sale. He worked with us to find competent vendors to handle the updates we wanted to make, and held our hand right up to the time we departed for home port. Russ is an excellent broker.

I have recommended him to several other Hatteras owners, all of whom have been very happy with his work. He carries our highest recommendation, and you can be sure that when it comes time for us to sell our boat, we will be calling Russ.

It has been approximately five years that my wife and I have known our yacht broker, John Zagorski - starting with the purchase of our Jeanneau 49DS. During the purchase of the boat we were so impressed with John's knowledge of the yacht market, understanding of the product and his patience in answering an almost unending number of questions.

As our transactions have been completed from out of state, John's attention to detail and excellent communication ensured a smooth and problem-free process. His professionalism is commendable and his friendship is valued.

My family has always appreciated John's timely/quick response to requests for information or advice regarding matters related to boats, travel destinations or local resources.

I met Russ six years ago, and since then he has sold 3 boats for me and helped me buy 2 others. Throughout all of that I felt like I was in very capable hands, and his integrity is first-rate. That's the most important thing I shop for in a yacht broker.

Looking at the next 5 boats is never a burden, even if it makes a lot more work for him. Going back to a prospective buyer many times with counter-offers was never a burden, and he always represented my interests 100% regardless of the effect it would have on his commissions or workload.

Russ' firsthand knowledge of the yachting industry and the specific boats in question was always top-notch. All in all, Russ just made me feel confident in whatever direction we ended up going.  I couldn't ask for any more.

Trust him, and you'll see.

I first met Nathan Dotson after he had recently sold a very successful service business, employing as many as 50 people. A mutual friend introduced Nathan to me as a guy that could fill a job opening I had for the First Mate/Second Captain's position on my 130' charter motoryacht Sojourn.  Why a successful guy would want to take a position like this was something I questioned. As it turned out, as a kid Nathan worked as a Mate on "Sportfishing Party Boats" and was yearning to relive those early experiences on the ocean, especially on a large motoryacht. So, he was following a passion, something we can all envy and respect.

Being an expert fisherman, seaman, and USCG Captain, with a can-do, pleasing attitude, and as a very responsible mature person he was a great addition to the yacht, and everyone was pleased to have him on board.

Nathan and I became very good friends, and after a while he accepted a land based position in the Project Management Department, at our full-service boat yard, Gambol Industries, located in the Port of Long Beach. Nathan's first job at Gambol was to enhance his general knowledge of all aspects of repairing and maintaining wood, fiberglass, and metal boats under the tutelage and direction of "Master Boat Builder," John Bridwell, Vice President of Gambol Industries. He became intimately involved with most of the jobs entering the boat yard and importantly, became skilled at knowing what quality workmanship meant in boat repair and construction.

Again because of his can-do attitude and other personal attributes, including his organizational skills, he served Gambol well in that position.  

After Nathan's "apprenticeship" in project management he became Director of Business Development and Public Relations for the yard. In this capacity he represented us to our current and prospective customers and also to the trade and community organizations. He excelled at his position and we attribute a lot of our success to having him on staff.

As you can imagine, at Gambol, Nathan is well liked and was much appreciated for his easy going manner. Everyone wishes him the best of luck in his new career in the boat brokerage and yacht sales business. I can sincerely recommend Nathan to anyone who needs to buy or sell a boat - he will work hard for them to accomplish their objectives and will do so in a most efficient and professional manner.