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Client TestimonialsRich Breunich, Seller of his Maine Cat 41 Cruising Catamaran “Alan is the consummate professional and I highly recommend him if you are buying or selling your boat. His experience in the industry, along with his strong sense of ethics, make him a unique resource. He sold my boat in a difficult market, obtained a fair price for it, and closed the deal with a minimum amount of our involvement. It was a job well done and I plan to use him in all of our future boating transactions!” John C Thurston. Seller of his Sabre 362, Bon Temps “Looking for a good broker to help you buy or sell a boat? Well, I have had a great experience with Alan Pressman on both counts. He was very effective in finding a qualified buyer for my sailboat at a time when sales were lagging due to the recent economic downturn, and at a price I felt was fair and met my expectations. The sale was handled with great care and attention to all the details, a critical factor as I was on vacation out of the country when we had to close the deal by phone. In my current quest for the "new boat of my dreams", he has been helpful in understanding my requirements and limitations, providing me with an extensive list of options to examine further, and offering unbiased analysis of the boats being offered. His attention to detail and his thorough understanding of the wide variety of boats on the market has proven most valuable. His willingness to research detailed questions I have raised in the purchase process has been most helpful in sorting through the maze of hype and promotion always present in advertising. His honest, straightforward representation of my interests on both sides of the buy/sell process has been a refreshing experience in light of past experience with other brokers. His knowledge and willingness to work tirelessly on my behalf has proven to be a most satisfactory experience.” Phil & Nancy Wilk, Seller of 2005 Proline Express Frank and Bob were willing to share their experience and knowlege in the boating industry with me long before I was a client. They did not pressure me to list our boat, but explained what they could do to help me when I was ready. They got me the price I wanted for my boat, and handled all the details. Although the boat was being shipped to Australia, I was confident having them represent me in handling all the details. As I am going through the process to find my next boat, they have been a great resource. They are much more interested in finding a boat I will be happy with and will fit our needs then they are in just “making a sale.” In my professional life I have seen the operations of several other large boat brokers in the area. I see how they run their businesses and treat their customers and feel lucky that I ran into Frank and Bob at Grand Slam. Mike and Carolyn Dolan, Purchasers of their Hunter 386, Irish Rover “Alan Pressman went out of the way when other brokers would not. He showed us everything available in our area and when we did not find a boat to our liking he went all the way to Miami to check out what was available there. We found our dream boat, a 38 foot Hunter, in Miami and he handled all the details for us to make the purchase. We have since had unbelievable experiences in the Bahamas and up the coast of the U.S. Thank you Alan.” Rick and Donna Cass. Sellers of their Island Packet 35, Stray Cat. “We were completely satisfied and happy with your representation of our Island Packet 35 when we sold her. You were extremely knowledgeable and helpful in the sale, and gave great advice with respect to the elements of successful selling and presentation. We also personally enjoyed the camaraderie when taking the boat for sails to gauge the effect of the new mainsail on boat performance. We wish you the best going forward. . Yours in freedom and fun, Peace, love and joy, Rick and Donna” Graham Turner, Purchaser of 2004 Proline Express I received the document from Pro Line today - many thanks. Just wanted to let you know that my Pro Line Express arrived in Perth last week. It was a bit of an anxious wait but I'm delighted to say it was in one piece and was exactly as you described it to me. I took it out in the Indian Ocean over the week end and it was perfect. Toped 39 kts and handled beautifully. Many thanks for your patience and professional service. I would have no hesitation in dealing with you and Grand Slam Yachts when I wish to purchase a new vessel in the future. Great service. Well done. Joyce and Gary Groover, Purchasers of their Manta 40 Sailing Catamaran, Pangaea “My wife Joyce and I purchased a Manta 40 Catamaran. Alan Pressman was the listing broker and first person we contacted when we came to Florida. He was very knowledgeable about the boat and after we went home, he stayed in touch with us and kept us informed about boats in the area that we might be interested in. When we decided that we were interested in purchasing the Manta, which was the first boat we had looked at, Alan worked with me on an offer and worked very hard to help the owner and I reach a final price. This was not easy since I had returned to Texas, so all communications very via E-mail or telephone. The outcome of the purchase was good for all. The previous owners have become friends whom we visit when in Florida. Alan has kept in touch since we bought the boat and has been helpful on any questions we have had. He has become a friend, and is also someone we like to visit.” John and Judy Blackman. Purchasers of their Island Packet 485, Judith , sellers of their Beneteau 473. “My husband contacted Alan Pressman in September of 2008 seeking information about an Island Packet 485 sailing yacht which he had listed for sale in which we were interested. After really only light discussion with Alan about the boat, and resting on the philosophy, “if Mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy”, my husband suggested that I get on a flight to Miami to see this beautiful boat. We called Alan and asked if he could pick me up at the Miami airport. Though given only 48 hours notice, Alan gladly agreed to drive across Florida and take me to the Coconut Grove Marina to see the boat. As we are avid sailors, there were many questions. All of our questions were answered; no stones left unturned. Alan helped us, represented us, took care of us from start to finish, even suggesting that our delivery captain (whom he recommended and supplied for us), upon delivering our new Island Packet to us in Louisiana, take our existing boat , a Beneteau 473 back to Florida, where Alan sold it for us within 6 weeks (or was it 5?). We have a gem--actually two: our boat--our fabulous boat, and our friendship--our dear friendship, with Alan Pressman.” Jim Haas and Jacque, sellers of their Island Packet 485 “Dear Alan; I want to sincerely thank you for handling the sale of Jacque’s and my 2005 Island Packet 485. We were very impressed with the short amount of time the boat was on the market before you had offers coming in. With your guidance as to how to price and present a pre-owned yacht for sale, the buyers were always impressed with what they saw. Before listing with you I interviewed quite a few yacht brokers and your knowledge and enthusiasm impressed Jacque and I the most. As we look back, it was a win-win for all as the market was declining during the sale process. As a full time yacht broker your knowledge and experience prove worthy of the expression “under promised and over delivered”. We would recommend you to any serious yacht buyer/seller.” Phoebe and Peter Booth, Purchasers of their Island Packet 420, Coot “Alan, a very big thank you from Peter and Phoebe for all your hard work for getting our Coot deal done and getting her shipped over to us in Hong Kong. Could not have done it without your fantastic work Sir. Hope you can come sail with us one day. All the very best to you (and Mary Jo).” Cheers, Pete and Pheebs John & Esther Gum, Sellers of Carver 355 Motor Yacht We could not have found a better brokerage team than Frank Joseph and Bob Stamm. We started with some of the other "big" brokers and were very disappointed. Frank went way beyond what is typically required of a broker (such as performing changing of parts) to make sure the sale went through. We found Grand Slam to be honest and professional while maintaining that "down home" personal touch. Should we decide to purchase another vessel we will definately work with Grand Slam. Will Parker. Seller of Cape Dory 30 “Alan , frankly, I think you are the best and most qualified boat broker I have ever dealt with. You know the business, the industry, the boats, and most important, you understand the buyers. I contracted with Alan Pressman to sell my Cape Dory 30 during a period when the boat market was virtually dead. Alan sold the boat within six months of the time he took the listing at a price I considered fair and reasonable, in fact within $2,000 of my asking price. It is clear to me that Alan’s broad knowledge of boats and the boating industry combined with his hard work and understanding of the buyers’ needs sold the boat at a time when other boats were just not selling. I certainly recommend Alan Pressman.” Arne Rantzen, Seller of his Island Packet 445 Gratitude, and an Island Packet 45 “I initially called Alan to help me with the sale of my Island Packet 445 due to the number of listings he had with other Island Packet sailboats. When I first spoke with him, he seemed knowledgeable about the Island Packet line and enthusiastic about helping me sell my boat even though he is based on the Florida Gulf Coast and my boat was on the east coast of Florida. He visited me and saw my boat within a day or so after my call. As it turned out, Alan found a buyer for my boat but the buyer had an older Island Packet 45 that he needed to sell first. To my amazement, Alan organized and negotiated a trade for the two boats and then arranged for all the financing needed to transact the deal. The buyer got my IP 445. I got an older IP 45 plus cash and then Alan turned around and sold the IP 45 for me. Not only did he work hard to get both deals done but he structured the deal for the trade in a creative way and handled all the details including organizing the financing, assisting through the survey of both vessels and working through a number of issues---all seamlessly and smoothly. He really knows how to "think outside of the box". When I buy my next Island Packet, I'll be sure to call on Alan.” Glen and Pam Roger. Purchasers of their Island Packet 38 Cutter. “We felt that Alan was a partner in our search for the perfect boat. He was on our side trying to make sure that we touched all the bases during the process. Even after we owned the boat, Alan was still on the team, helping us acquire the necessary materials and services to bring the boat into cruising condition. Now, a year after the purchase, he stays in touch and is available to answer questions and offer support. I will continue to recommend Alan to friends and family who are on the hunt for their perfect boat.” Jim and Renate Mendria, Purchasers of their Island Packet 38, Emerald Seas. “We met Alan Pressman In February 2008 while boat shopping on line and by phone. We lived in Victoria, B.C. Canada and were looking to purchase a sailing yacht in the southern US. My wife and I had talked and visited with a variety of brokers on a variety of sailboats. We spoke with Alan regarding an Island Packet that he had listed. The boat we were interested in was no longer on the market. However, in true salesmanship he offered to keep us in the loop if something similar came up. We moved on to another boat in another area. The broker there was atrocious, he over sold the boat to the point of embarrassment. We rescinded our offer as soon as we discovered that we could not trust the broker. When you are buying a boat from a long distance and in different country you have to trust your broker. Alan Pressman on the other hand was keeping in touch with us and we were very impressed with the professional and honest way he dealt with us. He was very good with getting back to us with the details we needed. When a boat became available he was excellent in providing us with enough pictures and information that we could make an offer from Canada before flying to his Florida office and inspect the boat. Although there were no major surprises with the condition of the vessel there were several items that need to be addressed before the deal was complete. We headed back home to British Columbia. In the following six weeks Alan and I had many amiable conversations and worked out all the kinks. The end result was that we got the boat we wanted and for the last two years have been living our dream sailing the Bahamas and Caribbean. Throughout the sale Alan was fantastic to deal with. After the sale when most brokers just move on he continued to help us in any way he could. We have dealt with many brokers over the years and Alan Pressman has been the best. When and if we sell our boat you can bet we will list it with Alan.” Marion and Boyd Prodaehl, Owners of their Island Packet 38 Chinook Wind “We met Alan in December of 2007. We were not in the market to purchase a sailboat yet but were on more of a fact finding mission and wanted to see some different boats. Alan took the time to show us several boats and discussed the pros and cons of each manufacturer with us. Then we went home to Canada and expected Alan to forget about us. He did not forget us and when we were ready to take the plunge and purchase a cruising sailboat a year or so later, he was ready with a list of boats for us to look at. Some we had seen on the Yachtworld website but a number of boats he wanted us to see were not on that web-site. Alan toured us through the state of FL looking at Island Packets in the 32-38 foot size. There was no pressure to buy and he was informative in regard to what a boat needed in work before it would be cruise ready. As a new owner of a large yacht, I initially felt overwhelmed with the work that a cruising boat needs to stay shipshape. Alan crossed the state of FL, put on some work clothes and got down to work with my husband in the bilge. I can't ever recall any one in sales ever doing something of this nature for us before. We still have our Island Packet 38. Boyd and I now feel we can meet the challenges of boat ownership and cruising. So, if you are looking to buy a boat, my first piece of advice is, phone Alan. Having the right broker helping you with a purchase of this magnitude is invaluable.” Pat McLean and Michael Firth. Purchasers of their Morgan 41 Out Island “When we came to Florida in 2010 to purchase a sailboat, Mike and I contacted several brokers to view available boats. We looked in Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Port Charlotte, and the Tampa / St Petersburg areas. Then we met Alan Pressman. Alan took the time to learn about us and what we were looking for. With Alan's support and guidance, we found our perfect sailboat and were able to navigate the purchasing process. From arranging the survey to getting all the paperwork done on time, Alan helped make our adventure so much easier. As we live in Canada, his assistance was especially appreciated. Before our boat was hauled to Canada, Alan coordinated with the boat yard to make sure it was ready for travel. We couldn't have been more pleased with Alan's help. Without question, Alan is the broker we will recommend to our friends who are looking to buy or sell a boat. Meanwhile... I have a friend who is very interested in purchasing a Morgan Out Island 41. I know you will be the best guy to help him out with his search.” Justin & Kim Pavoni, Captain Delta Airlines, sellers of their Cape Dory 36 “Alan,I would like to personally thank you for the great service you gave us when it came time to sell our Cape Dory 36. Kim and I were selling in a very depressed market and you gave us sound and good advice regarding pricing. We had a buyer within a week and we actually sold the boat for our asking price. You were committed that the price was fair and honest. When it came time for sea trial and survey, you were there for the entire day. You handled all the final paperwork and financial issues. For us it turned out to be a very simple process from the day we first spoke until final closing. Thank you for the expertise and experience you brought to the process of selling the boat. If we ever decided to buy or sell another boat, you would be called first. Please let me know if I can ever give you an endorsement. Please do not hesitate to have a potential customer call me. You have earned my highest recommendation. Thank you once again for the great service.” J. Cheney, Purchaser of her Hunter Sailboat, Saranade "I was so fortunate to meet Alan when I purchased my first big boat. I could not have asked for a better broker to work with. He was so straightforward and helpful, and it is so much better to talk sailboats with someone who is a knowledgeable sailboat owner himself! He patiently guided me through the process and was able to work out the kinks along the way. I never would have been able to get the boat if he had not been so helpful locating financing. He never pressured and really listened to what I was looking for from a boat, I knew I could trust him and he really made me feel comfortable. I am really grateful and am happy to say we stay in touch to this day as friends and fellow sailors!"
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Grand Slam Yacht Sales
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