Blog - Buying a Yacht

Why do You Need a Surveyor?

Categories: Buying a Yacht, Selling a Yacht

July 12, 2023

All Harris & Ellis contracts, unless specified by the buyer, will have a condition of survey. A survey report is usually required by marine insurance companies, especially if you are a new or inexperienced boater. Marina operators and yacht clubs require you to have insurance coverage to keep your boat...

Why Do I Need a Broker?

Categories: Buying a Yacht, Selling a Yacht

July 12, 2023

From the first tour of the vessel to taking possession of your new pleasure craft, a professional yacht broker is an important part of the boat buying—and selling—process. Our job is to learn as much as possible about the boats we sell, and we’ll be honest with you about what...

Who Pays For What

Categories: Buying a Yacht, Selling a Yacht

July 12, 2023

In the purchase of a boat, it’s natural to wonder who pays for what costs. Here’s a rundown. The Purchaser is responsible for the cost of the: surveyor marina haul-out for survey and re-launch if the boat is currently in the water mechanical inspection insurance coverage after the closing day...

A step-by-step guide to buying a boat

Categories: Buying a Yacht

July 12, 2023

Purchasing a new boat is an exciting journey. Once you and your broker have found the perfect boat, here are four important steps to making it yours—plus a bonus one. Step 1: Make an offer To write the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, your broker will need the following from...

Categories: Buying a Yacht, Selling a Yacht

July 12, 2023

Most buyers will invest in a yacht survey before purchasing a boat. Another option is to also engage a professional to inspect and test the engine(s). It’s an added cost but can save time and money down the road if it identifies serious engine issues. Even when there are few...

How to get your boat ready for trucking

Categories: Buying a Yacht, International Network, Selling a Yacht

July 3, 2023

It’s fun to move your boat to a new harbour on her own bottom, but sometimes, due to time constraints or geography, you need to ship it. For decades, we’ve been helping clients get their boats ready for trucking. Thorough preparation, plus good communication with the transport company and original...

Categories: Buying a Yacht, Selling a Yacht

July 3, 2023

Congratulations! You have closed on the purchase of your new boat. All closing documents have been signed, and the funds have been transferred as part of the sales agreement. Now is the time to put the boat officially in your name. The buyer is responsible for transferring ownership; at Harris...

What you’ll learn in a sea trial

Categories: Buying a Yacht

July 3, 2023

Your boat deal will likely be subject to conditions, the two most common being the survey and the sea trial. The sea trial or water test, as it is sometimes called, usually happens after the survey and just prior to closing. If your survey is primarily to inspect the structural...

Helpful homework before viewing a boat

Categories: Buying a Yacht

July 3, 2023

Viewing boats with your yacht broker is one of the fun parts of purchasing. But your time on each one can be brief. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of each showing. First things first: do your homework. Before you start looking, have a...

Featured Listings

Catalina 30 MkIII

30’
Toronto, ON
1995
CAD$ 46,800

Bayliner 3270 Motoryacht

32’
Iroquois, ON
1984
CAD$ 36,000

Moody 419 Center Cockpit Keel/CB

42’
Trenton, ON
1985
CAD$ 125,000

Nauticat 33 Ketch

33’
Hamilton, ON
1985
CAD$ 99,900

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45.2

45’
Midland, ON
2000
CAD$ 245,000

Custom MOTOR YACHT

68’
El Alamein
2010
USD$ 390,000

Testimonials

George Ayers was terrific to work with over the past few months as I evaluated, negotiated and purchased a CS 30 that Harris & Ellis Yachts had listed in Sarnia. He was patient, thorough and totally professional. I have owned nine sailboats in my 50+ years as a sailor. My experience with George and Harris & Ellis Yachts has been my best boat buying experience to date.

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George did an amazing job of selling our CS 30 sailboat. A caring and compassionate person, he went above and beyond our expectations and never stopped working on our behalf to get the job done. We are forever grateful for his dedication to his work. Please let him know how much we think of him!

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I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding service provided by Greg. Last October, my husband suddenly passed away due to a heart attack, leaving behind two boats. Greg was instrumental in helping me sell the first boat quickly and at a very good price. As for the second boat, due to my husband's declining health in his final year, the boat had been sitting idle at the dock near our home for over a year. Greg demonstrated the utmost professionalism in cleaning, maintaining, and preparing the boat for sale. He put in a tremendous amount of work, understanding the niche market for this boat, and always kept me informed of his progress without burdening me with the stress of the process. Last week, Greg successfully sold the second boat, and I am very satisfied with the price achieved. His professionalism and confidence in his work gave me a much-needed sense of security during such a difficult time.

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Thank you for all your work in facilitating the sale of our dad's boat. Jake and I really appreciate all the hard work you put into it with the many visits, paperwork, etc. A special mention has to go out to Grant for teaching me how to fold the sails!

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As first-time boat buyers and as foreigners wanting to buy a cruising catamaran in the US, we knew we needed a reliable broker that had our best interests in mind. John Heintzman was just that, and more! He was extremely committed to understanding what we were looking for, gave great advice, and guided us through the purchase process with great patience and knowledge. All in all, we felt very well taken care of.

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I feel compelled to reach out about the absolutely wonderful experience that I have had with Grant and Patricia Bowlby. I completed the purchase of a boat yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. They were so helpful, kind, and patient. This was my first experience with a broker, and I think I’ve found the best.

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I can’t thank Ewan Campbell enough for the super job he did in selling G, making up for my lack of experience in this realm and patiently searching for just the right buyer and a win-win for seller and buyer alike.

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It was a wonderful experience selling A with Jeff Cole’s expert assistance. Thank you for simplifying a complicated process. Your patience and kindness are especially appreciated.