2023 Fall Newsletter

What’s new!

Introducing our brand new website

We are super excited to launch Harris & Ellis Yachts 2.0, or should we say 2.023! Whether you are a buyer, a seller, or are happy with your current boat, you’ll find lots of helpful boating articles written by our experts. Plus, we have a new section profiling iconic yachts, and of course you’ll find listings of both power and sail boats for sale.

Winter tip – keep bilge water out

One of the most important installations you can make on your boat is a garboard plug. Sometimes referred to as a “bung” plug, this through hull is located in the deepest part of your bilge. It is heavy bronze and can be bought for under $30. It prevents a buildup of water in the bilge over the winter. Even if your boat is covered, water can make its way inside and create ice buildup. Too often an owner opens up their boat up in the spring only to find the floorboards floating.
—Ewan Campbell

A guide to selling your boat

The decision to sell a boat can be emotional and brings lots of questions. Is there a market for my boat? What is it worth? How quickly will it sell? Who can best represent me and my boat? At Harris & Ellis Yachts, our professional brokers will do a market analysis and then meet with you on your boat to take a tour and discuss a marketing strategy with you. We’ll handle the listing and all calls and show the boat. And when we find the perfect buyer, we’ll write the contract, present it, walk you through the survey and sea trial, and handle transfer of ownership. Read on for more about the selling process.

Step 1: Marketing your boat

Welcome Jeff Cole

Can it really be two years since Jeff Cole joined our broker team? Jeff is a keen racer and cruiser. As liveaboard cruisers, he and his family sailed around Western Europe in a C&C Landfall 38 for a year. Now docked in Wiarton, Jeff has been ably assisting boaters buy and sell their boats in Western Georgian Bay and the Bruce Peninsula since November 2021.
A big thank you to Jeff Hamill who stepped back to focus on Wiarton Marina, where he is owner and President. “New Jeff” joins Grant and Patricia Bowlby, Ewan Campbell, John Heintzmann, George Ayers, and Charlie Day. Meet the whole team here.

Featured boats

Moody 419 CC Centerboarder

This Moody 419 center cockpit, three-stateroom sloop is a great bluewater vessel that has been in freshwater for the last 20 to 25 years. She has plenty of room below and a comfortable cockpit to keep you safe and dry. And she is one of the few hydraulic centerboard models currently on the market.

Grant & Patricia Bowlby 613-659-3344

Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge

A beautiful and spacious design, Sea Ray got it right with the 400 Sedan Bridge. She’s a super-popular cruising yacht with a near perfect mix of European styling and luxury-class amenities. Introduced in 1996, Sea Ray went on to sell hundreds of these yachts before production ended in 2003.

Grant & Patricia Bowlby 613-659-3344

Bristol 41.1 Aft Cockpit

Cisco is a high quality, solidly built bluewater boat with a 4′ 6″ Bahamas draft (board up) and timeless classic lines. She has been continuously upgraded by knowledgeable and passionate owners, and has been in freshwater with heated winter storage for the past 10 years.
Jeff Cole 226-791-2881

Niagara 35

Designed by Mark Ellis, the Niagara 35 enjoyed a production run that spanned three decades. Hinterhoeller’s attention to detail and solid, quality construction were well above average. Recent updates include a new canvas enclosure and sail pack and a complete overhaul of the engine less than 20 hours ago.
Charlie Day 905-466-2742

C&C 29 MK II

The C&C 29 MK II is one of C&Cs most successful designs. It does very well on the race course and is also a comfortable cruiser. George Ayers 226-932-6974

Niagara 35 Encore

Parka is a well equipped Niagara having sailed from Georgian Bay to Trinidad and Tobago. The boat has been professionally maintained with several upgrades over the past few years.
John Heintzman 416-435-5029

Beneteau Oceanis 350

This yacht has been well looked after and, after sailing the reliable Georgian Bay cruiser for many years, the owners are moving up. She has the owners’ version interior with a fore and aft cabin layout. Featuring full cockpit canvas, comfortable cockpit seating with a composite teak, and a custom helmsman’s seat.
Ewan Campbell 705-529-9433.

Coming soon – See you there!

View all current listings

See Newsletters Archive

Featured Listings

Cruisers Yachts 280 CXi Express

28’
Gananoque, ON
2007
CAD$ 84,900

Farr 11s

36’
Midland, ON
2008

Custom Catamaran

60’
Oka, QC
2000
CAD$ 599,000

Lord Nelson 37 Victory Tug #27

37’
Kingston, ON
1985
USD$ 159,900

Moody 419 Center Cockpit Keel/CB

42’
Trenton, ON
1985
CAD$ 124,900

Catalina 30 MkIII

30’
Toronto, ON
1995
CAD$ 46,800

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.