Founded in 1986 by John Knowles, East Coast Yacht Sales has always been guided by one simple idea: boating is one of the most rewarding ways to discover the world. It’s not about flash. It’s about freedom, practicality, and the ability to go places and do things you can’t reach any other way. 

John Knowles grew up boating around Casco Bay. Like many, he was introduced to it by friends and their families. He quickly caught the boating bug and went on to become an avid sailor, racing J/24s and cruising the Northeast. His curiosity for what lay beyond the next harbor led to longer journeys – like a six-month trip with his family down to the Caribbean, and another that took them north to Newfoundland. 

John wasn’t just hooked, he was inspired to help others discover the same connection to boating that had shaped his life. That mindset led to the founding of East Coast Yacht Sales, and it still shapes how we operate today. 

East Coast Yacht Sales has always focused on helping people find the right boat for their kind of time on the water. Whether it’s extended cruising, coastal exploration, or simple weekend escapes, the boat should be a tool for experience — not just a display of luxury. 

John started the company with one location in Maine and grew it steadily throughout New England, opening offices in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. When his son, Ben Knowles, joined full-time and opened the Connecticut office, it marked the start of a new chapter. At the end of 2020, Ben took over leadership of East Coast Yacht Sales, continuing the same belief: the right boat is the one that grants the freedom and thrill of discovery. 

We don’t represent boats just to fill a showroom. We represent the people who use them — the ones who want to explore more, push farther, and make the most of their time on the water. Our customers aren’t looking for status symbols. They’re looking for tools that can take them somewhere new, whether that means a quiet cove for the weekend or a summer of long-range cruising. 

Every boat has its own strengths. Every owner has a different mission. Our role is to connect the two — thoughtfully, practically, and with a deep understanding of how people really use their boats. 

As the market shifts, we stay focused on what matters: real capability, consistent performance, and long-term reliability. From the sailing legacy of J/Boats and Grand Banks to the versatile innovations of Targa, Axopar, and Sirena, we represent builders who set the pace for what serious boaters expect. 

The names may shift over time, but the standard doesn’t. We represent boats that deliver for the real world, in all conditions, and across every kind of journey. 

Our team is made up of full-time yacht consultants, not salespeople, not hobbyists. Everyone at East Coast Yacht Sales has firsthand boating experience, and we believe that’s the only way to give honest, practical advice. We help buyers think through how they’ll actually use their boat and what kind of platform makes the most sense for their lifestyle. 

We’re selective about the builders and brands we represent because our customers are selective, too. It’s not just about the specs or the price tag. It’s about how a boat holds up in the real world, how it performs after years of use out in the elements, and whether a boat really delivers on the promise it makes. 

We don’t chase trends. We focus on what consistently works for people with saltwater in their veins. That’s a standard we will never compromise on. 

Boating offers a unique kind of freedom. For some, that means extended bluewater voyages. For others, it’s long weekends with family, or quiet mornings off the dock. The destination is up to you. Our role is to help you find the boat that lets you discover more of the destinations that you’ll fall in love with. That’s the course we’ve been on since day one.