Bill and Kate Harrison
Thousand Islands Region of New York State

 “Do What You Say You Are Going To Do.”  When diligently applied, this simple phrase speaks volumes about commitment to excellent service and professionalism, both critical traits for any yacht broker. Michael Porter, broker at the ECYS Portsmouth, RI office exceeded our expectations during a detailed examination and survey of a 2008 Zimmerman Z36. When COVID-19 travel restrictions prevented us from visiting the yacht, Mike provided a live video walk through. He provided written answers to our many questions accompanied by supporting photographs. When we requested information related to oil sample analyses he confirmed his interpretation of the data by contacting the lab technician who had performed the tests, and provided written comments. Our many voice messages were promptly answered and Mike was unfailingly generous with his time and considerable expertise. Most importantly it was clear to us from the beginning that Mike Porter is a true professional who values customer service, provides accurate and timely advice, all while maintaining a laser focus on ensuring that the yacht will fulfill the needs and desires of his clients. Mike “Does What He Says He’ll Do”, and then some! We are happy to provide this recommendation – it was well earned.

Brad Gibbs
Seller of Grand Banks

 Ben did a superb job with our listing – knowledgeable, straightforward and focused. Would definitely work with ECYS again.

Courtney Kling
Seller of Gozzard 41, Buyer of MJM 36z

ECYS is terrific! Several years ago we decided to downsize from our Gozzard 41 to a smaller power boat. After meeting Ben Knowles, we gave him the listing. He is knowledgeable about both sail and power boats. Always diligent, professional and thoughtful, he created a video which showcased the wonderful features of our Gozzard. The boat was in contract within months! A job well done. We then considered the power boats within our size requirements and quickly, with Ben’s numerous contacts, knowledge of the market and contacts, identified a MJM34z. Ben knew it was the right boat for us and he was right!! We would highly recommend Ben and the entire team at ECYS for all your nautical needs – whether buying, selling, even deliveries or just advice – they are highly experienced, friendly and qualified to help with any issues. Ben and ECYS will be a friend forever!!!

Robert Flynn
Buyer and Seller of express cruisers

I have purchased 2 boats thru East Coast Yacht Sales and Ben Knowles. The company is professional and very thorough. I can call anytime an get my questions answered, in other words , they don’t forget you after the sale is made. Congratulations to East Coast on all your success, you have earned it. All the best.

Hank Siemon
Buyer of express cruiser

Congratulations on opening new Mystic location!! Earlier this year I purchased a boat and worked with Ben Knowles. Ben and company were terrific to work with. Direct and honest answers, integrity, and enthusiasm remained consistent pre/post sale. Buying or selling, ECYS and Ben Knowles will be my go to. Thanks for everything!

Stephanie Williams

What a wonderful NEW location! East Coast Yacht Sales goes above and beyond for there customers from the moment you walk in the door. Just OUTSTANDING service! They have helped my friends and I through the years! So glad to see this company growing! Thanks for taking such good care of me and my needs! I will always use your company!

Charles Stifter

Scott loves and respects boats and shares that knowledge and passion with his customers.  He places his customer’s interests above his own and is fully transparent in conducting the buying and selling process.  In our search for a 32-40 foot motor boat we traveled up and down the east coast several times.  We found one boat, which initially seemed extremely promising, at a remote marina in southern Virginia .  After Scott’s extra efforts in obtaining references for the services of a first rate surveyor and engine mechanic we found too many hidden problems and prudently rejected it.   It is just as important to know what boat not to buy as it is to know what boat to buy.  Many travels later we found a sweet Hunt 33 Surfrider and this time our due diligence resulted in a smooth purchase.   Scott now is the broker for my Bristol 45.5, for which he has spent many hours photographing, making berthing arrangements, and characteristically, putting together a compelling listing.

Witter Brooke
Buyer of a Herreshoff

Scott helped us buy a Herreshoff 12 1/2, which had been one of my dream boats.  When old age made it hard to handle he arranged the boat’s donation to the Maine Island Trail Association.  Throughout both processes he was attentive to our needs and even some of our whims.  He’s a friend but I have no problem in saying he’s the most professional and honest yacht broker I’ve ever worked with.

David Goldberg
Buyer of a Sabre 38 MK II

Professionalism, knowledgeable, and courteous are just three of the praises that should be bestowed on Scott Woodruff and his staff at East Coast Yacht Sales in Camden, Maine. From my first inquiry in regard to the availability of the Sabre 38 MK II, I purchased with their assistance through a year and a half of ownership, Scott has been their to assist me in every aspect of the purchase and ownership. He is clearly someone who develops a relationship with a client that does not end at the closing. A value on the guidance he has provided throughout the purchase process and thereafter cannot be  put into words.

Kenneth Sylvestri
Buyer of a Wesmac 36

Worked  with Scott Woodruff for over 8 months, finally found  a great boat ( Wesmac 36 ). Very professional broker with extensive marine industry experience . I highly  recommend him.

Greg Rice
Buyer of Alerion 20 Express

Mike Porter, broker East Coast Yacht Sales, was extremely helpful in guiding me through the process of buying an Alerion 20 Express Day Sailer. It was a totally positive experience from my initial inquiry to the final hauling of Anna Leah from Maine to Michigan . He provided advice and resources about getting a competent boat survey, registration and title transfer, insurance, funds transfer, working with the marina in preparing the boat for shipping and finally helping find a great boat hauler who took real good care transporting my boat to Michigan. Also electronic document handling (purchase agreement/bill of sale etc) was efficient and accurate. He’s honest , responsive and a great person to work with. I highly recommend him. Greg Rice, Michigan

Pete S
Boston, MA

I worked with Mike Porter for the purchase of my yacht. Mike was very knowledgeable, helpful, and sincere throughout the process. He guided me through the boat purchasing steps without being pushy or “salesy.” At one point he even went down to the boat on a Sunday night to check on something for me, he also ran to buy a new zinc to put on the shaft before our sea trial. He is a very nice guy and genuinely cares about his clients. I’ve already referred him to some family members for their next boat purchase. I would definitely use Mike and East Coast Yacht Sales again.

James Cabot
Purchaser 2005 MJM 34z

My wife and I worked with Spencer Drake to purchase a 2005 MJM 34z and to sell our 2002 Jupiter 27. Spencer guided us through the entire process, making it simple and easy. He and the entire East Coast Yacht Sales team are professional, thorough and a pleasure to work with. We would highly recommend ECYS.

Douglas Wisch, MD
Buyer of a Morris 46/ seller of an East Bay 43 -July 2017

I met Ben about 5 years ago when I moved my boat to Stonington. 2 years before I sold my J109 for an East Bay 43. I had told him how I missed sailing and over the years he showed me multiple 30 plus foot sailboats from Stonington , Ct to Maine but nothing caught my eye enough to buy. This summer I saw Ben and was ready to buy a Buzzards Bay 25 actually from another broker. Knowing me well, he mentioned I should look at a Morris 46 that just had come on the market as he felt it may be perfect for me . I saw her in the shed ready to be launched and fell in love . I had promised to use someone else to sell the East Bay, and Ben never pressured me even though he told me that East Coast Yacht Sales had many customers looking for one, he respected my wishes. After several weeks I actually decided to list my East Bay with Ben due to his professionalism and because he did his due diligence in giving me a market analysis of the East Bay. Finally , after seeing the Morris 6 times over a 5 week period I made an offer and with Bens knowledge and help bought her. He had my East Bay listed for 10 days and had multiple showings and 3 offers came in over a 24 hour period and he sold my boat at almost full asking price and got me way more than we had discussed. I buy a great deal of toys, have a crazy work schedule with little free time and Ben made this process very smooth on both ends with no stress. He was right on with what he had expressed with the buying and selling and gave me great advise and was never stressful or pushy. He has a customer for life as this will not be my last boat.

Peter Worrell
Buyer of Axopar 28

I have acquired and sold many many vessels. My experience with Ben Knowles at East Coast Yacht Sales was without a doubt, the best one I have ever had. His unique characteristics of deep expert knowledge, superb proactive communication (frequency and content), creativity, innovation (including the use of drone video), and tireless tenacity were exactly what I was hoping for. I have incredibly high standards for professional service providers and have been told I am a tough grader; Ben and ECYS are an incredibly breath of fresh air in a sometimes tradition-bound industry. I recommend him without reservation and am happy to have people contact me if they’d like more detailed input.

Jeffrey Roberts
Buyer of MJM 34z/Seller of Wasque 26

East Coast Yacht Sales is a super professional firm!! Ben Knowles helped me identify the best boat for my family, purchase the boat, sell my old boat and all without any angst whatsoever!! I recommend ECYS wholeheartedly!!

Steve Goodyear

East Coast Yacht Sales is the real deal ! I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ben Knowles and his team and would recommend them without hesitation. As we all know buying or selling a yacht is a complicated and tedious endevour. Ben’s attention to detail is without reproach and his caring and friendly attitude helps seal the deal. I highly recommend the team at East Coast Yacht Sales.

Bill Waldron
President - Waldron Marine

Dear Jon,

I want to thank you and your whole organization for the wonderful job selling my boats. I can’t tell you how glad I am in choosing to go this route with your company. You have a great staff and we all had a few laughs too. I tell people often what a great experience it has been and that they would be nuts not to go to ECYS to buy or sell their next boat.

Please give these little thank you notes to all your coworkers. I really appreciate all the professional, friendly and efficient help over the last year. It is almost bittersweet that all of the boats are sold, but there will no doubt be more boat stories to have in the future.

Best wishes to all, and I hope business is good!”

Chris Cannon
Purchaser J 160

I purchased a J160 listed by ECYS from another broker but got to observe the depth and professionalism of the ECYS team lead by the “lead by example” style of its owner Jon Knowles. Three years later I purchased and Alden 63 using ECYS as my representative. Again, professionalism and follow up above and beyond expectation in a complex transaction with a European owner. ECYS also listed my J160 and sold it in 120 days through Tim Kohl’s leadership.

A great team, with drive, experience and integrity!

Bill Sutton
Purchaser J 124

I recently purchased a beautiful J 124 through East Coast Yacht Sales. I was impressed by their thoroughness in the entire process, overseeing the commissioning and sea trial of the boat and delivering to me a vessel ready for sea. They displayed their concerns for their client’s satisfaction by quickly addressing any minor mechanical issues that arose after closing.

Steve Hintz
Seller J 80

 Thanks… you were great to work with, and I’ll recommend you any chance I get.

Michael Brown
Buyer Duck Pearson 37

I would like to thank you for your excellent professional assistance in acquiring a Pearson 37 sailboat. From the outset when I asked for assurance that the pictures in the listing were current and that the boat was worth the drive to Maine – through the transaction and inevitable survey issues, your integrity and communication were superb. Beyond the sale you weven went out of your way to provide a missing part for the furling system, which you spied at a yard sale- which tells me you continue to look out for your clients long after the deal is done. I would highly recommend you to a friend and look forward to working with you again in the future.

John Mellow
Seller Mainship 30

I chose ECYS after talking with about 5 brokers primarily because of responsiveness; I just got a better feeling with ECYS that your group was going to be the most responsive and customer oriented. My early experiences have met my expectations, which I appreciate because I am 1000 miles away in Wisconsin. Thank you.

Greg Muzzy
Former Owner - The Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships

Linda Warren sold my Tall Ship sailing business. Most brokers can sell boats; few can sell a boat business. Linda is extremely knowledgeable about the market and the people who are in the market. She continually brought me qualified buyers, persevered through difficult economic times and was, and is, always gracious and thoughtful. She initially sold the 80’ Schooner Liberty as a boat sale and, one year later, sold the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships, the owner of the 125’ Schooner Liberty Clipper. And, along the way, she sold my personal 38’ sloop.
I have great respect for Linda and her skills and recommend her without qualification.”

Lee Allen Johnson
Buyer Valiant 32

You have done a fantastic job on this, above and beyond what I could have expected.
Thank you very much for everything on this.
Warm regards

Larry Cutliffe

Thought I’d give a quick update – cruise up coast going very well. CAT’s have been purring and all systems working great. Left Ft. Pierce on Saturday… Leaving St.Augustine, Fl this morning with “final” destination Charleston, SC this weekend. Next leg will be determined by increasing temps up the coast. Richard has kept in regular contact, real nice guy. Thanks for helping put this deal together – couldn’t be happier. Photo of JAYEMSEA on mooring in St. Augustine… My best, LRC