Testimonials

Testimonials from Satisfied Buyers and Sellers

• My family inherited a boat which we had never even seen. Living in Kentucky my whole life, I knew nothing about sea worthy vessels. Tom went above and beyond to help us evaluate the value and market it to the right audience. He listed, contracted and closed the sale without me ever needing to travel to Florida. I absolutely cannot imagine how we would have sold it without his help. I give Tom my highest endorsement and gratitude. Thanks again! - Heather Falmen, Kentucky 

• Congratulations on selling Emilie Jane. Over the past year you have brought many potential buyers to view the vessel and provided items to better enhance its showing during her staging periods. I would like to recognize all your efforts and express my appreciation along with a very “SPECIAL THANK YOU” for all you did to find a buyer and bring this sale to a closing. Tom, I have enjoyed working with a dedicated professional like you and I certainly hope we will work together again soon. – Captain Dan McGonagle, Port St. Lucie, FL

• Our 20′ Shamrock cutty cabin was a surplus boat to us and no longer fit our type of boating. I was impressed with Terry and Tom’s knowledge of the resale market and methodology of your sales system, plus your help in sorting out the Bahamas to U.S. boat titling issue. I was absolutely ecstatic when you promptly found a potential buyer and then led us both through the sales process. Thank you for a job well done in a prompt, efficient manner. Feel free to use me as a reference for other potential buyers and sellers.  - Stanley Huddleston, Stuart, FL                           

• Recently bought a Marine Trader 34 through Manatee Packet Yacht Sales and their broker Terry Stoupa. It was a great experience to deal with such professionals and caring people. They go above and beyond what would normally be expected. Not only are they concerned about the seller but the buyer is also the centre of their preoccupations. If you have a boat to buy, do yourself a favour and use Manatee Pocket Yacht sales services to do so. - Jean-Guy Ouimet, Montreal, Québec

•  Just a quick note to say thanks for your assistance in the purchase of my Hydra-Sports. You were able to match me with the perfect boat for my needs. It was an easy experience and you were very helpful form the start of the boat search until after the deal was complete. Thanks! -Steve Lightfoot, Ontario, Canada

•  I have just purchased a 2007 34′ Pursuit through Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales and their broker, Ralph Maula. For several months I worked with Ralph looking at and sometimes even surveying four different vessels. Problems included water in the hulls and engine issues. Items only a surveyor could detect. It took several months to find the right boat. Ralph and MPYS owner, Tom Whittington, stayed the course and were absolutely wonderful to work with . Their knowledge, courtesy, and the time they spent with me to find my Dream Boat could not have been better. This relationship was the very best one could expect. – Gary Brookins, Stuart, FL 

• “We were referred to Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales by friends who had also used them to sell a boat.  We are very pleased that they did so.  The process couldn’t have been easier.  With our very busy schedules, we especially appreciated that fact that all of the ‘paperwork’ was done on-line.  Their marketing must be top-notch as we received an initial offer within a few days and actually closed the deal in about a week!  Great job Tom and Ralph!” - Jim Davis

• “Tom, Dan and I have been aboard our boat for two weeks now, and not a day goes by that we don’t thank you for your part in making this happen. You made the somewhat significant issues involved with our purchase manageable and always gave us the “straight scoop” on what was happening involving our boat purchase. I cannot imagine a more professional or pleasurable way to buy our boat.” - Dan and Laura Mays

   

• “I recently purchased a 26 Boston Whaler from Manatee Pocket. Simply put Tom, Ralph and the team made the experience as care free as possible. Their level of professionalism and positive attitude is extremely difficult to find in this business. I live in San Juan Puerto Rico and was only able to see the boat for a few hours in a last minute trip down to Ft. Lauderdale. They took care of every detail with absolutely no unexpected charges or last minute changes; they kept me completely up to date on every small detail of the transaction and even the delivery of the vessel. If I ever considered trading up I would definitely do business with Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales again and encourage anybody to give you guys a call and trust their purchase to you. Thank you for a 100% satisfactory experience.” – Carlos Maldonado Santos MD, San Juan, Puerto Rico

   

• I would like to give Tom and Ralph a big thanks for helping with the purchase of my 241 Pro Line. After a few failed attempts due to miss information from other sellers and dealers, I was introduced to Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales. My broker, Ralph, found a boat that was exactly what I was after. Both of the guys did more than is expected of any broker to get the sale and make everything go as smooth as possible. I would strongly recommend to anyone who is purchasing a boat, especially importing to another country, to have the sale go through Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales. The guys are very thorough and leave no stone unturned. I will be strongly suggesting to everyone purchasing a boat in the US to deal with no one else. Thanks guys. Hope to see you in OZ soon. Best regards, - Daniel Hughes, Eden, NSW Australia

• “Up until contacting Manatee Pocket I was under the impression that brokers only cared about the seller. You guys made it very clear that you know the importance of both parties. The boat was just as advertised and there were no surprises. You and Olin were very honest, friendly and accommodating on every level of the transaction. From negotiating a price to putting the temp plate on the trailer. A special thank you to Olin who went out of his way to help me put the correct size ball on my truck. I had been looking for a Sailfish for over a month, I had to drive to FL to get the price and service, Thanks for making a stressful transaction easy. Its good business when both parties can walk away feeling like they got a good deal.  I’d recommend you to anyone looking for a boat.” – Chris May, Old Lyme, Connecticut

   

•  ”Tom Whittington handled the sale of my Parker 2120 very well.  He acted professionally at all times and was engaged in every step of the sale.  When our first buyer contract fell through, Tom had another buyer ready to view my boat within days.  That “second” buyer was able to drive down from Georgia, see the boat with Tom at the marina, and write a check that very day.  Thanks for a job well done!” -Bob Schmidt, St. Augustine, Florida

• “Selling my boat through Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales was easier and faster than I expected. John and Ron handled everything from taking the pictures of my boat, qualifying buyers, selling my boat and completing all of the closing paperwork. The process went smoothly and professionally from beginning to end. I would recommend MPYS and will definitely be calling them when I am ready to buy my next boat.” - Jack Amaral, Hobe Sound, Florida
  

   

• “Tom thank you for all your help we received whilst purchasing our boat out of America. Your honesty and professionalism was very reassuring for us in Australia, and appreciated all your advice and help in transport from NJ to shipping terminal, repainting of hull, organising custom cover and storage. Our boat arrived safely in Western Australia and was just as you described it. I would recommend you to anyone in Australia looking at buying a boat without hesitation or reservation. ” -Rob Mitchell, Dampier Western Australia

•  ”Tom, thank you for all of your help when it came time to sell my boat. I am overly satisfied with all of the time and effort you put into helping me sell my boat. You showed patience and gave great information and advice, I would highly recommend you to anyone looking to sell a boat and will highly recommend you to anyone wanting to buy a boat. Thank you Tom.” - Michael Young, Port St. Lucie, FL

• “Tom was fantastic! He represented Manatee Pocket Yacht sales with superior professionalism. He was honest, straightforward, and always courteous. He made appointments to show the boat and always showed up on time and was a wealth of information, he completed our transaction on time and flawlessly. We love our new boat. When it comes time to sell and upgrade, I’ll certainly seek out Tom’s help. Thanks again!” -Jeff

• “Just a short note to hank you and your professional staff for all the help and assistance in purchasing a few good boats in Florida. We were very impressed with the friendliness, help and advice you gave us. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Also must add how much we appreciated your help in collecting, finding storage and transporting boats to the shipping terminal. All our boats arrived safely in Fremantle, Western Australia and were just as you had described them. We will be purchasing a few more again soon and would request your assistance again. Much appreciation and please thank the rest of your staff. We look forward to continuing business with you in the future.” - Bill Mills, Director, Mandurah WA, www.bluelightning.com.au

    

• “Tom,  I want to thank you for your professional way of helping both the Seller and myself in acquiring a fine boat. In all my years in Corporate life I have met very few people as professional as you and the way you handled yourself. Your honesty regarding the boat, which is top notch and assistance to get the deal done is without question. Please have anyone call me for a reference. Thanks again.” -Timothy E. Keeley,  TEK GROUP LLC,  Managing Partner,  304 Southstar Drive,  Fort Pierce, Florida 34949-9117,  Cell: 772-332-6673,  Office: 772-242-1674,  timkskjk@aol.com

• “Tom, thank you for all of your help with this. The House of Hope has to  be happy that the boat sold already. If I know of anyone looking to sell a boat or buy a boat, I will be sure to send them your way. Thanks again!!!” – Hank Meira Stuart, FL

• “Tom, thank you so much for selling the donated boat for The House of Hope. This will allow us to continue our mission of helping those in need here in our community. We sincerely thank you for your support.” -Maja Casson, Stuart, FL

•  “Tom, it has been an absolute pleasure working with you.  Your honest and professional approach is quite unusual in this industry.  I  found the perfect boat and Tom lived up to his word, the listing had a canvas package but at time of delivery there was none, Tom did arrange a new canvas package within a week and paid this out of his own pocket. This is what I call standing behind your product. I can without a second of hesitation recommend Tom to everybody and I know that I will be back when looking for another boat.” -Gert van Buren, Bonaire,  Dutch Antilles

• “Tom is the consummate professional. Every detail of your sale/purchase is handled with his expert, detailed touch. I gave Tom my boat to sell. He found a buyer almost immediately and managed to keep the transaction going despite many roadblocks. If you are unsure of who to hire when it comes to buying or selling a boat in South Florida, I recommend Tom Whittington and Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales without hesitation or reservation.” –Elliot Paul, Elliot Paul & Company Auctions, Stuart, FL

•  ”Great job in selling our boat. Now let’s find another one.” -Bob and Tracy Davis, Sailors Return, Stuart, FL

• “I just wanted to say hello and thank you for all your help with our purchase of the Pursuit. We love it and have been out on the water already! Still thinking of a name for her! I hope to buy my “bigger boat “from you too in the future!! Keep in touch. Bless you!” - Kelly and John, Stuart, FL

• “I recently sold my boat through Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales led by Tom  Whittington. What a pleasant experience. Tom is the epitome of honesty and  integrity. When I get the urge to buy a boat again, I will call Tom and Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales” -Dick B. Stuart, FL

• “Tom, the guys from Skipjack Marine Detail did a fantastic job in cleaning and waxing my boat. I would recommend them to anyone. Thanks for connecting us.” –Bob Davis, Sailors Return, Stuart, FL

• “Working with Tom and his team to sell my boat was a real pleasure.  Rarely do you find an individual as dedicated and patient as Tom, who also loves what he does.  And he’s great at it!  I highly recommend Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales.”  -David Horowitz, Stuart, FL

• “Tom and Sue, thanks so much for all of the wonderful things you two continue to do in our support! “  -Jody Clifford Executive Director,  Maritime & Classic Boat Museum, Stuart, FL

• “Tom, we had a great experience working with you. I would gladly recommend to anyone looking for a boat that they contact you for help. I found you to be Honest and Professional in every way.  Again Thank You .”  -Terry L. Sturgell, Port Saint Lucie, FL

• “I’m enjoying the boat a great deal. Thanks again for all your hard work. -Jamie Bryan, Delray, FL

• “Thanks for all the help in shipping our two boats to Canada.” -Dan Teleosky

• “Upon working with Tom on the sale of a special trawler, we found him to be customer oriented and community minded.” –Jennifer Castle Field, President, Chapman School of Seamanship, (772) 283-8130, J.Field@chapman.org

• “Tom brokered my boat sale and was a consummate professional. We jointly established a price and he quickly secured a sales transaction. He pre-qualified buyers, was extremely responsive and completely handled all of the necessary paperwork to close the transaction. I would highly recommend using his services.” –Paul Burke, CEO, Hadley House.com, Minneapolis, MN 55419, (952) 983-8207, PBBurke@hotmail.com

• “As an estate attorney I was pleased to work with Tom as he successfully brokered my client’s vessel. I recommend him as an ethical and reliable professional”  –James McCuthen (Mac) Stuckey, Stuart, FL 34995, (772) 283-8100, MacLaw3@AOL.com