Nothing proves the value of a company more than the testimony of its customers. And in the yacht business, winning over clients is especially challenging, with so many pieces to the process, from initial entrustment, through the complicated transaction and into the long-term relationship of aftercare. We are very proud to share a handful of our critiques with you here.
When I met James two years ago I didn’t know what I wanted. Once we looked at boats all over and worked through the process we figured it out and he went out and found the right boat for me. l liked the fact that stayed with me for the whole process. That shows his commitment to his customers. Thank you James!
Alec Girard
Darryl was knowledgeable, patient, and helped us with buying a great boat. He took time to show us every feature of the new boat and was always available when we had any questions. After taking delivery, he was there to make sure we were prepared and helped us with everything including buying insurance, arranging maintenance, even finding a moorage spot when the marina was full. It was a pleasure working with Darryl and would recommend him to everyone.
Richard Chen
We would like to take this opportunity to express our complete satisfaction on the purchase of our 2007 Formula 45 in October 2018 from Freedom Marine. The level of customer service and overall experience was above and beyond starting with the first day when we met our sales rep Darryl Oben. He made us feel comfortable, appreciated and accommodated all of our needs and more. He demonstrated a sincere interest to ensure we were 100% happy with our beautiful new yacht purchase. We highly recommend dealing with the professionals at Freedom Marine and in particular Darryl.
Fred Helmer and Shirley Beaton
In the current “hot” market, both our purchase and sale deals were made quickly and due to travel restrictions; without opportunity to physically view the boat we were buying. But Shawn arranged detailed video tours and independent, expert inspections and worked diligently on our behalf, proactively organizing and attending to every step leading up to closing, all the while providing us with a high level of confidence in the transaction.
After closing, he assumed responsibility for coordination of everything required for the boat’s import from the US. Impressively, once he took delivery on our behalf, he accelerated “after sales service ” to completely unexpected and much appreciated levels. Not only did he arrange and manage everything that needed to be done to our old boat; to get it ready to sell, but also took on the care, moorage and regular checks of the new boat. He looked after everything to make sure that the boat would be ready for us, including cleaning and detailing, various modifications, repairs and installations and even personally delivered and retrieved the boat to and from another location for servicing.
It was more than 3 months after our offer to purchase the new boat was accepted that we saw it for the very first time, at Freedom’s docks in Sydney, and and nearly 3 months after that before we finally brought it home. Throughout the whole period Shawn continued to offer considerable amounts of his time to accompany us on orientation cruises and help us learn the boat; and when we weren’t on board, no more than 2 or 3 days passed without us hearing from him.
Shawn is clearly passionate about boats and very knowledgeable, yet doesn’t hesitate to take the time to thoroughly research anything where his advice is requested, so that he can provide an informed opinion. Throughout our process he displayed complete integrity. Never once did we feel pressure to accept or make an offer. On the contrary, his reasoned advice was often “you can do better”.
We spent a lot of time with Shawn and got to know him well. He is always very responsive and we were very pleased to observe that despite being a very busy yacht broker he seemed to provide the same commitment and service to all of his clients, regardless of the price of the boat, or value of the transaction.
Shawn has earned our trust and respect. We highly recommend Shawn Dunand!
Peter & Colleen
Darryl helped us with the purchase of our first boat over 10 years ago and has provided us with invaluable guidance on the purchase, and sale, of two boats since. Darryl’s approach is far superior to other industry professionals that we have worked with over the years. The superiority is evidenced in a number of ways that you might expect from a professional (knowledge of product, after sales support, etc.) but most of all we appreciate the genuine care and compassion that Darryl brings to his job. It shines through. He has helped us in so many ways that we could not have ever imagined and has made our boating, and at times life, decisions as rewarding as possible. We will continue to seek Darryl’s guidance in our boating decisions as long as we are fortunate enough to enjoy such an incredible pastime. Thank you Darryl for all you have done for our family.
Michael McLaren
Our salesperson, Darryl Oben, has been an outstanding representative of Princess Yachts as well as Freedom Marine. He sets a standard for the industry in terms of customer service both during the sale and follow up. He truly wants to make sure you are happy with the boat you bought thought your ownership, as well as your purchase experience. This is my third purchase from Darryl. He still continues to follow through with assisting me whenever I need help on a boat decision or situation. If you are looking for the ultimate cruising yacht supported by an experienced support person I would highly recommend this team.
Dan Withers: Princess 68
We first met Scott McKenzie while viewing a boat in Sidney harbour. He quickly put us at ease with his amicable personality and impressive knowledge of the specific vessel we were interested in purchasing. Scott was readily available to answer our numerous questions and within a few days of our initial visit was able to arranged a haul out for our survey and a sea trial, no easy feat given it was peak season in the boating industry.
What impressed us most about Scott was his fairness and balance between seller and buyer during the negotiation period. He took much of the stress and uncertainty out of the picture as he helped us through the purchase and transfer process.
Scott also arranged delivery to our home port with a very reliable and competent Skipper who had previously owned our same model and had a thorough working knowledge and understanding of these vessels, which gave us both insight and peace of mind. We continue to stay in touch with Scott as we learn the particulars of our boat.
We would highly recommend Scott to family and friends and if the occasion should arise to sell or purchase another boat, Scott will be the first person we call.
Joe & Trish
Joe & Trish
“Having just completed a sale with James Neil and Freedom I have to say it was a fantastic experience. The buyer ended up being U.S.-based and James made the whole process simple and easy. In particular, James was always responsive. Always available and answered all my questions promptly and professionally. And most importantly, made the deal happen. Congratulations and thank you to James and his colleagues at Freedom. You can feel the genuine customer service difference and great dedication to looking after their client’s interests.”
Reg and Myla
“To say I am happy with our new Axopar 28 Cabin would be the understatement of the Century. Every time I get in this boat to commute from Orcas Island to San Juan or Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands, I start smiling. It is so easy to single hand, it’s so quiet, and it is economical too. I chose the right boat! The only problem….every time another boat is going the same way, they want to race! The last one was a 28 Pursuit with twin 250’s that ended up being a dead heat. This boat is made for fun. Thanks Axopar, Tom Vendel and Freedom Marine!”
John Dunning, President, Northwest Island Escapes.
“I just wanted to drop you a quick note regarding the sale and after-sale service provided by Shawn Dunand. My wife and I are very pleased with Shawn’s dedication to ensuring our full satisfaction. I have had occasion to contact Shawn at various times, often after normal working hours and he always responds immediately. His comments have been helpful and reassuring and have made the “break in” of our new 28 Axopar relatively seamless. His after-sales follow up has been superb and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a new or used boat.”
T,H Lester
When the time comes to sell your boat you need the best in the business on your team! David Campbell has what it takes — he knows boats, brokers, boaters and is very well connected up and down the West Coast! I bought a new boat in Florida in January and gave David my listing in February. He sold my boat and completed the sale the day before my new boat arrived. He worked tirelessly to get everything done. He sold it to an American buyer in American dollars. The best thing about working with David is that he has the attention to detail so that there are no surprises. He is a very talented, trustworthy and effective broker and I am pleased to recommend him. (I asked David if I could write this recommendation as I was completely satisfied with his services and wanted to thank him!)
John
The amount of time, skill, dedication and professional support from you and your team has been so incredible. As a 62-year-young guy, in sales myself now for 42 years, I can recognize a straight-shooting, true professional when I see one. You are that man David Campbell and I am so grateful for all you have done.
James Lazaruk
We recently placed our boat for sale with Freedom Marine and were absolutely delighted with the service we received. Our broker was exemplary in every way. Working with us every step of the way. He set a fair price, informed us on a regular basis (often every day) on how things were going and involved us (if we wished) in the various inspections that the boat went through. It was a thoroughly stress-free and enjoyable experience and our boat sold within the first month. Who could ask for more!? Our broker, Shawn Dunand, was an absolute pleasure to work with, very professional, informative and a person of the highest integrity.
David and Jane Brooks
This past year, we determined to proceed with our first luxury yacht purchase. However being very inexperienced in process and unfamiliar in product, and as residents of Alberta, we believed we were facing a number of challenges in fulfilling our dream.
We were therefore most fortunate to have met Peter Priebe from Freedom Marine at the Victoria Yacht Show. Peter was extremely knowledgeable of both the choice and availability of yachts on the market for us to view and his expertise was most helpful in finding the most suitable yacht to meet our needs. In addition, Peter provided exemplary support in fully facilitating the purchase process given our location in Edmonton and ensured that any and all arrangements were considerate of our schedules and made the most efficient use of our travel time to the coast for viewings and in order to complete the sale.
We were most impressed with the all the representatives of Freedom Marine and most certainly Peter who has continued to provide excellence service and ongoing after sale support.
B. Haggarty – Edmonton.
We bought a Marquis Sport Yacht from Tom a couple years back. It’s been a good boat and great experience. It opened up a new world to us. Tom also taught us how to use the boat, and once even got me out of anchoring trouble (over the phone) when we were stuck.
Dr. Navraj Heran, Neurosurgeon
I have had the excellent experience in working with Freedom Marine, both in acquiring my 124’ adventure yacht ‘Dr. No’ and in selling my 122’ classic motor-sailor ‘Atlantide.’ In each case I was impressed with David Campbell’s efficiency and no-nonsense approach, together with his energy in getting the task done. Over the years I have worked with a number of bigger and better known brokerages, but I put David right up there as an equal or their better.
Tom Perkins, Maltese Falcon, Atlantide, Dr. No
I have been around boats all my life, cruised around Vancouver Island, to the Sea of Cortez & commercial fished from Washington to Alaska. I have thus bought a number of boats. I can honestly say that David Campbell and the rest of Freedom Marine were as knowledgeable and professional as any broker with whom I have previously dealt. Buying in Canada was new experience and David made it work well. He dealt with us completely honestly and without any sales pressure. We truly enjoyed working with him.
Earl & Louise Kari, 2006 38’ Sabre
Just wanted to say thank you for our work in the purchase of our new boat. It was a pleasure dealing with a professional from the initial stages of looking for a boat to the final closing. I will be sure to recommend your services.
Seth
I have dealt with Don Young of Freedom Marine on numerous boat purchases. I have always trusted his advice and the sales and service levels of Freedom Marine. His ethics are outstanding, his approach is sincere, the attention to detail is superb and knowledge of boating is very much appreciated. He makes the process of purchasing a boat fun from start to finish and the results even better.
Art V, 1st Vice-President BC Law Society
I would like to express my sincere thanks to Freedom Marine for their excellent service and effort in making my recent motor yacht purchase an enjoyable and amazing experience. Freedom acted independently in keeping with professional broker guidelines to putting together a deal which was beneficial to both the vendor and myself. Their ability to find a good fit in the interest of both parties was quite remarkable and deserves acknowledgement. I have only the highest professional respect and I highly recommend Freedom Marine for anyone looking for a yacht and exceptional service.
Michael B,P.E.,P.Eng.
My Wife Karyn and I have been considering moving to power and had recently touched base with Shawn in this regard. Shawn took the time to spend several hours with us on our boat during the festive season, that’s just behind us, and this said it was a day that even ducks were hiding from. This didn’t deter Shawn from coming out, his time aboard was illuminating and rewarding and we found we had a common thread in fast Catamarans.
Shawn was amazing and a true asset to your business with his thoughtfulness and helping ways. Opening our minds to other options over on the “dark side.” It was a great time and thoroughly enjoyed his company.
R White and K Faryna
As an Australian, living on the opposite side of the world, meant that buying a boat in Canada would probably be difficult in terms of negotiating and dealing with the broker. In fact, the experience of purchasing ‘Pastime’ was very easy thanks to Tom. I found Tom to be great to deal with, his information accurate and most importantly for me, there was none of the usual sales hype that often goes with the sales territory.
Mark E. – Nordhavn 57 Motor Yacht
