Seacoast Yachts, Long Beach CA

My review is that from the perspective of a buyer that got caught competing with Seacoast Yachts (San Pedro - Wilmington). To be up front, I had little direct interaction with them as they had their own interest which did not involve consideration of myself. With that said i would welcome any rebuttal or counter side to story, should one exist. However, if my experience is accurate and in any way indicative of their code of ethics, I believe it's important to share.

My side of the story: I made a deal directly with an individual to purchase his boat. Around the same time he entered into a contract with Seacoast Yachts to act as agent to sell the boat. I was informed that though he would be working with them, since we were in agreement prior to the arrangement, we would not need to proceed through them to complete our transaction. This was later confirmed when I met a Rep from Seacoast who informed me that he already had someone the HE wanted to buy the boat if I wasnt going to. I let him know that I had every intent to purchase the boat so he wouldn't need to go that route. I should have known in that moment that the appeal of commission would bring to question fair and ethical business practices.

By the time I got back home from traveling to see the boat, I called the marina to make arrangements to have the boat moved once the purchase was completed. It was at that time I was informed the boat had been sold. This naturally was a shock to us as we had been clear and a deal struck. I immediately contacted the seller who was also unaware that Seacoast had entered into a contract. Unfortunately, there was little recourse without a legal battle so I tucked tail and we mourned the loss of the boat that we had fallen in love with. Fast forward to a week later when the owner, who I stayed in contact with, let me know that he has never received a down-payment making the contract void. To ensure this he called the broker and said he didn't want the contract and so he and I proceeded with our original arrangement.

The next day, before the seller and I could meet, and after the call to cancel that contract that he didn't even know about, the title company had been contacted and a deposit wired to him.and with that.once again without a legal battle we lost the boat.

I understand the world of commissions all too well. In these types of situations, neither the seller nor the potential buyer has any recourse, and the agent knows it. This presents an opportunity for the firm, as represented by its agents, to show their business practices. Unfortunately the business did show its character and chose a quick commission over being honorable or acting in the fiduciary capacity of their seller.

Well.almost no recourse.this day in age even the legally powerless can come to the court of the public, share their story, and let the character be known.

In summary, I strive to work or partner exclusively with companies that hold themselves to a high standard of ethics. That being the case, absent a compelling explanation as to their side of the story, which even a courtesy call could have provided, I would urge others to avoid contractual agreements with anyone who operates in such a manner.

Mark Davenport of Seacoast Yachts went well above and beyond in helping me sell my brother's boat after he died. I live on the other side of the country and was unable to handle some of the details that needed attention for the boat to be ready for its next owner. Mark was generous with his time, handled details that needed handling, and gave me good advice all along the way. He did this for a small inexpensive boat to help a person he'd never met. I was impressed, pleased, and remain grateful.

First time selling a boat, after recently buying a new boat though South Mountain Yacht. Night and day different experience. South Mountain Yacht handled every part of my purchase. I didn't have to lift a finger.
Sea Coast on the other hand, because my boat was on a trailer in my driveway, I had to show it, play sales man, rush home from work to be available to show it, be available for mechanics to inspect it, and handle the sea trial. I had to deliver it, and they even left the new owner to handle the DMV paperwork on a transfer. So other than post my boat on YachtWorld, and BoatTrader, and maybe another site, and field and weed out looky loo buyer's calls, I don't feel I got much for the Minimum Commission (Way over 10%) they charged me. I should of asked for a discount on the commission, as I got no where near $4500 worth. Live and learn, but if you a first time boat buyer or seller, beware. I learned my lesson, that's for sure.