As first time boat buyers, our experience working with 5 Oceans Marine Group (TMC) and Phil Berman was immeasurable and completely over the top. As Type “A”, anal retentive, detail oriented people; we required/needed a lot of attention, hand holding, guidance, and care which included multiple emails and calls (some hourly, most daily) during this process for which we knew nothing about. After chartering a several catamarans and a few boat show visits, the only decision we had made, prior to contacting TMC, was that we wanted a Catana 471 –we had no clue how to handle everything else. As most Catana boats are out cruising, finding one within US waters was pretty much impossible. We were very interested one in particular, an owner’s version, Catana 471, located in Turkey. At the time, there was only one lender that was willing to lend money under those parameters. Phil used his vast array of experience, contacts and knowledge to help us secure our loan, insurance broker, documentations company, maritime attorney, surveyor, flagging, transportation (Turkey to BVI to US) and so much more. Meeting Phil in Turkey during our survey proved to solidify our working relationship and start the beginnings of a new friendship. Phil and his team have endless patience, and an amazing commitment to providing the best customer service! We could always rely on Phil to be candid, honest, reliable and professional (regardless how silly the questions were). It was because of Phil and TMC’s diligence and commitment to seeing us in this boat that our dream has been realized. We would not buy or sell a boat without working with TMC and Phil Berman – as they took a challenging experience and made it pleasurable adventure.

Matt and Christine Mitchell

Catana 471

“Sugar Shack”
Matt and Christine Mitchell
“Sugar Shack”