After looking for a catamaran for three years and driving countless miles looking at boats, Diane, my wife, suggested we talk to a buyer’s broker. That was the most important decision we made in years!

After seeing the advertisements for 5 Oceans Marine Group, I decided to call them. Phil Berman, the owner and founder, answered the phone. We discussed what we were looking for and the price range that our budget would support. He asked many questions and said he wanted to get to know his customers before he decided if we could work together.

Immediately I got a feeling that we had not gotten from any of the other brokers we had talked to. Phil actually wanted to hear from us, what we wanted and did not try to tell us what we wanted, a refreshing change. Nor did he push his own company listings on us, like most brokers. And he talks honestly and authoritatively about pricing like no other broker. He knows what any catamaran is worth – wholesale, retail, etc. That is one of the big benefits of working with a broker who sells about 30 catamarans a year.

But the wife was not convinced….she wanted to meet him in person. So we scheduled a trip to Annapolis, and Phil and Dennis Bixler (one member of a GREAT staff) met us there, postponing leaving on a sailing trip to meet us. Keep in mind that we were not looking for a million dollar yacht, but a 38 foot catamaran. We spent the day looking at boats and getting to know each other. Diane immediately liked Phil and Dennis and felt she could trust them. Which is not something that comes easily to her!

Phil dealt with a ton of questions from us and never failed to return a call, even on Saturday or Sunday. He showed us listings 5 Oceans Marine Group had, as well as the listings other companies had. In fact, the boat we ended up buying was another broker’s listing. He clearly only wanted us to get the boat that was best for us – not him.

In closing, the one thing I must say is this: you want some one like Phil and his staff on YOUR side. Phil is a hard-nosed negotiator and gets things done right! From finding us a boat, to helping us sea trial, all the way to the closing, the entire staff at 5 Oceans Marine Group was a joy to work with. They treat you like family.

Thanks Phil,
Dennis, and Marylyn – you have allowed a dream to come true! Yall are GREAT