MY PROFILE:

Let's face it, the only person that absolutely needs a boat is a drowning man.

However, boating is one of life's most relaxing and enjoyable escapes from the pressures of everyday life you can do. When you buy a boat, you're not just making a purchase, but also choosing a life style. Boating can be one of the most fun activities you can do has a family. For many families, being all together in one place is a special opportunity to bond and share fun adventures that create memories for a lifetime. For other, being away from family and work is a great release and a time to recharge one's personal batteries.

For many, the boat buying or selling process is just not fun. It can be one of the more frustrating and confusing things you ever do. What's a good boat and what isn't? What's a good price and what isn't? Do you buy new or used? Who can you trust? A mistake can be not only expensive, but also turn your dream into a nightmare.

I am confident you will find that I am uniquely qualified to assist you. With extensive experience as a sailor, boat builder, yacht broker, businessman and a proven negotiator, you will receive sound advice and representation. Although there are over 3700 licensed brokers in the state of Florida, less than 100 have achieved the level of being a Certified Professional Yacht Broker. I am proud to be one of them and I pledge to be professional, ethical and always work for your best interest whether you are buying or selling.

My goal is to help you realize your dream and make an informed decision that is best for you and your family. I want to be your trusted consultant and will never become a pushy salesman. You will find my practical experience and broad product knowledge insightful in comparing and evaluating yachts you are considering. If your goal is to sell your boat, my extensive sales and marketing experience will help you to successfully achieve the sale quickly, for the most dollars possible and hassles free.

My career in the yacht business began in 1979. I’ve been fortunate to have been vice president of sales and marketing for several large yacht manufactures such as Gulfstar, Lazzara Marine, Morgan Yachts and Irwin Yachts. I had the incredible opportunity to work side by side with many of the “legends” in the boat building industry. I also had the pleasure of working with Azimut Benetti, the Italian manufacture that is the largest builder of motor yachts over eighty feet in the world. Through these experiences, I gained intimate product knowledge and a thorough understanding of the construction process that you may find helpful in comparing different yachts.

I invite you to tour the Catalina and/or Hunter factory with me and see firsthand how a yacht evolves from rolls of raw fiberglass and drums of resin, through the different stages of production to a completed yacht. Whether you buy a Catalina, Hunter or any other yacht, this tour will give you a greater understanding and appreciation for boat building. The Catalina factory is about 15 minutes from my office and about 20 minutes from the Tampa International Airport. The Hunter factory is a couple of hours north of Tampa and will provide you the opportunity to discuss two different construction techniques. I’m happy to make all the tour arrangements, including transportation from the airport, all you need to do is tell me when you'd like to go. Your investment of time in taking a factory tour will provide you with a new found wealth of knowledge and in addition grant you confidence in your purchasing decision.

My experience in brokerage yacht sales is varied and includes selling hundreds of sail and power yachts as well as owning the first completely computerized yacht brokerage, Preferred Yachts. Located next door to the St Pete Yacht Club and the 600+ slip Municipal Marina, we were a waterfront fixture for over a decade. Always searching for a better way do something, I developed a computer program in the 80’s that effectively kept track of brokerage yachts around the country and interfaced that information with a database of clients' wants and needs. This innovative computer system helped us to become one of the largest brokerages on the west coast of Florida and was further developed and shared with BUC International. The Buc listing system became the industry standard for over 15 years before Yachtworld took their place.

Living on a boat full time for over seven years was an incredible experience and a wonderful life style. Residing in a marina with other live aboards was like living in a small town and provided a better social life than I ever experienced living in a house, apartment or condo. I was fortunate to be able to explore much of the East Coast of the US and the Caribbean. You will find my practical experience helpful in discussing all the pros and cons that this type of life style has to offer.

I understand there are many ” good yacht brokers” from which you can choose, but when you’re considering a large investment such as a yacht, do you really want to settle for just “good”? I further understand that it takes exceptional service now and into the future and hard work to earn your respect, trust and business. You will find me willing to assist you anytime I can be of service, even if you’re only seeking advice and not ready to buy a boat.

I’m looking to develop a long term relationship with you and becoming your personal yacht broker for a lifetime. I enjoy working closely with my clients and most of them I consider my friends. I'd like to earn that relationship with you.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me. Now, I'd like the opportunity to learn about you. Contact me and let's get to know each other.

I look forward to the opportunity to assist you.

Best regards,

Joe Zammataro