Testimonials
“I have owned four cruising boats over the years; two sail, two power. I have spent a good deal of time and worked with many brokers trying to find the right boat for what we needed at the time. I can say without any reservations that working with Richard Evans and his people at Calibre Yachts defines for me what marine brokers ought to be about. The service level was beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. Although it took more than a year (and offers on four boats), Richard’s enthusiasm and steady support never flagged. Moreover, the service didn’t end when the contract was signed. It is ongoing. He doesn’t build client lists; he establishes relationships. I would not remotely consider buying (or selling) a vessel without Richard’s involvement. He is knowledgeable, personable, and above all, operates with the strictest of ethics. I would gladly expand upon these remarks to anyone whom Richard may wish to refer.”
Stuart J. W, QC, 2019
“It’s been a real pleasure working with Alex who has managed a multitude of things on our behalf, particularly during the Covid shutdown when I have not been able to come over from North Vancouver. This has included coordinating mechanical/electrical upgrades, bat deterrents, decluttering the boat house, cleaning, installing heaters, and security for the boat. Alex is readily available, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and provides a very high standard of service at all levels.”
DB, 2021
“[Selling my boat] was a heart-wrenching emotional process for me and I would like to thank you for your understanding, your ability to listen, to understand, your professionalism, marketing ability, and warm personal touch in the whole process.”
Len R, 2021
“Doug… your patience and prudence steered us free of obstacles and roadblocks. You helped us avoid many possible regretful outcomes to teach us not only what to look for but what to avoid…I want to take this opportunity to let you know how much your experience, professionalism, guidance and sage advice has meant to me and my wife…thanks from the bottom of our hearts to you Doug and Akiko and the team at Calibre Yachts. We look forward to our next purchase and continued business with you.”
Brenda and Ian N, 2020
“Richard at Calibre was everything one would wish for at all points in the research and purchase process. His most undeniable trait beyond “really good guy” is his integrity and therefore, the strength of character he demands throughout his company. This was tested in our relationship, and when things happen, what truly matters is how people deal with the situation. Richard was professional in all aspects and did “the right thing.” What defines individuals in this sense is how they react under duress; Richard was composed and clear, transparent and helpful.”
Gordon S, 2020
“A thank-you just doesn’t express the gratitude that my wife and I feel for the incredible service and success in selling our boat. Finally, a friend suggested that boats are sold on the internet and that a video is incredibly important so I spent my evenings watching boat sales videos and the Calibre Yacht videos really stood out.
Rob and Sue Ksyniuk were incredible. Rob is a very likable and a talented sales person and his wife Sue helped do some decorating changes which really updated the interior. The result of all of this good work is that the boat was sold in 6 weeks and there were multiple backup offers.”
John H, 2019
“I just wanted to write to tell you thank you for all the help and guidance you gave me during the purchase of Anthea an Alubat Onvi 455. You exceeded all expectations. While three countries involved in the sale was enough, adding to that the impending time constraints involving the pandemic made the sale next to impossible. Your professionalism, persistence and your overall friendliness meant a lot to me. The research you did in finding out about my background and how well I fit with such a special boat was meaningful to me. I love Anthea. Thank you again for bringing us together. I will cherish her.”
Alan S, 2019
“Buying a boat is hard…Rob Ksyniuk showed us some of the first boats we looked at. At first, we did our own legwork, but then we realized how valuable it would be to have a broker on our side, keeping an eye out for “our” boat, making contacts, and walking us through the process. He had our backs and we trusted him 100%. He never pressured us to buy a thing, he just listened—really listened, and he was in it for the long-haul. When we finally found the right boat, it turned out that process was fraught with challenges (a gross understatement) but Rob was right there with us, keeping up a steady line of communication, being up-front, pushing hard to get us what we wanted most in the world. I think he wanted us to have that boat as much as we did! Having dealt with a dozen or more boat brokers, we can unequivocally say that Rob is in the top of his field: an excellent broker, and a fine human being.”
David M and Trina H, 2018
“Tony was marvellous, not only does he possess considerable boat ownership experience he was also prepared to help me fulfil the normal tasks of survey and sea while remaining in the UK. Tony organised the sail to Sidney for survey, recommended the marina for lift and scrub and returned Puff safely to Oak Bay. John the owner being unable to assist due to infirmity.
I received frequent communication on progress and was introduced to the accountant for transfer of funds, a slow process nowadays due to money laundering regulations. Tony also recognised that my UK domicile status would allow me to purchase Puff without GST being applied. Well done Tony, many thanks.”
David W, 2018
“Robert Kysniuk is a pleasure to work with. He is tenacious without being aggressive and is very professional which strikes a nice chord with clients. I have had a potential buyer say how much they have enjoyed their interaction with Robert.
Similarly, working with me he has made suggestions that have helped to sell our boat both in pricing and how the boat was presented. Robert goes the extra mile in offering to help out , including cleaning the boat and even shoveling off the snow last week!
He has kept me informed throughout the sale period regarding potential buyers, their feedback and his own recommendations.
I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Robert to other potential clients and I am more than willing to act as a reference if ever needed.”
Bruce W.
“Tony’s extensive knowledge and experience as a boat broker were key to successfully selling our boat at close to the healthy asking price. First of all, Tony found us a moorage spot with excellent exposure to potential buyers, and put us in touch with a hard-working and reasonably-priced boat-cleaning fellow at the marina. Tony also provided great advice on the touch-up work needed to show the boat to best advantage, and found us a reasonably-priced boat painter to refinish the window and door trim. Finally, Tony was very patient while I worked through the extensive paperwork needed to sell our ex-corporate boat, and helped us drive the boat to and from the up-Island boatyard for her marine surveys and maintenance work. I highly recommend Tony’s boat-broker services and would definitely want to hire him again when buying our next boat. Tony was a pleasure to work with, and you won’t find anyone better!”
Dr. Dennett N, P.Eng. (ret’d), 2018
“The generosity, kindness, and most of all, patience shown to us by Richard Evans and his team at Calibre Yachts knew no bounds in the process of buying a boat. We needed the perfect boat for our National Geographic Assignment off the BC coast.
After hundreds of emails, dozens of phone calls and many pick up at the Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal, Richard held out until we found a beautiful 40′ Tollycraft. I wish that buying other items in my line of work was this much fun. Calibre Yachts showed true integrity and class throughout the entire process. We can’t thank you enough.”
Paul N and Cristina M, 2017
“Calibre Yachts, with Jeff at the helm, matched us and our 32′ Nordic Tug with the perfect buyers! It has been a pleasure to work with Jeff and we are very satisfied with the process, feeling that our boat will go to a good home. And, we have made new friends. We certainly will recommend Calibre Yacht Sales to our yachting colleagues. Thank you, Jeff.”
Hugh and Anna G, 2019
“This story is about: Alex Denny, Calibre Yachts Broker, Maple Bay
A Broker with Integrity – A Broker who went above and beyond – Our Recommendation without Reservation – A Story that needs to be told and Retold.
We have recently purchased a Hunter Legend 35.5 through Calibre Yachts which our Broker, Alex Denny, with his friend, delivered to us in Comox just before Christmas. (What a nice Christmas present).
Throughout the pre-purchase including the survey, mechanical, and sea trials at Maple Bay there was no tender. Only the picture of a tender on deck (tarped but clearly visible) included in one of the Sales pictures. When asked about the tender, the owner said that he had a much better tender for us and in fact would be embarrassed to give us the one in the photo. The “good” one was arriving with his new boat purchase which was, he said, a newer “Walker Bay”. As well, he said his family was from up Island and would deliver said tender to our doorstep. New Year’s Day we messaged the owner, wished him Happy New Year, and inquired about the tender. Whereupon he said, “no problem”. The tender would be delivered to Parksville next week and could we pick it up? “No problem” we thought… Except…
Email sent January 7th: Good afternoon, Alex and XXXX (previous owner) Yesterday afternoon Ken and I drove down to Parksville to pick up the dinghy that was promised us, as part of the agreement that we made to purchase the Hunter 35.5. As it was dark by the time we got home we didn’t look closely at it until this morning, and when we did, we were extremely disappointed. We understood that the dinghy you were sending us was a fairly new Walker Bay inflatable, but what we have received is a very old, very dirty, and very well used West Marine inflatable; from the numbers on the transom, it seems to be a 1985 model. In addition to its poor condition, it also has no oars, no pump, no seats, and the slots where the seats would fit are torn. There is no possibility that this boat could be used as a reliable tender, and it will probably end up costing us a disposal fee at the landfill. So, we would like to have the dinghy that was shown on the deck of the Hunter in the photos that were used in the Calibre Yacht Sales ad, or something of equal usefulness.
We look forward to hearing from you.
(Note: 2 Oars were subsequently found in stern of Hunter but not usable with this tender)
So to repeat:
This is a story about: Alex Denny, Calibre Yachts, Maple Bay: A Broker with Integrity – A Broker who went above and beyond – Our recommendation without reservation – A Story that needs to be told and Retold.
Without any suitable response from the Previous Owner, Alex, on his own dime, found and purchased a near pristine, used, West Marine 2.75 inflatable tender with a 4 hp 2 stroke mercury outboard and with wonderful wife Heidi delivered it to our home in Royston.”