TESTIMONIALS

A COLLECTION OF ARTICLES FROM ‘TESTIMONIALS’

Testimonials allow Boating Partnerships to constantly discover and refine

Roger Drake - Started in a 47SY and progressed to a 5800SY, then 6000SY & now in a 68 Sports Motor Yacht.

Roger has been a client with Boating Partnerships for over 9 years. He has been a part of many partnerships including the Riviera 4700, 5800, 6000, and now is enjoying the luxury of the 68 Sports Motor Yacht. Below Roger talks fondly of his experience and mentions the highlights of the journey north on the 6000SY.  

Were you included in the build process?

“We've been lucky enough to get the opportunity of observing the build from start to finish, which I think is very important. Even though you are a partner in the syndicate you still get a real sense of ownership while building your perfect boat.  You have the ability to change and customise things during the process while gaining an understanding of what really is involved with building these magnificent yachts. Some would think building a boat with other partners would be difficult but in fact you end up with a better boat as different people have different ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of”

What’s your favourite location and why do you like relocating?

“I think the Whitsundays is probably one of the nicest boating waterways in Australia. I suppose for me you've got restaurants to spoil yourself, incredible anchorages, a variety of snorkelling and fishing locations and don’t forget about the golf course opposite Hamilton Island!  It’s accessible and easy to enter the Whitsundays via Hamilton Island or Proserpine. Traveling along the coast, especially with an experienced skipper, you explore waterways that you never even knew existed. When you're not on the boat constantly you tend to lose that skill set that you've been taught. You are given the opportunity to control your own boat knowing that you have someone with an enormous amount of skills set beside you. I guess it's a training session in itself...and an enjoyable training session”. 

What is your favourite memory of relocating?

I still rate the best fish I’ve ever tasted was Tom caught a coral trout on the outer reef on our final leg to Hamilton Island. I was up on the helm and Jimmy did the cooking, it was absolutely remarkable, straight out of the water, straight onto the pan, with the butter...it still rates as the best fish meal I’ve had in my life. Also, snorkelling off the reef at Lady Musgrave, you felt so comfortable because you are enclosed in a tidal lagoon with fish and the water was just crystal clear. Having someone with the skill set to navigate you through what was reasonably tight waters, yeah it was just magnificent. 

Tony Farren - Moving from the 6000 Sport Yacht into our brand new 5400 Sport Yacht

“Joining a new syndicate with Boating Partnerships was an easy decision. They’re honesty and openness was what attracted us to them. During our first experience in the 6000SY, we felt confident that the staff members Tom employed were experienced professionals. The training was remarkable and our skippers and cleaning staff always did a very good job. We definitely didn’t have any complaints about the quality of the work. 

Buying into a brand new boat mean’t we could make some choices on the design. We were able to have a say in the name of the boat and add a few personal touches such as the paint colour. 

The running costs are excellent as the boat is lighter and shorter, yet still satisfies our needs to bring friends on board with us. Having a new boat will help me with the resale value, which is a huge incentive for others wanting to buy into a new boat. 

We cannot fault the Partnership Platform Tom has created. Our experience with the calendar on our 6000SY felt effortless. It’s a program that allows for flexibility and fairness. With Tom’s knowledge and experience, all owners were able to be very open-minded. Having a manager that could look into it on a personal level was the reason to come back as we felt there was always room for movement. 

Tom has always made himself available, which is a really good part about being an owner in this company. I was always reluctant to call Tom, but found he is always happy to take calls and answers my questions. On any boat, there can always be issues. Instead of waiting to talk to a service department, Tom was the easiest interaction with a quick resolution. I respect that Tom will give up a Sunday afternoon to answer a call. That’s what makes my boating experience very comforting”.

Paul - Former owner of the 6000 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition.

We sat down with owner of the 6000 Sport yacht Paul, to discuss his experience with the management we provided him previously here at Boating Partnerships.

“Overall, my experience with Boating partnerships comes down to two main aspects. 

Firstly, I’m a relatively inexperienced boat owner so this was my first venture into the world of big boats, therefore I was fairly apprehensive about it all. However, I wanted this venture to be made purely from a lifestyle perspective. From that it was so great and handy for me to have Boating Partnerships on call whenever I needed. They answered all my questions such as “what does this button or light mean” or  “wheres a good place to go on this day, in this wind”. To have that ability to make a call and be given an answer straight away, that for me was really critical. 

The second aspect is regarding the fact that I lead a pretty busy lifestyle and don’t have a lot of spare time, so to be able to have the boat looked after constantly and consistently like it was one of their own boats, brought me a great sense of comfort.

Due to the relationships with contractors, every issue was fixed in the most efficient and beneficial way. For example, one of the main batteries failed, and it would take me on my own about a month to sort it out but Boating Partnerships sorted it out within 4 hours. The local knowledge and guidance provided to me also heightened my experience as they advised me on places to eat and the best fish to get ect. Had I been on my own, I wouldn’t have enjoyed my boat or the experience nearly enough as I have been with Boating Partnerships.

As well as that, the cleaning was also always very regular. No complaints, only praise. I never felt that we were overspending on things. The team always had my backing by running the whole service.

I asked early on in the process what the management fee was and I was told, trust me that is the best part of the whole experience. That it gave me the right to call you at any time of the day. The greatest example of this was on my sons boat you weren't even managing My wife was having some trouble while I was away and you were down there in 20 minutes to take care of it without any issues. That was the moment I knew you guys ran a very special business, very bespoke, always focused on the customer, you deserve every success that you get. That's simply how I feel about it.”

Current owner in our Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht

“Having never owned a boat before, the training Boating Partnerships provided has enabled me to feel confident in my skills and abilities in all areas of using my boat. I began with a theory lesson with Les, then went out on the water later with William and the owner of Boating Partnerships Tom. 

The key factor that helped me cross the line in owning a boat with Boating Partnerships was Tom and his team, as well as the longevity of their experience. My experience so far has been better than expected and I am looking forward to making the most of Sydney Harbour and what the boating lifestyle has to offer”

Peter and Anne - 20% Owner of 5400 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition

"Having a boat currently in build has been a very enjoyable experience. I have been given the opportunity to not only observe the build but have input in deciding on options such as the Gyro and water maker. I believe these options were essential for use as well as adding to the resale value. This opportunity is just another reason to promote this experience with Boating Partnerships, presenting us with a real sense of ownership and pride. Taking part in the build process is allowing us to learn more about our boat as it transforms from an empty hull to our dream motor yacht. Our Riviera has just completed the engineering process while the hull and deck has just been joined. This experience is making us aware of how much goes into designing and building of Riviera motor yachts.

Another aspect we are enjoying is the opportunity to meet other owners of the boat. My wife and I had the chance to meet a co-owner during a factory tour and look forward to meeting the others along the way. Buying into a brand new build with Boating Partnerships was an easy decision. Having the ability to build the boat the way that you want while only paying a fraction of the price. Further, these vessels are Australian built with one of the worlds leading manufacturers.”

We’ve been with Boating Partnerships now for about 2 years in a Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht and we haven’t looked back… it has been fantastic. Having this boat has allowed family time with our children. It means time together, time on the water. Boating Partnerships basically helps us ensure that whenever we come out on our boat it feels like a holiday. These guys are really professional, they are very friendly, they know boats. Stepping into a boat like this is a big commitment but we just had the confidence and that these guys knew what they were doing and would help us along the way. The costs are known upfront and you only pay for what you use in terms of laundry and fuel in the like. From that point of view you can budget ahead you know what you’re going to be up for and you can see it. From that point of view, I can’t fault them. I’ve wanted a Riviera for 20 years. I looked at the money I had available and I thought, I can buy a 20-year-old second-hand boat or I can buy a state-of-the-art, brand-new Riviera with all the technology and the luxury that it comes with. And for me it was a no brainer. 

Andrew - Sydney-based 4800 Sport Yacht

“My husband wanted a Riviera for a long time and I was always the reluctant one in the party but what got me across the line was the support you had from Boating Partnerships. That if you had any problems you just give them a call and its sorted. We might say theres a problem on the boat and the next week when we come back its sorted and fixed and we don’t have to worry about it.”

Inga

Sydney-based 4800 Sport Yacht

"I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking at investing in a boat share syndication to have a talk to Tom.  He is the ultimate professional and you will be surprised how easy it is to be involved in a small syndication of large boats. We've been lucky enough to get the opportunity of observing the build from start to finish, which I think is very important. Even though you are a partner in the syndicate you still get a real sense of ownership while building your perfect boat. You have the ability to change and customise things during the process while gaining an understanding of what really is involved with building these magnificent yachts. Some would think building a boat with other partners would be difficult but in fact you end up with a better boat as different people have different ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of.”

Roger - 68SMY

“After contemplating for many years to either purchase a boat or engage in a boating partnership, my wife encouraged me to take the plunge. The team at Boating Partnerships had stayed in contact with me knowing it was something I was keen on doing and their knowledge and expertise was the final clincher that gave me the confidence to proceed. It has by far, been the best format of owning a boat. The quality of boat is superb and the location and facilities are second to none. It has been the best thing I have done as it has provided hours of entertainment and provided a unique environment on our spectacular harbour and exploring Pittwater to spend quality time with family and friends as well as making new friends through the boating partnership. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys boating and is considering moving forward with a boating partnership. You will not regret it.”

Byron

Sydney-based 4800 Sport Yacht

“The syndicated Boating Partnerships structure gives us the ability to enjoy the waters around Sydney on a modern extremely well appointed boat and without the hassles and responsibilities of directly owning your own boat. To have a team of professionals who are available to ensure that each of the experiences you have on the water are enjoyed to their fullest.

If you want to be on the water it’s a very cost effective way of indulging in the passion, whilst at first the contract and the hand books may seem a little daunting they are fair to both parties. From the day I paid the final instalment I’ve never looked back.

Investing in a boat of the size of Lutana solely would be a substantial commitment and given the constraints of family and work life, hard to justify. I’ve owned and currently still own a couple of small boats and keeping the maintenance of those is enough. With Boating Partnerships I step on and off Lutana hassle free.

My original concerns with moving forward with Boating Partnerships were initially trying to understand the ongoing maintenance costs and, being a first time person in this partnership arrangement, understanding how usage with other partners would work. Through the use of the online booking tool, bookings have been made very easy and it is clear when the boat is available. The maintenance cost regime is simple and straight forward.

The employees at BP are a friendly bunch and extremely helpful. The training was excellent and is a great way to enjoy life on the water.

The three benefits I’ve experienced as a result of becoming a part owner of Luntana is, having access to the water ways of Sydney and it’s surrounds, excellent management of the boat and it’s a great way to gather with friends and family.”

Jordi

1/6 Owner in 4800 SY ‘Lutana’

“We purchased a one sixth share in a Sydney-based 4800SY and we're loving it. It's been a dream to own a "big boat" for more than 20 years and, after researching buying our own second-hand boat outright, we realised that buying a share in a brand new, state-of-the-art Riviera made a lot more sense. We don't use our boat 100% of the time, so why pay for 100% of the ongoing costs? Despite it being a syndicated boat, Boating Partnerships have helped ensure we have a real sense of "ownership" of our pride and joy. The BP team are friendly and professional, and we like that they ensure that like-minded owners are selected for each vessel. The boat is impeccably looked after and we love the walk-on-walk-off service that BP provides.”

Andrew and Inga

Sydney-based 1/6 0wner - 4800 Sport Yacht