Brokers who are mariners
Ashwell Foyle Yachts is a yacht brokerage on the Annapolis waterfront, representing sail and power vessels between 24 and 62 feet. In a trade where almost anyone may call themselves a boat broker, every listing and every acquisition here is held to CPYB certification, ABYC technical literacy and bonded escrow accountability.
The brokerage begins with the boat rather than the budget. Many badly run deals fall apart on haul-out day because nobody opened a bilge hatch or checked the exhaust risers before going under contract, so the marine systems advisor reviews every prospective listing first. Sellers fix small surprises early, and buyers travel to Annapolis knowing the vessel is described accurately.
A buyer whose boat sits in another marina, or 800 miles down the coast, can still have a CPYB broker on their side at no extra cost, with SoldBoats comparable sales, YBAA contract language and an advocate beside the Travelift. Every sale closes with a fresh USCG Abstract of Title audit or state title search, verified lien releases, and funds held in segregated escrow until the Bill of Sale is delivered.
Three promises on every vessel
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Condition disclosed plainly, before you travel
Tired canvas, older electronics or an after-cooler service coming due at 1,000 hours is named before a buyer makes the trip. So is a boat that is simply the wrong size for the water described.
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Deposits held in segregated maritime escrow
A 10% earnest deposit sits in a dedicated client trust account and stays fully refundable until survey and sea-trial acceptance is given in writing under YBAA terms.
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Support at the helm after closing
The relationship does not end at the wire transfer. Owners are introduced to vetted insurance underwriters, slip masters, boatyards and training captains.
From first boarding to cast-off
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Step 1
Consultation and viewing
Range, draft, berth and budget agreed, then private dockside boardings by appointment.
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Step 2
Written offer and deposit
A YBAA Purchase & Sale Agreement, conditional on your satisfaction at sea trial and survey.
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Step 3
Survey and sea trial
Independent SAMS or NAMS hull survey, engine checks and an open-water trial.
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Step 4
Title clearance and handover
Lien verification, notarised Bill of Sale, USCG filing and a walkthrough aboard.
Visiting buyers and marina access
Many listed vessels lie in gated yacht clubs, private docks or working boatyards that need clearance in advance. Booking 24 to 48 hours ahead means shore power is on, the cabin air conditioning is running and the full maintenance binder is waiting aboard. Ashwell Foyle Yachts does not lend money or underwrite insurance itself, promises no date by which a listing will sell, and does not deliver beyond the Chesapeake Bay and the waters immediately outside it.
Start with a dockside viewing
It is complimentary and runs about 90 minutes, and it ends either with a boat worth a written offer or with a plain statement that nothing in the slips fits.