Customer Corner-Marlow Marine Sales' customers letters and e-mails, yacht delivery photos

Now sitting at the dock for a few days at Northeast Harbor, to wait out the swells that Bill is going to send our way. Came from Frenchboro yesterday in fog so thick that even inside the harbor we could not make out land. Used the radar to find our way through the mooring field (not the first time I have done this trick in Northeast!) Navigating the fog is easy, working your way through pots is not so easy in 50-100 feet of visibility. We met Bob and Stacy aboard Blue Moon yesterday when we pulled in, they are two slips away.

We met at the Sydney Australia Boat Show in 2005 and the hour or so you spent talking with me convinced me that our next boat would be a Marlow.

After retiring, I eventually purchased Charmer, your first Marlow 57, from a US owner and had it shipped to Australia complete with the US skipper. I attempted to buy a new Marlow 57 through David Ratcliffe in Sydney but the long lead time was not attractive compared to a fully equipped ready to go used vessel. Also at USD1.2m, Charmer looked like a good deal.

The main reason for this mail is to let you know that we have just completed a serious blue water voyage in Charmer to Lord Howe Island, 425nm each way across the testing Tasman sea. Charmer met and even exceeded all my expectations and what was a real delight, we did not have a single maintenance issue. Lord Howe Island is a spectacularly beautiful place half way to New Zealand. The voyage took 48-50 hours each way. If the story of this trip is interesting to others, I could write it up and provide some great photos.

Flush with this success, I plan next year to voyage from Sydney to New Caledonia via Lord Howe Island. The second leg is 700 miles (4 days) which is about the safe limit of our range.

It is always exciting to read about your new designs, who knows, if the world economy regains its balance again some time, I may be in the market again.

Friday, March 21, 2008 - From Marlow Explorer 72E CB

Written to an owner-in-waiting....

I have owned two Marlow Explorers. I bought Hull # 18 (61-3) from a drawing and after a one hour conversation with David Marlow at the Ft. Lauderdale boat show in 1999. At that time hull # 1 had not been delivered yet, but they had already sold boats from a drawing and David’s passion. That is either quite a testimony to Marlow – or confirms that most all boaters are nuts! I think it speaks volumes for David Marlow and his commitment to excellence. I bought the boat at the Miami Show in 2000 with a three year delivery promise. The boat was delivered three years to the day!!!

While I could have felt the same concern you are feeling about paying for something that is truly “work in progress”, I also feel David Marlow takes a chance on his customers too. He commences to build a 3 million dollar boat for me on a handshake, a small deposit, and a promise to make some progress payments. It is truly a leap of faith on both parties. You have to feel his commitment to excellence and frankly he has to feel your passion too. I know that there are some customers who Marlow Marine does not feel meet their criteria and they have respectfully declined their business.

The best suggestion I could make to you and your wife is plan a trip to

China

to see your boat under construction. I would try to time your visit about 45-60 days before she is finished and ready for loading. I can say the trip to the factory has been one of the highlights of my boat owning experiences. We all read David’s journals about life at the factory in

China

and the marvel that has been created out of the wilderness and we all take it with a grain of salt – from an “Old Salt (David)” who has spent too much time at sea. Well I can tell you everything he says is 100% true, actually under stated, and an event not to be missed.

If you are looking for a contract so tight that it addresses each and every turn in the road – that is not the kind of contract Marlow prepares. I have financed both boats via Bank of America Yacht Division, and both contracts were acceptable to BOA. I had to “step up” and make the final payments in advance of the final ship’s papers, but by that time I was so anxious to have the boat I was ready and willing.

I hope my candid comments are what you are looking for. I can not tell you the build agreement is the most iron clad contract you will ever enter into. I think you need to feel the partnership you are building. I have found the building process to be fun and exciting. I feel Marlow gives more than they take in the process. They want a happy customer. I honestly feel that if my real world business experiences were half as pleasant as buying boats from Marlow Marine I would be the happiest guy in the world!

If past experience is any indicator I will bet this is not going to be your last Marlow Explorer.

Good luck and I hope I have helped you in your decision making process.

Regards,

Buz McCall

Cloud Nine

CLOUD NINE

It seems every delivery of a Marlow Explorer expands the concept of yachting on a global basis. The same is now true for Ken & Arleigh Clapham, new owners of the 2005 53C Marlow Explorer CLOUD NINE. Ken enjoyed a great cruise from Snead Island to Ft. Lauderdale where CLOUD NINE was loaded on a ship enroute to her new homeport Vancouver, British Columbia.

February 1, 2008 - From REBEKAH - 456 Ocean Alexander

Linda and I purchased our AO 456 Classico from Marlow Marine in July of 2000, and have never looked back. From finding the Rebekah Lin (then HYPNOS) at your docks, to the purchase, to the service, to the delivery, to the follow up, it has been a remarkable journey. We’ve been receiving your Association News all these years and I look forward to the next edition. You have a remarkable group of people on your staff and they seem to still be there for the most part, amazing! We still recall the time of departure to bring her to Jacksonville; everyone was on hand including David, himself! Probably just making sure I cleared the harbor with out visiting any of the inventory tied up along the way. Thanks for your publication!

Linda and Nathan Franzblau

	DOLCE VITA John & Mary Auer with son Austin aboard their newly purchased 2005 Marlow Explorer 70E "Dolce Vita". They plan on trips to the Bahamas, the Florida Keys and wherever their mood strikes. It took a couple tries to find the right yacht, but they seem to have settled in to enjoy this special yacht.
Feb 2008 Soon after delivery of their new ME 53C, Jim and Ruth DeLellis cruised to Useppa Island, across Lake Okeechobee to Stuart, Florida and beyond for MISS RUTH’S eventual debut at the Ft. Lauderdale 2008 boat show. Following the show, they cruised throughout Florida before bringing her back to her home at Longboat Key Moorings, Sarasota, Florida.

Jan. 11, 2008 Note to David from Gerry Rubin onboard BARBARA ANN - Marlow Explorer 53C

I wish to extend my gratitude for the hand-crafted teak boxes. They are beautiful…just like the Marlow 53-15 for which they were obviously "made". Whatever chance we get to give an on-board walkaround demonstration… we do. We are proud to display what you have built. Happy New Year to you and your family, and to Joe, who has been an invaluable resource for us.

……………Gerry Rubin

2007 CUSTOMER LETTERS | BOAT DELIVERIES

Waypoint-Bierman

December 2007

Eric Bierman took delivery of his new 57E CB WAYPOINT in December of 2007. She stayed in Florida until Spring and attended the Annual MMS rendezvous on Useppa Island. She was then cruised up the east coast to her home At Liberty Landings in northern NJ. From this Marina you can see the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. The owner plans to take her back to Useppa for the winter and he will come down and use her during the winter months.

November 2007
Mr. and Mrs. Franco took delivery of a beautiful 78E command bridge, AMISTAD, in November of 2007. She was the first 78E CB delivered to the Florida Office and is based in Cozumel, Mexico. The owner had a custom cradle built and, using his own travel lift, stores the yacht on land during hurricane season. In December she will start cruising the beautiful waters of the Yucatan and central America.

Amistad

Patience 78E November 2007
PATIENCE, a new 78E, was delivered to Carlos Beruff and outfitted for an adventurous trip to the Amazon and a long cruise upstream - not bad for a shake-down cruise! She ultimately will be berthed in the Sarasota area.

August 23, 2007 - From FAMILIA Marlow Explorer 78E - Cruising to Virgin Islands

George,

Our trip to the Virgin Islands (British & US) began on May 10, 2007 departing Miami-Lyford Cay, Bahamas. The day was splendid and 78-17E "FAMILIA" was running splendidly. Once we rounded the turn at Northwest Channel Light bound for Lyford, we decided to take the second leg in combination with the 1st, arriving Sampson Cay (Big Major anchorage) in time to watch a splendid sunset. The remaining voyage, which ended on June 30, 2007 in Miami, was an experience none will soon forget. We visited so many new places and some of the "old stomping grounds" alike yet yearned to do more yet time would not allow. This trip covered stops such as Emerald Bay, Acklin/Crooked Islands, Turks & Caicos Islands, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Cap Canna, Dominican Republic, San Juan, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, Peter Island, Samana Bay, Fajardo, Ponce, St. Johns, Treasure Cay and others which extend this list beyond our initial expectations. Our cruising engine hours totaled just under 200 hours.

Although we experienced splendid weather for most of the journey, there were two days in particular where we faced 15' seas and greater. However, 78-17E "FAMILIA" put her bow forward and gave us a fine example of just how splendidly she was designed for the open seas and how she yearned to be in use. Her sea keeping ability exceeded any expectations or experience ever before encountered on any other vessel. Coupled with her cruising speed and top end speed, we have, and continue to see speeds up to 30.1kts over ground. Recently we towed the 25' Contender to the Bahamas without the slightest inclination she was not up to the task.

Thanks to the support staff of Marlow Marine, Tim Conway, Joe, George, Jackie and many others, we were able to overcome anything thrown our way and make the trip many only dream become a reality.

Again, Thanks to everyone.

Regards,

David Lewis, Captain

August 12, 2007 - From MV Heather K - Grand Banks 46

Dear David,

I would like to thank some very special persons that took care of MV Heather K. while under the "for sale" sign at Marlow Marine. At the docks, Hope took loving care to make sure my boat was in "show" condition. She not only kept the outsides gleaming but also made sure the interior was clean and aired-out without any musty smells. It was a pleasure to see how well our boat looked under Hope's care and she deserves a "well done" for that. Mark Medley moved our boat and also took care of various maintenance and corrective actions. He was professional in his work and attentive to the specific items that I asked to be worked on after arriving at your docks. When he completed the jobs, they were done correctly. He too deserves a "well done". Tim Conway is a very special person that manages to listen to owners' equipment problems and then has them completed to the owner's satisfaction. There were a number of electrical and mechanical problems that L found on our way from Alabama to Florida last fall. Tim had them corrected in a timely fashion so that Heather K. was ready to be shown and taken out for sea trails. At the end of May, when we had to move Heather K. north, I was very pleased how well all the problems had been fixed. And last but certainly not least, Tom Pride is a broker in whom I have had the utmost confidence of his way to help me during visits to your yard. He is a salesman "par excellance". Unfortunately, GB46s are not hot sales items and St. Paul's Insurance would not continue to insure our boat in Florida during the hurricane season. Hopefully, the hurricane season will not be as bad as originally projected. Nevertheless, Marlow Marine has to rank at the top of my experience with not only brokers but also shipyards. You have a wonderful facility with great people. Thanks to all of them for taking such good care and effort with trying to sell Heather K.

Sincerely,

Detlev E. Hasselmann

DIGNITY Marlow Explorer 57C

Angus McSween and his good friend Ian, take

delivery of their new 2007 Marlow Explorer 57 in the United Kingdom.

Cheers!!!

57E Scotland

July 10, 2007 - From FAMILIA - Marlow Explorer 78E - Cruising from Miami to Antiqua

Gentlemen,

During the entire voyage we experienced an educational curve unsurpassed by anything I have ever encountered on a singular basis. I must say Thank You to everyone who supported our needs and kept us “on the road”. Tim Conway pulled endless numbers of rabbits out of his hat and remained at the ready whenever we called regardless of time or day. His efforts are highly commendable and greatly appreciated. The Marlow Explorer has proven an excellent seaworthy vessel and one easily adaptable to ever changing conditions. Her steadfast design proved comfortable under fifteen foot seas and coupled with her mechanics proved to this captain this yacht is no doubt a trend setter. One interesting note I shall add is when running in a head sea, many vessels experience a pounding effect as each wave makes contact with the bow. I found instead of the “normal head pounding” the bow sliced the wave instead of butting into it. The pitch and yaw seemed to be minimum or was easily adjusted for a more comfortable ride. However, when the seas become large, everyone should respect the limitations of comfort and the safety of everyone aboard.

Again everyone, Thank You for your support. I look forward to a positive relationship for many years yet to come.

Regards,

Captain David Lewis, USCG Master, US Merchant Mariner

Shogai

SHOGAI
SHOGAI, the Marlow Explorer 70E Command Bridge, delivered in Seattle to Chuck Richmond and Brad Hill in June 2007 has been cruising Puget Sound and the Canadian Pacific Islands where she has been turning heads. Brad reported from April Point that one admirer said to him "I sure hope that you’re enjoying that boat as much as I am just looking at it".

Congratulations to Lou Petrosino, aboard his 1983 Grand Banks 42 SOUTHERLY. Lou plans to winter in St Simons, GA and then follow the geese north to Stony Point on the Hudson River in New York next spring. After a summer of learning the ways of the Grand Banks 42, Lou hopes to head south again and begin a trip around the Caribbean starting with Mexico and Central America, then South America and finally the Caribbean Islands we all dream about.

May 25, 2007 - From Buz and Pat McCall, aboard ANGELA MARIN - Marlow Explorer 72E-CB

The is the first time I have been in a Marlow in rough conditions. All what David and you say is true. We had 8 to 10 footers and we were running at 19 knots and 23 knots once we got a following sea. The AM was perfect. More later.

Buz.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Mark Wojnar takes delivery of Turtle Chaser, a Grand Banks 42 Classic. Mark resides in East Sandwich, Massachusetts and has a lot of business on Florida's East Coast. He will be keeping his Grand Banks in Florida and plans many trips to the Bahamas. He also may buy a larger boat so as to have one in the North East and one down in the south. Not a bad plan!

May 17, 2007 - From Gerry Rubin onboard BARBARA ANN, New Marlow Explorer 53C Owner

David:

Your literary polish is only surpassed by your yacht building acumen. I am most appreciative of your candor regarding the professional etiquette upon which you have built your company. The principles of partnership with your customer and the integrity of craftsmanship behind each and every Marlow product will serve to make Marlow the vessel of choice for the discriminating buyer. I am one and I am because of those principles that you expressed so well in your e-mail message.

The telling statement to me was your declaration saying that you “do not intend to be, nor do we hold ourselves out as an ordinary company. We desire to be the best. Period!” Give me that old time religion any day. As an independent company ourselves, we have the same work ethic. Moreover, like you, we have our name on the mantle. We can duck. But, we cannot hide. And hide you don’t. Your message, of course, has served to torque my anxiety – related to your reference to the “goodies” you have provided us along with the “near perfection in its fit and finish.” I feel like the kid in the candy store.

Your personal dedication and commitment to 53-15 has not gone unnoticed. Or, unappreciated. I am new to the “from scratch” boat build-out process. I don’t think for a New York minute that other boat builders would cater to any one owner the way you, David, are with me. Recognizing that I will be berthed in Santa Barbara, I will serve as your ombudsman – at the ready to introduce “The Marlow Way” to those needing a booster shot. I, too, consider myself a “builder”….not in the physical sense; but, in the emotional sense in terms of communicating to a prospect both intellectually (the easy part) and emotionally (the hard part). In our own practices we are imprecise. A dose of realism serves to invigorate us…to stimulate us…to make us The Best. Period! As you shared, there are opportunities to re-frame your own skill sets. This is an organic need caused, in large part, by expansion of your franchise. Often, the bigger we get….we set aside those practices that brought us to the dance. In this spirit, but only after the heavy lifting is completed, I would welcome the opportunity to share my experiences with you – from the day I stepped aboard my first Marlow at the Ft. Lauderdale boat show over two years ago to its impending delivery into Seattle. I also have an idea or two that could serve to embrace the customer while sweetening the long-term loyalty with the customer toward The Marlow Brand.

I thank you for your care and feeding of The Best Boat Marlow’s Ever Built. Period!

Gerry

	STEAM BOAT After spending all spring in the high country of Colorado, Martin and Deanna Allen are returning to STEAM BOAT for a summer cruise along Florida's Southwest Coast. When asked where they were headed, Martin answered cryptically, "South." Keep your eyes peeled for a gorgeous flag-blue Marlow Explorer 57E Command Bridge with some faces with broad smiles.
Bill McInnes of Nashville, Tennessee, takes a break on the transom of his new Marlow Explorer, 78E, Hope Floats. Bill was kind enough to let us show HopE Floats in the Miami Boat Show this year and after a brief commissioning phase at Marlow marine, intrepid Bill and his crew embarked on a shakedown cruise to St. Bart's and back, roughly 2,800 miles. He then joined us at the Marlow Marine Spring Rendezvous in early April at Useppa Island. This summer, Bill anticipates staging Hope Floats on the East Coast and doing some relaxed cruising and sightseeing.
	CARISAH Following delivery of Prowler # 10, John Gray took the Okeechobee waterway from Florida’s west coast over to the east coast and then onward to Man-O-War in the Bahamas where the boat will be based. John’s Prowler is the classic version and sports triple Evinrude E-Tec outboards – perfect for exploring the shallow Bahamian waters while also providing superior get-up-and-go and seakeeping abilities.
SISU Recently delivered is the first Marlow 82 Cockpit Motor Yacht, SISU, to the very proud owners in Washington State. This beautiful yacht is spending her winter in Mexico, returning as the season approaches, to the Northwest.
	A beautiful blue hull Marlow Explorer 70E was delivered to its owners, the Virtues, and their golden retriever, Daley, in mid January, 2007. Karli Won attended the Marlow Marine 2007 Rendezvous at Useppa Island in early April, and will be cruising the Bahamas and East Coast throughout the summer, with plans to head to the Virgin Islands in the fall or winter.

2006 CUSTOMER LETTERS | BOAT DELIVERIES

December 8, 2006 - From Stan Edwards aboard MARGARET RINTOUL - 70E Explorer

October 8, 2006 - From Robin and Bunny aboard MOTHER OCEAN - Marlow Explorer 78E

"David, thanks for your reply and support. Its so good to have it. Your boats are like children, you're glad to see them off to sea for adventure when they're ready to go and they are always welcome home when they need help."

August 2006 - From Bill and Nancy Schneider aboard BLUE HERON, Marlow Explorer 57E

“The Marlow experience has been a real positive: from dreaming with you to “running the waves” in this beauty. She does turn heads. Our thanks for all in China and Snead Island for a real winner! Fit and finish could not be better! You are true Roses in the Garden….thanks for what you do for us.”

August 2006 - From Doug and Eileen Webber aboard SALTWIND - Marlow Explorer 65C

“Eileen and I want to thank you for the great service you and your team provided on our recent visit to the Marlow yard. Our trip back to Tampa was flawless with the vibration gone. You were right, it must have been the fishing line. Your help on Sunday was over the top, you bring a new level to the already good service at Marlow.”

May 2006 – From Fred, Karen, Griffin, Daniel, Erica, Nicholas and Michael Tordella aboard LA DOLCE VITA (2004 Explorer 70E)

“I’m thrilled to report that my family had a wonderful and fun filled trip to the Bahamas, made all the sweeter by a perfectly running Marlow! Nothing, and I mean nothing, malfunctioned. The boat ran like a champ and every system operated as it should. You guys did everything you said you would, and I thank you for that.”

January 2006 – From Marshall and Stevie Wishnack aboard MOTHER OCEAN (2005 Explorer 78E)

“I am approaching the first anniversary of my purchase of Mother Ocean, and I wanted to let you know how pleased I am with my decision to purchase a Marlow Explorer 78. The boat has lived up to my high expectations and your bold promises, and is in my opinion the finest boat of its kind in the world. Your friendship and involvement, from day one, have made all the difference in making MOTHER OCEAN a boat of which I am extremely proud.”

May 2004 – From Tony and Karen Burkhart aboard PEACOCK (1980 Grand Banks 42 Classic)

“Tony and I want to thank you so much for the recent Marlow Bahama Cruise that we attended. It was a very organized trip and lots of fun….the best part was all the new friends we met and we hope to see again soon.”

June 2004 – From Howard Katzen aboard KATZENJAMMER V (1995 Grand Banks 42 Classic)

“I read the article in Boat Int’l USA with great interest. You are an outstanding person and I congratulate you on your many successes. My wife Barbara and I will always remember your willingness to help us, even though our boat was not purchased through your company, I am sorry to say. We were pleased to do business with your fine organization later on and were very satisfied with everything you did for us.”

March 2004 – From Carol and Robert Havell aboard JULIANNA (2001 Selene 50)

“If there ever existed an occasion warranting a letter of thanks, it is when someone goes the extra mile to please a customer. With this in mind, we would like to thank you for a job well done. The craftsmanship and courteousness of your personnel was outstanding. We shall recommend Marlow Marine to others and look forward to doing business with your company in the future.”