Marlow Marine Sales, Inc.

4204 13th Street Court West, Palmetto, Florida 34221
Ph. 941-729-3370  •  FAX 941-729-4955  •  1-800-362-2657
e-mail  sales@marlowmarine.com

 Customer Comments

We  appreciate the letters and emails received from so many of our clients.  Making dreams come true is something to take great pleasure in delivering. 

What more can we say.

 

 

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

 
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!!!
 
I sold 61-3 via Marlow Marine and bought 72-21.  At the time I bought 72-21 the first hull / design had not been built.  In fact the “deal” between David and I was penciled on the back of a napkin at the Bradenton Yacht Club over lunch.  The 72-21 was the sister ship to David’s “Rebel Yell”, and he had not yet disclosed to even his sales staff the design of that boat (a 65 foot vessel from his 78 foot mold).  He had the confidence in me that I would not disclose “our deal” until the proper time.
 
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

 

February 1, 2008 - From REBEKAH (456Ocean 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

 

August 23, 2007 - From FAMILIA (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 andmake 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

July 10, 2007 - From FAMALIA (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

May 25, 2007 - From Buz and Pat McCall, aboard ANGELA MARIN (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

May 17, 2007 - From Gerry Rubin, 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

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

Dear David,  Thank you for the gift received this week, it is much appreciated.  We will have service completed on the port engine next week and enable us to use the boat over the Australian summer period.  Since arriving in Australia, we have traveled over 3000 miles along the east coast of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. We were fortunate to have good weather while we were along the Barrier Reef, which meant we were able to get into the lagoon at Fitzroy Reef, where the entrance is very narrow, but once inside there are many acres of sandy bottom in about 20 feet of water. A memorable experience!  We struck varying weather on the way South, including some very big following seas, which allowed us to experience the ability of the 70E to track straight and remain manageable.  Apart from the service issue due on the port engine everything worked well and most equipment got a real workout on our trip.  We have extensive plans to make other trips, but apart from the Great Barrier Reef, other cruising grounds are very far away and would be dependent upon weather. We have interest in going to Tasmania next and to Lord Howe Island but will see what interest we get from our boating friends.
 

October 8, 2006 - From Robin and Bunny aboard MOTHER OCEAN (78 Explorer)

  "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, (2006 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 (2005 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.”

 

This site was updated on 8/27/07