It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to getting on the water. Spring is the season for those clamoring to see what’s new in the boating world, to shop for a boat, or perhaps trade up or down. A while back, Linda and I were looking for a center console to putter around in. My hardcore fishing days are behind me, but nothing beats cruising around exploring the waters in the Scenic 98 Coastal area.

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of attending both the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show and the Miami Boat Show. What a spectacle! They have everything from mega yachts to sleek Italian runabouts, sport fishing yachts, and everyday fishing rigs. I must say it was somewhat overwhelming.

Anything related to the boating world was on display; luxury cars, motor coaches, art, and beautiful people, too. It’s also where people who are considering buying a new or used boat gather to kick the tires of crafts of every size and make. Sea trials are scheduled to test-drive boats before deals are finalized. It’s one of my fondest experiences.

In Mobile, the boat show was a Spring ritual for my father and brothers. Climbing in and out of boats all day, seeing the latest and greatest new equipment on display, and secretly hoping Dad would get so excited he would pull the trigger on whatever seemed to be nirvana in the boating world. I’ll give him credit. He came through a couple of times and thrilled us all.

Buying or trading a boat is a very personal experience. The range and scope of boat buying for the inexperienced boater can be fraught with buyer’s remorse. Boat shows are always a good place to see what’s out there. The kinds of boats on display vary greatly depending on the local boating and fishing preferences.

Some boaters trade vessels often. With a growing family that requires more accommodations, or a desire to get farther offshore where the big fish are, there are lots of reasons to trade, especially as family dynamics and economic abilities change. Winter seems to be the time when people in the market for a boat to buy or sell do their heavy research. It’s a big decision with a lot to think about.

I visited with Dan Green, a yacht broker in Gulf Breeze, who has been around boats all his life. He got his broker license in the mid ‘90s, after getting calls daily from people seeking his advice. “Why don’t you get your boat broker license since you spend so much time helping people decide what boats to consider and why?” his wife and father told him. So he did. 

GDG Yacht Brokers has been in business for decades now, and Dan Green, the principal broker, sheds some light on the experience of purchasing a new or used boat. Dan’s services will serve you well. There is a lot to consider whether you are an experienced boat owner or, especially,  if you are new to the game. Dan knows his stuff and helps people all across the United States and beyond find the perfect boat to fit their needs.

“People think that every boat is going to do everything they want. I help people find a boat that will do 80% of what they want, which is outstanding. The first thing I ask is, ‘What do you want to do with a boat?’ I help them understand the differences that will meet their needs.”

While we are talking, Dan gets a call from a client from Pensacola, an experienced boat owner who Dan has helped buy and sell several boats over the years. His daughter and son-in-law want to go in together on a serious “full-on” fishing boat in the 40-foot range with a price tag of around $400,000. “We’re looking for something more fishable.” 

The boat they were considering was in Newport Beach, California. “Good genes, good lines, topline boat,” were a few of the adjectives used in describing this particular boat. But I could tell it wasn’t exactly what they were looking for. Then the important question, “Who is making the financial decision?” 

Dan tells me about a beautiful “picnic boat” one of his clients really liked. “I scheduled a sea trial at the Miami Boat Show. I always take an independent boat surveyor with me to assess the condition of the hull, amenities, and engine. This boat was absolutely beautiful with highly polished varnished wood trim. As soon as we boarded, the surveyor went down to inspect the hull. I was standing on the deck with my client and the boat owner’s caretaker. Within five minutes, the surveyor emerged indicating “Issues….”. 

“That boat was beautiful, but it had a grocery list of problems that the owner needs to get fixed before it will sell,” Dan tells me it’s challenging to buy a boat. “What you have to figure out beforehand is an exit plan.

“Ongoing maintenance cost for a boat is about 10% of the hull value. You also have to factor in the cost of use. When purchasing a boat, what is the transportation cost to move a larger boat to where you want it? Relocating the Newport Beach boat we looked at would add another $15,000 to the purchase price. The company that transports boats had moved this boat once before, so they knew exactly what they were dealing with.”

Dan says he works with 6 to 8 clients at any given time. “I’m always looking for a boat for my clients. Ft. Lauderdale is the center of the universe for brokering boats in the United States. It’s not hard to get a broker license, but many yacht brokers haven’t been around boats all their lives, or know many kinds of boats. The best brokers understand quality boats from different tiers of boats.”

In addition to Dan, GDG Yacht Brokers has three other brokers, each with their own expertise. Paul Grimes co-authored The History of Rybovich, considered the top-of-the-line sport fishing boat. He specializes in custom sportfishing boats. Capt. Jimmy Madden is a competitive inshore fishing expert who specializes in smaller fishing boats. Justin Parrish has extensive experience managing charter fishing fleets at a Caribbean resort in Belize and makes bill fishing lures. Dan’s sweet spot is the 30-40 foot pleasure boats so popular in this area.

“The most important aspect of being a boat broker is being able to offer someone the guidance needed by having an extensive knowledge of boats, proficient and professional subcontractors to refer clients concerning maintaining and repairing boats, as well as access to databases of boats.” The association with a successful boat broker is ongoing, as he becomes the “knowledge base” for his clients over time, from initial research and purchase, through ongoing pleasurable ownership, and then upon sale.  

“The Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show is always the last weekend of October around Halloween. There seemed to be a reserved atmosphere, perhaps because of the election. At the Miami Boat Show in February, the mood had changed. People seemed ready to make a deal. I think the anticipation of warmer weather plays a role.”

As for the area boat shows that are popping up around the Scenic 98 Coastal communities, Dan mentioned New Orleans, Atlanta, Biloxi, Pensacola, Mobile, The Wharf in Orange Beach, Tampa, and Boat Show on the Bay on Mobile Bay. “Each one has different characteristics, but they are all fun.” He tells me he is considering attending the Palm Beach Boat Show next weekend.

As someone who grew up in Gulf Breeze, Dan knows his boats. He is both a competitive fisherman and a competitive offshore sailor. He has fished with some of the most famous fishermen in the world, including several well-known celebrities. Dan and his team at GDG Yacht Brokers are good people to know if you are in the market to buy or sell a boat.

Make plans to attend a boat show near you soon. There are several upcoming shows in the next few weeks! Whether you plan to purchase a boat or not, It’s a guaranteed good time!

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Mobile Boat Show: Mobile Convention Center March 14–16, 2025

The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show: The Wharf, Orange Beach March 21–23, 2025

Palm Beach Intl. Boat Show: West Palm Beach, FL March 21–24, 2025

Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival: Lake Dora, Orlando, FL March 21 23, 2025

Boat Show on the Bay: USS Alabama Memorial Park April 4–6, 2025

Suncoast Boat Show: Sarasota, FL April 25–27, 2025