Testimonials

What our clients say

Stunningly helpful I've found Steve stunningly helpful as we went through the activities post purchase to get the boat back to NZ. Sometimes, once something is sold, the helpfulness dries up - but this was definitely not the case with Steve. No issue / question was too small. It was, and continues to be very much appreciated! I'd happily buy through you guys again, and recommend you in a heartbeat! Cheers, Andrew Boswell

The best in my experience I have over the past five decades bought and sold a number of boats through a number of boat brokers but found Steve and his team at SBM the best in my experience. They kept me updated on the progress of the marketing and sale of my boat until they found the buyer. Their market knowledge and insight helped me to negotiate the best price for my boat. Many thanks to SBM. Kind regards, Ken Gresham

Seamless & stress-free Wendy and I would like to formally thank you for your assistance in finding the Riviera 56 Flybridge for us. After the first phone call I had my reservations that like many boat sales people, we possibly would not hear from you again but I have to say that wasn't the case with your company. It only took you a few weeks and we received a call that ultimately ended up with us purchasing the same boat off you and the really great owners some months later. Your overview of the boat when it was actually in the Whitsundays was right on the mark, even though at that stage you hadn't even viewed the boat yourself. We were lucky enough to view the boat with the owners Phil and Mandy and finally undertook the sea trial in Brisbane some months later were we all finally met. I could see why you sell a number of boats. Experience with every facet of the boat from technical - electrical and the construction provided me with the confidence to have a go. Your extra flexibility to single handily take the boat from Brisbane to the ship in Newcastle was an added bonus for us. Over all a very seamless stress free experience and Wendy and I would have no issues at all recommending you to other kiwi hopefuls. Roger Sumich

Thrilled Hi Steve, Just wanted to say thanks for all you've done. We are thrilled with the boat and you've gone way above and beyond to look after us. Really appreciate it! Darren & Simone

Our Dream Boat We travelled to Sydney from Perth to purchase our Maritimo from SBM.The team were very knowledgeable, accommodating and professional in all attributes. Purchasing our dream boat was a breeze. Thank you Steve and your Team for making our experience so easy. Would thoroughly recommend going to SBM for any of your boat requirements. The Boult Family

Recommended Dear Steve & Hugh, the experience overall has been a very pleasant and smooth one. I have already recommended you to several people. The only criticism is that it is sometimes hard to get hold of you! But I know why you are so busy and you always get back to me! Sam

Man of Action Appreciated the decisive action by Steve in the Sales process (Man of Action). Did everything he said he would do. Would refer SBM to the Boating Community.

Genuine customer service Dealing with Steve, Hugh and the SBM Team has been a great experience. They have a genuine customer service ethic and nothing is ever too hard or complicate. They are there to lend a hand and give advice. Love my boat. Fred

Expertly handled My experience with the SBM Team, was absolutely fantastic. All transactions handled expertly and professionally - could not have asked for anything more. Thank you and Kind Regards.

An amazing journey On Tuesday 24 March we made contact to purchase a M48. On Monday 30 we departed Mosman for Gold Coast. It's hard to believe that only a week prior we purchased a boat in Sydney and 5 days later it's in our berth on the Gold Coast. It has been a refreshing experience to receive prompt and professional services in all aspects, whether paperwork, follow up, repairs, insurance, boat delivery and after sales service. We thank you and your crew at SBM for making our boating experience so much better. We love our boat. Laurie

A fantastic experience Steve & Hugh, it was a fantastic experience not just a deal, with your enthusiasm but with the continued follow up and service from your Team. You and your Team provided knowledge and credibility which we needed. Thank you, Craig

I'm glad I did! As a busy professional, I didn't have time to attend to rectifying all the frustrating small issues arising from the Survey. Steve, Hugh and the Team were able to take the hassle out of the Sales process. You never quite get the money you want, but I found that Steve helped me to realise that the offer on the table was fair and he encouraged me to accept, which I'm glad I did in the end. John

Highly recommend Thanks for the fantastic service through the purchase period. I managed to inspect and negotiate the purchase within 4 days and settle within 2 weeks.The survey process was simple and the quality of the boat reflects the obvious care taken to only take high quality vessels to market. Jumping up 20ft in length from my previous boat has meant that all of the guidance plus weekend and after work lessons from Hugh in manoeuvring and understanding the complex systems has meant the first weeks of ownership are far less stressful than they otherwise would have been. All in all, I can't fault the level of service of everyone in the Team, and would highly recommend them to anyone thinking of buying a boat.

Wonderful experience Thanks for a wonderful purchasing experience. It was one of the best buying experiences we've ever had. Best of all was the time you spent Steve, walking us through snd explaining all our new boat's systems. Sharing your knowledge and experience plus the time you spent demonstrating boat driving techniques out on the water was an invaluable experience. A total bonus.The boat handling explanations and analogies you used made it easy to understand and put into practice with confidence. My wife and I have already sung your praises to our family and friends. Thank you so much Steve and your team. Our expectations were totally exceeded. Again thank you. Steve

Nothing was a problem Great "backup" service, nothing was a problem. Thank you team SBM and Hugh for his professionalism and amazing product knowledge. Rick

Absolutely Brilliant From the first phone call from NZ, enquiring on one of the Boats for sale at SBM my experience os SBM has been nothing short of "Absolutely Brilliant." Steve and the Team were professional ,courteous and so very helpful. It was a refreshing and enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend Steve and the Team at SBM to anyone looking to purchase their next boat. When time comes to change our current boat, my first phone call will be to Steve at SBM. Brett

Great work Great work Mate. The boat was photographed with real consideration and presented very professionally. I was happy with our negotiations and the way you closed and remitted Funds. Would do business with you again - Next Boat. - Robert

Fantastic service I would like to thank you for the fantastic service you provided our family during the recent purchase of our new boat. From our initial inspection , until we drove away, the attention to detail and Service you provided was above our expectations. We really appreciated this as it made buying our new boat so much easier and a great experience. I would have no hesitation in recommending people to buy their next boat from you. Thank you again. Gerad

Purchase of Sea Ray 455 Having sold recently we still wanted a boat, Steve listened to our requirements and then recommended a few options it boiled down to our choice, no pressure just if the boat fits and the price was agreeable the deal was done. We found the Steve, Hugh and the team committed to ensuring we were happy with our purchase and also quick to respond to any concerns.

Sale of Riviera 48 "Watermark" I had met the SBM team when I purchased my boat in 2012 so when it came time to sell I rang Steve for assistance, he remembered the boat and said he had a good market for her. Within a few weeks of listing the sale was complete at a good price, Steve knows his market he's active in the sales arena and does not just list and wait. All round good and quick result.

It was a fantastic experience Steve, it was a fantastic experience not just dealing with your enthusiasm, but the continued follow up service from your team.You and your team provided knowledge and credibility, which we needed. Craig.
PS. Thank You

Refreshing to find real professionals My colleagues and I have used Steve Batton Marine services to buy, sell and maintain two boats in recent years.As boating newcomers we needed maximum 'handholding' with our first purchase, not only with the boat , but around our individual boating skills, introductions to high quality tradespeople and all the other bits and pieces one takes for granted! As most will be with any major financial commitment, we've been demanding, fussy and always seeking the best. Steve,Hugh, Jon and the team at SBM have overdelivered - it's that simple! In a world full of experts looking to make a quick dollar its refreshing to find real professionals who do what they say they will, go out of their way to accommodate your needs, and remain very pleasant to deal with into the bargain. They're good people at SBM. We'd not hesitate to recommend SBM to anyone needing high levels of marine expertise and service.
Cheers, Tony South

Appreciated Appreciated the decisive action by Steve in the sales process ( Man of Action! ).Did everything he said he would do.Would refer SBM to boating community.Richard

An Amazing Journey On Tuesday 24th March we made contact regards the purchase of a Maritimo M48 series 2 paid a 7 day holding deposit.By Thursday 26th we had flown to Sydney from the Gold Coast. The boat had been slipped, the motors inspected by Volvo, the hull surveyed and we trialed the boat. All of which went without a hitch. We returned to the Gold Coast. On Sunday 29th March I flew back to Sydney, spent the night on the boat. All minor problems had been attended to. On Monday at 1.30pm we departed Mosman for the Gold Coast. We had a 4 hour sleep stopover at Port Macquarie which was an interesting experience. Crossing the bar at 10pm on a black night, pouring rain and limited visibility certainly was a challenge. Steve, it has been an incredible experience participating in the delivery of our boat. Your seamanship is excellent and I would recommend anyone to take the journey. It's hard to believe that only a week ago we purchased a boat in Sydney and 5 days later it's sitting in our berth on the Gold Coast. It has been a refreshing experience to receive prompt and professional service in all aspects, whether paperwork, follow up, repairs, insurance, boat delivery and after sales service. We thank you and your crew at SBM for making our boating experience so much better. We love our boat.
Cheers, Laurie & Margaret Coleman

Second boat through Steve I have been asked to put into writing, my thoughts on the service provided by SBM. This is such an easy ask. We could not be happier. We have just purchased our second boat through Steve and from the outset, everything has been effortless and organised completely. Our first boat, purchased from Steve, was a gem, no nasty surprises and it was because of this that we had no hesitation in approaching Steve when we decided to look for something the same quality, but larger. To date we have traded two and bought two, and throughout these four transactions, we have had nothing but honestly and friendly service. Nothing is a problem and communication is always forthcoming. Steve's knowledge of boats, his obvious passion, is outstanding.
Thank you Steve, Hugh and Barbara, just love dealing with you.

Dealing with Steve, Barbara, Hugh and the SBM Team has been a great experience. Steve and his team have a genuine customer service ethic and nothing is ever too hard or complicated, they are always there to lend a hand and give advice. Love my boat.
Fred.

The buying experience was a very positive one. Dear Hugh, Thank you for the delivery of our Riviera 4700 Sports Yacht last week. I wanted to take this opportunity to recognise the excellent service you have provided throughout our dealings with SBM. Whilst I fully appreciate that you are engaged by the vendor to sell their boat, I have thoroughly appreciated the open, knowledgeable and respectful way you have handled all of our discussions. Your knowledge of boats, at a very detailed level, is obvious; and the extra steps you took really did ensure that the buying experience was a very positive one. So, thank you. Your service is excellent and very much appreciated.
Sincerely, Tim Ebbeck.

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