Our friendly, professional sales team are on hand to help and advise you with whatever you need when it comes to buying or selling a boat
BROKERAGE MANAGER - ROYDON MARINA VILLAGE
Originally from South Africa, I moved over to the UK with my husband 17 years ago, I have been in sales all of my working careers, I love animals being close to the water and when time allows I love to travel and experience new cultures.
How did you get into boats?
Since being married and due to our family's love of the sea, we have owned a boat of some sort for over 23 years. We started off with a small weekend fishing boat and over the years this progressed to larger deep-sea vessels, our last boat being a 38-ton liveaboard replica dutch barge.
Best piece of advice when buying a boat?
It is important to decide on which type of boat is right for you based on your needs and budget, do your research and ensure that the boat has all of the required paperwork in place.
NORTHERN BOAT SALES MANAGER
I have over 40 years of sales experience predominately in the leisure sector, where for many years I was a guest presenter on the shopping channel QVC. I enjoy working in sales, meeting new people and listening to the customer's requirements then making sure what I am offering meets and ideally exceeds their expectations.
How did you get into boats?
When both my daughters were very young we owned a cruiser called “Mallard” which we would often cruise from Bristol Floating Harbour up the River Avon and onto the lovely Kennet and Avon Canal from Bath. Spending time on the water, seemingly “at one” with nature, provided hours of joy for me and my family. This idyllic way of life was always something I planned on returning to in later life and the opportunity arose here with Lakeland Leisure Boat Sales firstly around November 2018 in the Cotswolds at Saul Junction Marina before more recently in beautiful Cheshire countryside at Tattenhall Marina.
What is the best piece of advice you have for someone buying a boat?
Firstly, decide what you want from a boat i.e. liveaboard, high days and holidays or simple lovely days on the canals/rivers. Then view as many different boats as possible I would say at least a dozen or so, then make two lists, list no1 should be what you consider you must have/need and list no2 should be what you do not want. Finally, always insist on an out of water survey by a respected independent surveyor.
GROUP SALES & AREA MANAGER
I originally grew up in a city called Durban on the Natal Coast of South Africa, my family and I settled in the UK about 17 years ago and I have spent my working career running various service and corporate based businesses.
How did you get into boats?
Growing up in a coastal city, I have had the pleasure of being involved in all types of boating since a tender age. I obtained a skippers license in my 20's and over the years I have been lucky enough to have owned and skippered various vessels in a number of countries around the world.
What is the best piece of advice you have for someone buying a boat?
Buying a boat is a big decision and a long term proposition that needs careful thought. Whether the boat is to be used as a weekend getaway or if you are looking for a complete lifestyle change, make sure that you have done your homework and that the vessel ticks as many boxes as possible based on your budget. Ensure that the boat has all of the relevant paperwork in place and always ask for an independent survey. If you choose the right boat, your investment will last for decades to come.
BROKERAGE MANAGER - DEGANWY MARINA
From a farm near Ruthin, North Wales I moved down to
the coast to turn my passion for sailing into a career. I worked as an
assistant in a chandlery whilst I was studying marine engineering. Very quickly
I decided that I wanted to sell boats as I felt I could assist people in realising
their boating dreams.
How did you get into boats?
I got into boats at a young age and competed in my first national championship at just 8 years old. Since then, I have raced dinghies on the national circuit most years. I have recently got into powerboats buying a Sealine 305 Statesman which I moor in Deganwy Marina.
What is the best piece of advice you have for someone buying a boat?
My best piece of advice when buying a boat is to decide what your needs are. Consider your cruising area. Remember all boats have an RCD category from D to A.
BROKERAGE MANAGER - SAUL JUNCTION MARINA
I joined the team at Saul Junction in April 2021, I have a 57' narrowboat which I liveaboard with my partner and an 11-month-old miniature schnauzer called "Bayley". This role combines my work and my passion in a community that is friendly and laid back and it's great to share advice and stories with the people I meet.
How did you get into boats? Boats have become my passion as my parents had a narrowboat for over 30 years, so I grew up around boats. Now I'm really pleased to help others buy their perfect boats and see their passion for something I love.
BROKERAGE MANAGER - GREAT HAYWOOD MARINA
I have a good sales background and am excited to join the team at Lakeland Leisure Boat Sales. Sales are where my heart lies and I enjoy helping people to find their perfect boat or sell their boat to trade up or explore new adventures. I also have a passion for cars and hold 2 World Records for Speed Racing.
How did you get into boats? I got into boats by chance really, my friend had a 35ft canal boat and one day we were talking in the pub where he said ‘come and see what you think’. That was it within a month I owned his boat. My passion has grown from there and within 6 months I had traded up and now own a 60ft. I've found that boat life is one of the best-kept secrets and wish I had found out about it 20 years ago.
What is the best piece of advice: Find out as much information as you can! It is key the more information you have about a boat you are looking to buy the better. Plus, remember to be open-minded, everything on a boat can be fixed, moved or changed to make it perfect for you. It's not like a house when you have to keep some things and can't move them around, on a boat you have the flexibility to make it exactly the way you want it.
We have the following excellent opportunities available to join the Lakeland Leisure team. If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience we are looking for and would like to be a part of a dynamic team that believes in investing in quality people, we would love to hear from you.
