Richard Martin is a Boatshed brokerage agent covering Chichester and Brighton. Ever since he can remember he has been fascinated with all things that float. I got in touch with Richard to find out how he manages to spend his days chatting about boats, whilst also earning an income.

Richard, what first got you interested in boats and boating?

Since my earliest recollection my father always seemed to be ‘messing about in boats’ and I used to help him, which was probably when I caught the bug! When I was about five years old I would go boating with my father in both sail and powerboats and later, as the years went on, there was a procession of water craft that I owned which had me venturing out in some astonishing conditions around the coast.

Can you tell us about your first boat?

I bought a canoe from the London Boat Show when I was about 12 years old and my first eager outing along the coast was in fairly choppy water when I managed to sink it. Surprisingly the episode did not put me off and a procession of different boats followed in rapid succession.

During the late 90’s I became involved in boats from a commercial point of view which included the design and fitting out of new craft, sales and components – one thing then lead to another and I found myself running my own sea school and becoming an RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor.

What’s your current boat?

A 2013 Merry Fisher 595 with a 90hp Evinrude etec engine.

How long have you been working in brokerage?

I used to build and sell Raider Boats which I did for many years, and I only became involved with Boatshed in 2013.

What made you choose Boatshed?

Boatshed have a proactive approach to marketing which gets results.

What are the more challenging aspects of what you do?

There are a lot processes involved when selling a boat and sometimes when it is busy remembering them all can be quite challenging.

What is the best thing about your job?

Getting to go aboard and chat with owners or potential buyers about boats is, arguably, not like a ‘proper’ job. Working with Boatshed gives me the opportunity to go on board a huge variety of boats and talk to owners and prospective purchasers about the boats they own today or wish to buy tomorrow. What a job!

What is great about boating where you live?

Chichester Harbour and the Solent offer one of the best cruising grounds in the world.

Do you have any advice for someone thinking of selling their boat?

Yes, go to your nearest Boatshed Office!

Do you have any advice for someone thinking of becoming a broker?

It’s like anything else in life, if you work hard at it you will get results but if you’re not prepared to put in the time then it just won’t work.

Chat About Boats Whilst Earning an Income

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