What boating memories do you treasure from your childhood? Trailing your feet in the water, squealing with delight, having a go at steering, and learning new skills, or discovering new beaches and going for a swim? Water skiing, fishing, picnics, and cruising with no agenda; there’s so much space, and so much peace but never a dull moment when you have a boat. If you’re a parent or grandparent you may now choose to spend your leisure time showing the children just how awe inspiring the sea can be.

The enjoyment that families can get from boating together can create childhood memories that will last a lifetime. But there are those who are not content to save their love of boats just for holidays and weekends: They won’t wait for their retirement or for their bucket list.

Andrea Drew is a broker at Boatshed Poole and has turned her passion for boats into a career. She had friends that had a boat in the early 80’s and her first ever boat was a little 14ft speedboat called Indecision. Andrea says,

“We soon sold that one and had a Phantom 18 with an XR2 on the back made for us and we were hooked. Now we have a safety Rib, an Avon as we are involved with Powerboat racing.”

How long have you been a broker, Andrea?

I have been a broker since 2003 and been with Boatshed since 2011. I knew Ian from Boatshed before and had done some work for him, and he asked me to get involved with the Poole Office.

What are the more challenging aspects of what you do?

Getting on and off yachts when they are sitting on two bits of wood in a marina! The other is managing owners and buyers expectation of the process and prices.

What is the best thing about your job?

Owning a boat is like owning a pet; it’s more than just a thing and seeing the enjoyment and excitement customers get from their new member of the family is really rewarding. I brought my children up around boats and I know how much they got out of it, and it gave us excellent family time together.

What is great about boating where you live?

Poole Harbour is approximately 14 square miles and is claimed to be the largest natural harbour in Europe with loads of bays, islands and places to moor, there is also the port of Wareham, and just around the corner you have Studland and Bournemouth beaches, so many places to water-ski, fish, and explore or just moor up for a picnic and a swim.

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

Sell it with Boatshed, you will get an honest answer to all your questions, your boat will get lots of attention and they reach far more customers than any other brokerage - and we thrive to always be available to show your boats.

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

I would recommend Boatshed, it’s so much better than going it alone as you have a tried and tested name with a great website which gives you lots of opportunities. Boatshed HQ give guidance and help whenever they can which saves you making many of the mistakes you would on your own. However, it’s not all glamour and you do have to take the rough with the smooth, some days you do get wet, cold and dirty, but when the sun comes out it makes it all worth it.

Could YOU be a broker?

A Boatshed business could earn you £80,000+ p.a. We’ve made great headway in becoming the worlds largest brokerage, we’re now seeking enterprising people to join our ranks. All business models include training and support, marketing materials and access to the ground breaking Boatshed™ System. Find out more at BoatshedBusiness.com

You may also like:
How to buy a boat – the process / Thinking of selling your boat? / How to chat about boats instead of getting a proper job / 2013: Our amazing year! / Get started with your own Boatshed business / More news articles and stories.

See when the next boat auction is.

New here? Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to hear of new listings, and regular boating, sailing and brokerage news.