Maritimo appoints mega-Dealer in US

by Denby Browning on 24 Jan 2010 Australia's premier luxury boat builder, Maritimo, has secured a major distribution agreement in the United States with the appointment of Galati Yacht Sales to represent the brand in the south-east.

With eight sites that stretch across three States, from Naples in southern Florida to Houston, Texas, Galati Yacht Sales is the largest big-boat dealer in the US marine industry. The company has grown into one of the largest privately-owned yacht dealerships in the world.

The company was named the prestigious Boating Industry magazine's top dealer in its annual Top 100 Dealers survey in 2007 and 2008.

Galati Yacht Sales will represent the entire Maritimo range of 16 models across four distinctive lines – Motor yacht, sportfisher, sport cabriolet and Aegean sport flybridge

Maritimo CEO Bill Barry-Cotter said: 'I've always had enormous respect for the Galati business. They have the same passion for selling boats that I have for building them.

'I am delighted to welcome Galati Yacht Sales to Maritimo's retail distribution network. Our approach in designing new models is very customer centric, and it's great to have a partner who shares the same view towards sales and service.'

According to the President of Galati Yacht Sales, Mr Joe Galati, 'Only Bill Barry-Cotter could develop a brand as strong as Maritimo in seven short years. We are proud to represent the brand and its formidable range of boats.

'Galati Yacht Sales is very active with our customer before and after the sale. Our team of more than 130 take great pride in their ability to deliver on a commitment to ultimate customer service.'

Maritimo and Galati Yacht Sales share a similar history in the marine industry. Galati celebrates 40 years in business in 2010 while Maritimo's Bill Barry-Cotter has been building boats for just over 40 years and built more than 5,000 boats.