Customer: Bill Davy

In early 2013, I started the process of buying a “demo” boat, an Island Packet 460, Hull #5, built in 2009, but never sold/outfitted for a final buyer, from Ed Massey.

Island Packet builds magnificent boats, but leaves the final outfitting to the buyer. In my case, we added air-conditioning, auto-pilot, anchor windlass, radar, deluxe electronics, a custom built arch on the stern with a hoist for a dinghy and motor, and other smaller amenities. It was a large job.

From my experience, I believe that anyone should feel quite comfortable buying a boat from Ed Massey for three main reasons.

First, Ed knows boats. He’s been around a long time and has seen just about everything. He knows what works and what doesn’t.

Second, he knows the local talent pool. Fitting out boats takes craftsmen with lots of skills. So does warranty work. Ed has been around Palmetto for a long time and there is a community of people who work with boats. They know who is good, who is reliable, and who isn’t. If work needs to be done, Ed knows whom to call, and they’re pleased to work with him.

Finally, and this is the really important one, in a modern world where people just aren’t very reliable, Ed does what he says he’s going to do, when he says he’s going to do it. It’s a simple trait that is as rare as it is important. Ed is worthy of your trust.

With any luck, I won’t be buying another boat again soon, but if I were, I’d buy from Ed in a heartbeat.