BYS team incorporated by Ocean Independence

Effective as of 1 February 2015, the team at Burger Boat Company announced they have officially exited the re-sale brokerage business with the company's BYS facilities and the brokerage team taken on by Ocean Independence.

Thom Conboy, now President of the Americas told SuperyachtNews.com that his main remit will be to grow business in the Americas for the Ocean Independence team. "We're looking to set up key alliances with new construction builders and increase the number of new listings for both sales and charter".

Although the brokerage market has made something of a comeback post-2008, the new build market in America appears to still be struggling. Following the announcement that Christensen shipyard has closed, Burger closing its brokerage arm, alongside many brokers recently commenting that the American market is struggling, it remains to be seen what 2015 will bring.

"The new build market has been off considerably since 2008, with the exception of a few builders", Conboy said. "More than likely, I think the next two to three years will see an uptick in new construction projects".

While he can agree that more people are buying, he is seeing more clients looking for smaller yachts requiring less crew. But whether this is due to keep regulations to a minimum, or the result of costs, remains to be seen.

Conboy brings over 30 years of yachting experience to his new employer, including time as a captain, project manager, builder and broker. Joining him at Ocean Independence are fellow ex-BYS employees, Michael Bach, Chris Collins, Julien Elfenbein, Teddy Garsva and Cheryl Toney.

Profile links

Burger Boat Company

OCEAN Independence AG

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