For 29 years, Bill was the public “face” of Island Packet Yachts to customers, dealers and industry members worldwide. A well-known speaker at boat shows, owner rendezvous’ and marine-industry events, Bill had joined the fledgling boat builder in 1987, fulfilling a wide variety of roles over the years including customer service, dealer acquisition and training, sales, marketing, and quality assurance. Bill first got hooked on sailing at the age of 13 after sailing a Sunfish across the crystal-clear waters of Montego Bay, Jamaica. After graduating from college, he bought his first new boat, a Hobie 16, started a sailing school with a friend, and on a first date with his future wife, won the Hobie 16 Tri-State Championship with her as crew. After several years working as a marine patrol officer for the state of Ohio, Bill began selling yachts and teaching sailing for a Lake Erie dealership. He moved to Florida a few years later, where his new-boat sales acumen included models from companies such as Tartan, Pearson, C&C, S-2, Cal, Catalina, Beneteau, Morgan, Endeavour and, of course, Island Packet. Bill served nine years on the board of Sail America, including two terms as president, and was selected to be one of three judges for the 2018 Cruising World magazine Boat of the Year competition. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Yacht Broker’s Association of America, and is a Certified Professional Yacht Broker. His in-depth knowledge of the industry and keen focus on customer relations make him a valued addition to the S&J Yachts team.

I look forward to sharing my boating knowledge and passion with my clients, and helping them get the very best experience throughout the boat-buying or selling process.

Bill Bolin - CPYB

Bill Bolin
Palmetto, FL

C: 727-743-3100
O: 941-212-6121

CPYB - Certified Professional Yacht Broker

CPYB – Certified Professional Yacht Broker

What Our Clients Are Saying About Bill

“Bill Bolin used his vast knowledge of yachts on the market to match us with our new IP485.   He guided us smoothly through the entire process.  After our purchase, Bill has continued to support us and answer questions.  He is an ethical professional who enjoys helping people purchase a “dream vessel.”  We would use his services again without hesitation.”
— Dan and Melissa Kenshalo – Island Packet 485-041
“Bill Bolin is a knowledgeable, competent, and professional Yacht Broker.  He provided outstanding support and guidance before and after the purchases of our 3 new Island Packets since 1988.  His exceptional knowledge of the design, build, and maintenance of all the boats that he represents backs up his impeccable reputation for honestly presenting the facts to a potential buyer or seller.  His marketing and sales skills are phenomenal; he does not just sell a boat, he forms lasting relationships with his customers.  Consequently, Bill is widely known and is a trusted broker who is frequently sought after by those considering the purchase of a new or used vessel.”
— Wayne Pearson, Island Packet 485-009
“Bill Bolin was exceptional listing and selling our relatively unique Island Packet 44. Painted white and with a custom interior layout, she was not like any other Island Packet 44. We found Bill uniquely suited to list and highlight the advantages of our IP. He was also a calm influence on the price negotiation and the subsequent survey. I would use Bill again in a heartbeat, to buy or sell for me.”
— Mike Graham
“Selling a sailboat is never an easy task. Some boats remain for sale for years. Others languish with their owners lowering the price continually.
I recently sold an IP 350 and utilized the services of Bill Bolin. This man is a consummate professional in all regards. He understands the markets, the competition, the promotional challenges and the boats themselves. When it came time to selling my boat, Bill made it easy for me. He is a man that I would recommend to anyone contemplating a boat sale or purchase.”
— Maarten R. Heybroek

Based in Palmetto, FL