Jon Heisel, Yacht Broker
127 reviews
Listed in Brokers & Surveyors
- 1001 Fairview Ave N, Suite 1200, Seattle, WA 98109
- 425-359-5341
- irwinyachtsales.com/
- jon@irwinyachtsales.com
Jon joined Irwin Yacht Sales in 2013 and has over 34 years of boat/yacht selling experience. He’s been assisting the boating community since 1989 and has done thousands of transactions over those years, with many being with first time buyers.
He worked for the largest Bayliner/Maxum/Meridian dealer (Olympic Boat Centers) in the world for 7 years as a Sales Manager at the Everett Store, GM at the Bellevue location and Yacht Sales at the Seattle waterfront location on Lake Union. He was awarded “GM of the Year” in 2007 (out of 20 locations on the West Coast) in his first year as a General Manager by exceeding the stores monthly goals, which were set by the corporate office, 10 out of 12 months in all departments in his store. More recently, he worked at the local Sea Ray dealer for 5 years, where he sold more boats every year than any other salesperson in the company, winning numerous awards along the way.
Born and raised here in Washington, Jon grew up boating with his parents in the Everett area and enjoyed many summer trips to the San Juan Islands with them. He has continued that lifestyle with his wife and 3 children over the years, boating on the lake they live on, along with summer excursions to the islands. His passion for boating led him into the boat industry where he has built a great reputation on assisting clients thru the process of buying the proper boat for their needs. The majority of Jon’s clients purchased their first boat from him and many have become repeat buyers who have continued to buy bigger boats from him. Jon’s clients, who quickly become friends, like that he is always available AFTER the sale for assistance.
Although Jon came to Irwin Yacht Sales with a vast knowledge of Sea Ray, Bayliner, Maxum, Boston Whaler and Meridian Yachts, his experience selling many other brands makes him an asset to his clients.
Some of Jon’s favorite quotes;
“Never work for money, work for passion”
“Choose a work that you love, and you won’t have to work another day”
“Life is too short, lets go boating”
Jon was great to work with. He is extremely accommodating, patient with questions, and well informed. Definitely a pleasure to do business with.
The best seller I have met.
I purchased 2 boats and sold 1 boat from him.
He cares and very helpful that I didn’t have to do almost anything.
purchasing and selling a boat is headache but it was very easy transition with him.
That shows how much he has experienced and cares about buyers and sellers.
I will only do work with him my future boat buying and selling.
I’d been through a half dozen flaky boat brokers before meeting Jon. Save yourself time and contact Jon if buying or selling. He not only helped us quickly find a great boat at a fair price, he has the network to help in other ways as well. Jon will be my only call when it’s time to find our next boat thanks Jon!
I saw this boat and was pretty quick to make an appointment with Jon, spent hours with Jon that night and fell in love with our new 2003 28’ Albin TE.
Jon has been great throughout this whole experience! Has been helpful with survey, mechanic, insurance! His knowledge and net work is impressive. Jon was responsive any time I text or called. We even got some sled discussion in!
Kim and I have made a new friend and would welcome Jon to visit us in Alaska soon!
Thanks Jon !!!!
Kim and Brandt Barnes
Jon Heisel was there for us in the sale of our Bayliner 3988. He got us top dollar and made sure the sale went through with ease. Our boat sold for asking price and within 24 hours of posting the add. Jon Heisel is not only a professional in the industry but I also consider him as my friend.
Ken Chappel
M/V Klahanie
Jon Heisel supported our purchase of our Sea Ray 370 Sundancer last Summer. We can’t express our appreciation and gratitude for Jon enough.
He found us the ideal boat and was with us at every step in the purchase process. He covered all potential issues and questions. Jon then went above and beyond in the delivery, training and post delivery questions and visits to the boat with us.
Jon is a true boat expert and a genuinely good person.
Jon has become a good friend in the process and we recommend him to everyone we talk with about purchasing or selling a boat.
Thank you, Doug Moore
What to thank Jon Heisel for all he has done for us! He found just what we were looking for a 2008 Sea Ray 330 in beautiful condition! The whole transaction has been refreshingly smooth! We highly recommend Jon for any of ones boat needs!!!
HE’S THE MAN
We listed our boat with Jon and 10 days later he had a strong deal put together.
From the start to finish Jon did an excellent job. More than a pleasant experience.
He understands the value of not only the product he is selling, but the of the importance of customer service. We would not hesitate referring Jon and he will be our go to person to find us the next boat for our family.
PJ Seattle
We purchased a Bayliner 3988 through Jon this past August. He was very helpful throughout the entire purchasing process. He arranged our mechanical and marine surveys on short notice and was always available for any questions and concerns we had. We can’t recommend Jon enough!! Thanks for the great job finding our new boat!!
We are from Eugene and Jon made it so easy to drive up, check out the boat, go over all the features, tell us where we should stay and even eat. Once we purchased, he helped coordinate everything so we could get it back home. Total expert, can’t say enough great things. Thank you again Jon!
I worked with Jon purchasing a Sea Ray 270 which is my first larger boat. I cannot say enough about how thorough, knowledgeable and helpful Jon is. I reached out to Jon about another boat months before this one became available. Not only did he remember that I was looking for something this size, but he contacted me directly to tell me about the listing. I was blown away that months later he remembered I was looking for a boat and followed up. That alone says something about his attention to detail and customer service. Throughout the entire process Jon guided me through the purchasing steps, viewing, sea trials, all of it making me feel comfortable and reassured about my purchase. When the deal was set Jon took the extra time to go through on-board systems, tips and tricks for the boat and spent time on the water with me guiding me how to maneuver the boat. Above and beyond customer service from him. Excellent man to work with and will 100% recommend and work with Jon again! Thank you so much! I am so happy with the boat and my experience purchasing it!
My wife and I had sold our tug cruiser with a goal of downsizing to a smaller boat. During the search for our new boat we met Jon as he had listings of several boats in our area of interest. Initially Jon showed us a boat he had under contract with a buyer to give us a sense of the model. Less than 2 weeks later he emailed to say he’d be listing a 26′ Cutwater soon and was I interested. In the current market we felt lucky to have a chance to buy a recent model Cutwater boat in our size range and really appreciated him connecting. Once our offer was accepted, Jon worked his connections to get quickly and easily through the survey process. He was even able to arrange for an electrician to make a few minor repairs on the boat the week after the survey. We closed ahead of schedule and look forward to the summer in our new boat. Jon was a great communicator, professional and easy to work with throughout the entire process. I’d highly recommend him!
I just purchased my first boat with help and guidance from Jon. The search process was short, because the first listing he suggested checked all my wish list boxes. After viewing the boat and quick test run, Jon arranged for marine and engine surveys, and drove up to Bellingham to observe the survey with me. The day I signed the paperwork we both drove back up to Bellingham and he helped me boat back down to Seattle, an extra touch that I appreciated as a new boater. It has been a great experience from start to finish.
We worked with Jon on the purchase of our Sea Ray 280 Sundancer – my first cruising powerboat, and my wife’s first boat period. I cannot overstate how much better we felt about every step in the process with him in our corner. He obviously knows boats, but he also understands the questions and anxieties buyers have, and he was patient, knowledgeable, and always available throughout the process. His approach to sales is honest and no-pressure, and he’s there for you before, during, and after the sale. (We actually saw him take calls from past clients who had questions about their boats, and he spent several hours training us on the boat systems and giving my wife and I docking lessons!) As a result, we love our new boat, we feel great about the purchase process, and more confident about getting on the water. Jon is an incredible resource and a great guy, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone buying or selling a boat.
From start to finish Jon was there to support us during our boat buying process. This was the first yacht style boat we have ever purchased and he walked us through the entire purchase. In addition he helped ensure that we had great contractors helping with the surveys and testing of the boat. He never pressured us and insured we were comfortable every step of the way. After the boat was purchased Jon educated us on how to run the boat by driving the boat with us from Southlake Union through the locks up to Des Moines’s. His care and concern for us was far more than we expected. We look forward to many years of boating and working with Jon when we are ready to upgrade to our next boat!
Jon and Matt from Irwin Yachts were the best. No need to look elsewhere to sell or buy your boat or yacht. We were in escrow on our house and had a tight frame with moving out of state and selling our boat. We reached out to Jon and Matt and they immediately put us at ease with accommodating our boat at their dealership with on-site moorage as soon as we called. We were very happy with the listing price also. It was also very comforting to know they were watching over my boat while out of state, especially with the crazy weather. The boat sold shortly and the whole transaction was easy. We could not have done this without Jon and Matt. I would absolutely recommend them. I would give them 10 out 5 stars!
I really can’t speak highly enough of Jon. We were looking for a boat in a specific marina, and through the grapevine we were connected with him in regards to a boat we heard was for sale. Unfortunately the boat sold an hour after listing, but Jon contacted us immediately when another boat went up for sale. It was immaculate!! We bought the boat immediately. Jon so kindly took the time to go through all of the amenities, starting, driving, docking, and caring for the boat. He is so kind and caring. I’m confident you will be taken care of, and impressed with Jon!
Jon is fantastic! As a buyer, Jon found us the perfect vessel. He was extremely helpful through the whole process. He helped coordinate everything seamlessly, from the first showing through inspections, survey, closing, and even took the time to train us up on driving our new baby! He has a passion for boating that is palpable. I can’t recommend him enough!
Jon represented me in the purchase of a Meridian 381 that was listed with another broker. He walked me through each step of the process and made it seamless. As a first-time boat buyer, I had a lot of questions throughout the process and Jon was always available to patiently answer them. He handled all the hard stuff from coordinating surveys and inspections to the renegotiation. After the purchase, Jon took an entire day to help me bring the boat up to Lake Union from Gig Harbor thru the locks and train me in driving and docking. He spent a lot of time explaining and re-explaining all the ins and outs of the boat and passing on tips and tricks he’s learned from his own boating experience. The depth of his knowledge on everything related to boating and Seattle boating culture is impressive. Long after the sale closed Jon has still made himself available, happy to answer any newbie question or recommend a good detailer. I will definitely work with Jon on my next boat purchase and would recommend him to anyone looking to buy.
Jon was fantastic to work with. He found us a pristine Searay, helped us as first time buyers, and even guided me on financial options and alternatives to get the boat of our dreams. Once financing was arranged he negotiated a deal that was mutually beneficial for us and the seller. It was a long transaction which took three months to complete, but Jon kept us informed and appraised of what was going on. He earned our trust and respect and when time comes to move on we will work with him again.
We bought our boat from Jon this winter and were very happy with the experience. I had never worked with a boat broker before, and didn’t know what to expect, so Jon spent a lot of time explaining the process, answering A LOT of questions, making recommendations, and even found us a lender as well. His communication and follow up were exceptional and he is an absolute professional. He went above and beyond walking us through all of the boat’s features and even taking us through the locks for our first time. When we’re ready to upgrade boats again, we will definitely be working with Jon!
First time boat buyer, couldn’t have asked for a better agent than Jon, must have done some good karma to stumble upon him. Jon made the whole process effortless with his network of surveyors, mechanic, insurance, lenders, moorage. You name it and his trustworthy ecosystem has it. Also helped me find moorage for my Searay Sundancer 350 in a short span of time. Besides he helped me relocate it from Tacoma to Lake Union via the locks and didn’t ask for a dime. I continue to call him with my newbie questions and he is always eager to help. I know I’ll be buying many more boats with Jon in the coming years.
Jon helped us buy our first boat by first listening to how we would use it and then making some suggestions for different types of boats to consider. He then went out and found us a cobalt 360 in great condition. He made sure I was comfortable handling a bigger boat by spending some time on the water after the sale closed. Jon continues to support us a resource which is critical as a first time boat owner.
It’s one thing to buy a boat from a good broker, but try buying 3 boats within a 14-mo time frame, all with the same broker. That’s the telling sign that Jon is a great broker, and now friend.
Bought our Sea Ray 260DA in Aug 2020, 370DA in Jan 2021, and 510DA in Oct 2021. It was a no-brainer to have Jon help with the purchase and list when selling given his extensive network of surveyors, mechanics, lenders, and potential buyers. It made all of our transactions easier than trying to teach my wife how to dock a boat or how to properly tie off to a cleat. 😉
Jon was fantastic both in helping us through our first boat purchase, and then supporting us in our post-acquisition decisions. As first time owners, he helped us think through the logistics of mooring, operating and maintaining a boat. Jon also continues to check in on us and connects us with others. He has a fantastic network of individuals within the boating community.
I highly recommend Jon to any first-time boat owners.
Ben
Jon helped me sell my 2015 Searay Sundance 260 quickly with a good price. The whole process is smooth and free of troubles. I would highly recommend Jon as the boat broker if you need one.
Bottom line up front, Jon was great!
Was looking to sell our 2011 SeaRay 350DA in the Spring of 2021. The market was hot and I was determined to do it myself to save the commission. Literally hours after I posted our boat, Jon called. Told him I wasn’t interested in using a broker and I didn’t want to pay the fee. We worked out a deal and I’m VERY HAPPY we did. Jon helped make the entire process go smoothly. Not only did he find a buyer (literally in hours) that would meet my price, he took care of EVERYTHING (sea trial, haul out, inspection, paperwork). That would have have been a major thorn in my side, but it went smoothly and I could not be happier.
Thank you, Jon! When we return to the PNW, will be looking you up to help us buy our next one. Cheers!
We had a great time with a not-easy out of state purchase. Jon’s network was instrumental in finding a great team for Survey, helping interpret the results, close on an offer, and ship the boat from east to west coast. Easy to work with and well involved in the process. Highly recommend.
Jon was strongly recommended by an highly experienced boat captain, and lived up to every word. He listens carefully, and has experience and amazing connections which delivered exactly what we asked for–and so much more–for a great price. In a pandemic market where inventory was practically non-existent, Jon found us our dream boat in outstanding condition, low hours and an amazing price. But what really sets Jon apart from other brokers is the resources, insight, advice and support he brings to ensure a positive experience long after the ink has dried. Jon doesn’t just find and broker boats for his clients; he delivers what clients need to really make that boating dream come alive. Jon’s become our broker and #1 resource, but he’s also become a trusted friend.
Jon is great! In this crazy boat market he met us to see the boat as soon as I contacted him. The whole process was pretty smooth and his vast knowledge of all things boating was super helpful. This is our first cabin cruiser. A beautiful 2010 260 sea ray sundancer. In amazing condition! He even hooked us up with Trident Funding and they beat our credit unions interest rate. After closing he met us at the marina and went over all of the boats mechanical and any need to know information to help us get started. Jon is excellent at his job and very easy to communicate with! Thanks Jon. You’ll be hearing from us soon, I’m sure!
Where to start-so many great things to say…Being newer to the big boat world Jon was a terrific guide. His years of experience helped us determine the right boat for our family. In this ultra-competitive high demand boat market, Jon still was able to find us the perfect boat for us in our “new” 2011 Searay 350 Sundancer and did it in a timely manner. While Jon was fantastic at helping us find the right boat where he really shines is in the delivery and availability to help us as we learn how to run our boat. Jon is a great resource that we are now happy to be able to count as a friend in the boating world. I would highly recommend contacting Jon if you considering buying or selling a boat.
Jon is a true professional and a great human being to boot. My wife and family recently moved back from the East Coast and promised ourselves that we would get a family cabin cruiser when we got to Seattle. Well considering it was the peak of pandemic boat buying frenzy and I had been trolling classifieds for months….our prospects look bleak to get one before summer. But a great friend strongly recommended Jon and low and behold he delivered boating gold in the form of a 270 Sundancer in Bristol shape. He did an excellent job helping not only decide what kind of boat – moving up from a 23ft, but most importantly found us the perfect boat. In addition, he made the whole buying process full transparent and super easy. His team is just awesome. Wish I could give him 6 stars 🙂
Jon is super knowledgeable and listens to you. He made my boat buying experience smooth and easy and found a boat I never thought I would be able to find. I highly recommend Jon to anyone buying or selling a boat.
What can I say? Jon is just the best. I’m a first time boat buyer/owner. I started my journey to boat ownership by blindly emailing Jon in early January of this year. Jon assured me that for the type of boat I was looking for (SeaRay Sundancer 25-30 foot) that he was the best in the area and boy was he right.
From January first contact, to Mid April 2021 in the hottest boat market in Seattle’s recent history I went from dreaming of owning a boat to ON THE WATER before Memorial day with my 2016 Searay Sundancer 280!!! Jon was there with me every step of the way to make sure that every question or concern I had was answered, even when I felt like I was probably asking a stupid question as a new boat owner. He understands me, my experience level and my objectives as a boater… and most of all he’s a man of his word! Through working with Jon on this transaction i’ve come to realize that Jon works basically sunrise to sunset 6 days a week to make sure he’s doing everything he can to KEEP HIS WORD. With all the demand this year in the 25-30 foot segment of the market I wouldn’t have had ANY chance to buy our IDEAL boat without Jon plugging me into the seller and following through on nearly 3 months of emails and text messages to find me the perfect boat that was LOCAL, well taken care of and he knew the boats history as he was involved in the original purchase with the previous owners.
Lastly, it didnt just end at the purchase. As a new owner and captain Jon was there with me to go over every single system on the boat AND even coach me on navigation and docking lessons. He’s told me multiple times that he’s going to be there for me with any question I have through the life of me owning the boat. It’s a great feeling to have such a knowledgeable resource in my corner as a boat mentor and a friend!! My experience working with Irwin Yachts and Jon Heisel is 2nd to none! I can’t wait to work with Jon again when its time to trade up! If you’re buying or selling a boat in the Seattle area and you don’t give yourself a chance to work with Jon, you’re missing an incredible opportunity! See you on the water!
– MV HIGH HOPES
We recently purchased a Meridian 391 and John was our broker. He is very knowledgeable about boats and boating and was always available to answer our questions. He negotiated our offer with our best interest in mind and even took time to help us get to know our boat and learn how drive it. He is also very considerate and fun! We highly recommend John.
Really enjoyed working with Jon. He was so responsive and knowledgable, it made the whole process move along, but never rushed. He was always keeping us informed of what was going on. In a competitive market, he always gave us the information that we needed to make a good decision. It was our first cruiser, a Sea Ray 260 Sundancer. We are so happy with the boat and how Jon represented it. Thanks Jon!.
We recently had the pleasure of purchasing our first cruiser from Irwin Yacht Sales. What incredibly fabulous service we received from Jon Heisel! The entire experience was fun and streamlined! He worked very hard for us, even into his Christmas break. He has been right there even after the purchase to answer all our questions we have had relating to being new boat owners. He is very knowledgeable about the boating world. We also want to thank Matt for his help as well. We couldn’t be happier with our purchase, and when we are ready to purchase a larger boat, we will definitely be calling Jon at Irwin Yacht Sales! 🙂
Jon has been an excellent broker to work with! This was our first boat buying experience and we bought a Sea Ray 290 Sundancer. We had seen one boat with him that we didn’t end up liking, but I walked away from that interaction thinking ‘I really want to buy a boat from this guy’. Sure enough, a boat later came to him with the features we were looking for, he contacted us and within the hour of seeing it, we had the sale process started. Throughout the entire process, he was so communicative and has continued to be checking in on us even after the sale. He is a great resource to have as he knows so many people and has so many connections throughout the industry. He is so knowledgeable too about everything boat related; it’s obvious he loves what he does. If you’re buying a boat, Jon is your guy!
This was my first time buying a cruiser or large boat and Jon was amazing. I had a lot of questions and was looking between 30-40ft and he found me a great Larson 370. He really took the time to work with me and help with all the detail. He also recommended a great lender that made the process even easier. One of the things I liked best about the experience is he’s more like a friend then a salesman. He’s even worked with me after I purchased the boat to make sure I was all set up. I highly recommend working with him and will refer all my friends his way. Amazing service!
Jon is a great person to know. He was referred to me by a good friend. When I reached out to Jon and told him what my family was looking for, he quickly knew the boat that would work for us. He was patient and answered all the questions that we had. We weren’t pressured in making any decisions. Oh, btw, this was our first boat, so we had no idea what we wanted when we first met. Jon shared his experiences and helped us with the buying experience. He lined up the surveys, titling, etc and helped us expedite the purchase process. He was able to get us survey within 2 weeks, when the average wait time during the pandemic was over 30 days. If John didn’t know the answer, he made sure to find out and got back to us quickly with an answer, not only during the purchase process but well after. We will certainly be next boat with his help.
Jon goes above and beyond as a broker. He listed and sold our 2008 SeaRay Sundancer 310. I don’t know anyone with more knowledge about boats or the process of buying and selling. He comes highly recommended.
I’ve known Jon for years and he’s always been an honest person that stands behind his word. This last year I wanted to sell my 2006 SeaRay 340 Sundancer. I listed with Jon and had a full price offer in less than 24 hours. Jon handled the sale first hand while I was out of town working.
When we found the next boat we wanted it was located in Michigan. It’s a beautiful 2001 Cruisers Yachts 4450 Express MotorYacht. Jon flew to Michigan to oversee the test run and survey. When the boat was shipped from Michigan to Washington Jon coordinated every step of the process.
We highly recommend Jon to anyone looking to buy or sell a boat!
In 2016 Jon Heisel help us buy our 38’ Sundancer and its been a great boat the last four years, Jon made the process easy and stress free. So, when we recently decided to move up to a 52’ OA, we called Jon right away to help with sale of our Sundancer (he listed it and sold it the same day) then and to buy the OA. Again, he made the process simple, easy and stress free. Helped with the OA purchase in San Diego, by traveling down to do the inspection, haul out and sea trial.
Great professional and all-around awesome boat guy – I highly recommend him for your boat needs!!
Thanks for the help with our new boat! See yea at Roche!! — with Heather McVay.
Jon helped us purchase our first boat (Searay Sundancer 320) & we had a great experience working with him. Throughout the buying process Jon was super helpful with educating us on boating and what kind of features we would need/want based on how we wanted to use and moor the boat. Due to the market being so hot right right, it was hard to find what we were looking for but are thankful we worked with Jon as he is well connected in the boating community and helped us find the perfect boat before it was listed. After we closed on the boat, Jon did a thorough walk thru and training on all the features and has been a great resource to ask questions since. I am sure this won’t be the last boat we purchase and will definitely work with Jon again in the future.
Purchasing your first boat can be intimidating. There are so many different things to consider, and the last thing you want is to let your own inexperience keep you from making the right decision. Jon made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process and even kept checking in well after the purchase. We need more Brokers and salesman like Jon! I’m loving the Sundancer 300. Thanks again!
We are so grateful to have worked with Jon for our first boat buying experience! He was extremely informative, patient and always available to answer any question we had throughout the purchasing process (and even post-sale). Not only is our family loving our new boat, we’ve found ourselves reflecting back on how lucky we feel to have met and worked with Jon. He is experienced, knowledgeable, and maybe most importantly, he is 100% genuine. Not that we are looking to move up anytime soon, but when we do, I know exactly who we’re going to!
I have been working with Jon since the beginning of August 2020 to find the perfect boat for my family. This is our first time purchasing a cruiser and we knew we wanted a SeaRay 26’-32’. Jon was able to help find the perfect cruiser for us. Jon makes the whole experience exciting and never stressful. I am a very particular person and I ask extensive amounts of questions. Never once did I feel like Jon didn’t have time to answer my questions and he still reaches out even after the sale has been completed.
As a first time cruiser purchaser I underestimated the process and all of the steps involved. Jon was there the whole way advising me and giving me recommendations which made everything very streamlined. Until he decides to retire I will be sending him everyone I know and will be working with him as far into the future as possible.
All of that said, the biggest impact he had on us throughout the process was the fact that you could tell he really cared about things being done right and in our best interest. He isn’t just good at his job, but is a really good person.
Thank you Jon!
First time Boat buyer here. My wife and I were looking for a boat the family could use this year to join our boating friends and explore the puget sound. I called Jon Heisel about a boat he had listed for another client and while it was already pending another offer, we discussed what I was looking for and after speaking with him for only a few minutes, I quickly realized how much I did not know about what options to consider for the make/size (28′-30’ SeaRay) and for salt water use. Jon answered all of my questions in detail and I never felt rushed or that I was a burden.
A few weeks later, I found THE BOAT I was looking for and immediately called Jon for his advice. Despite the fact we were in the middle of the COVID crisis and the boat was located in B.C Canada, he assured me he had experience brokering deals across the border and appeared to be almost as excited as I was about the deal I found. There were added complexities considering the current COVID restrictions, cross-border inspections and customs process, but he took care of EVERYTHING and kept me completely informed along the way.
Jon’s professionalism, knowledge, network and timely communication exceeded our expectations and ultimately got us on the water just in time for summer. Whether you’re a new or experienced boater and are in the market, I HIGHLY recommend Jon- you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you Jon!
I had the pleasure of working with Jon this past summer on my boat purchase. As a newbie, It was my first boat purchase and I did not know at the time how much help an experienced and knowledgeable broker can bring to your boat search and purchase process. Many of the boats I had identified, Jon already knew the history on, and was able to immediately advise on. He helped the entire process from search thru inspection to final purchase. I likened his help to having a very good real estate broker. This is a significant investment, and I would never consider doing alone in the future given my experience with Jon.
Great customer experience. Jon’s knowledge of the entire process allowed me to focus on my buying preferences. He guided our purchase and supported me with additional insight that put me at ease from day one. I recommend Jon for any level of buyer, but he was particularly helpful for the first timer. Although I don’t have much experience in this area, I am confident we found the right guy to help us buy a boat.
As first time boat buyers, we needed all the help we could get. I’m so happy we crossed paths with Jon in our efforts to buy our Bayliner 3388 Motoryacht! I noticed his knowledge and passion for boating right away and it made a big impact with our education and purchase. It’s hard for me to imagine working with anyone else in the future at this point! I highly recommend working with Jon!
Jon was insightful beyond belief in the purchase of our first boat. Not only did he previously own the same boat in the past but had sold the exact boat to the previous 3 owners and either knew everything about it or could contact any of them to get answers to any questions we had. His professional and friendly attitude has followed through past the date of purchase as he has followed up several times months later to check in to make sure we were satisfied and just to say hi. He spent half a day orienting us with the boat and I attribute my good driving (which I get good reviews about all the time) to his excellent teaching. Thanks Jon!
Jon has become a household name in our home. Jon helped us buy our first Cruiser and we absolutely love our new 340 Sundancer. Jon was great to work with, very knowledgable, and very patient. Jon made the experience of buying our boat so much fun and we do not consider Jon as the just guy that sold us a boat, we consider him a friend. Thank you Jon!
If I could give Jon more than 5 stars, I would. This gentleman is amazing on multiple levels! We are first-time boat buyers, complete novices, ready to be taken advantage of. But Jon wasn’t interested in selling us the most expensive boat. No; he was interested in getting our family into a boat that would make us fall in love with boating. And he succeeded! He found us a Searay 280 Sundancer and we couldn’t be any happier. And he has been with us every step of the way, even after closing. It’s possible that I’ve texted him more post-closing than pre, and he still responds immediately, ready and willing to advise, guide, encourage. Plus, he’s just a really nice guy. I can and will unconditionally recommend him to anyone looking to buy a boat, but especially first-timers! He will not leave your side. It’s obvious Jon found his calling because it’s equally obvious that he loves what he does. A true gem.
We highly recommend Jon for any brokerage services if you’re buying or selling. Our experience with Jon listing and selling our boat was absolutely a fantastic one.
Jon listed our boat, we immediately had an offer and a deal was done. He made the transaction seamless and easy. Jon was always prompt with communication and keeping us up to date during the process.
It’s no wonder that Jon has such a loyal following, it’s because he has been servicing the PNW boating community for decades, knows boats, is a true professional, and is dedicated to his craft. In addition to all that, he is an awesome person.
Thanks for your assistance Jon!
Words can’t describe what an incredible person and broker Jon Heisel is. My wife and I are so thankful he came into our lives a year ago when we bought our first boat a 280 Sundancer.
We were first time owners and had no idea what we were embarking on but excited to be owners and nervous because of all the boat ownership negative sayings. I can honestly say, we can’t ever imagine not being owners again. Jon’s honesty, wealth of knowledge and willingness to share has made us feel like we have been owners for 30 years. Jon told us, ” Don’t spend a dime on the boat without calling me first. I will not only recommend the proper person to do the work but save you money and heartache.”. Many brokers will say this to sell a boat but Jon delivers, when you text or call him he responds even after the sale.
A year to the day, we upgraded to a Formula 41 we bought from Jon. During this summer of Covid 19 everyone wants to buy a boat but Jon sold our 280 Sundancer in 24 hours, that’s incredible even in these unprecedented times of demand.
Many of you reviewers have commented how Jon has become not only your broker but a friend. We feel the same, he is just a wonderful human and I’m thankful we are friends!!
Jon is absolutely fantastic! My wife and I made out first boat purchase this summer, and it would not have happened if Jon was not there to guide us through the process. As newbies we bombarded Jon with a ton of questions, and he patiently taught us about buying and owning a boat. We always felt that he was our advocate, and would give us advice we needed to get into the right boat. We ended up getting a 2018 Cutwater 28 — and we love it, a great starter yacht.
We were also very impressed with Jon’s service after the sale, helping us cruise the boat from Everett into Lake Washington — it was an extended training session on handling and docking the boat and using all its features. He thought us how to navigate the locks, and even showed us how to gas up (we are newbies after all). We’ve been loving the boat ever since. I’d strongly recommend Jon as your next boat broker!
BTW, Jon was recommended to us by a good friend who had purchased a boat from Jon 7 years earlier, he told us about Jon’s extensive experience and outstanding service. He says Jon still answers his questions and gives advice 7 years after the sale!!
ABSOLUTLY recommend Jon for any boat purchase or sale…Jon took the time to talk with me and answer ALL my questions from the first moment he answered my phone call. Never owning a boat before I had quite a few from the inner workings of the vessel to what to expect in the process of the purchase. Overall, an EXTREMELY PLEASANT EXPERIENCE! His customer service and communication skills were second to none! Before I knew it I had the keys to an ’07 Sea Ray Sundancer 340! After the sale, Jon even took a day of his personal time to make sure we were comfortable navigating the boat through the Ballard Locks and then the trek to the south end… WHO DOES THAT?!?! Thanks Jon!!! When the time comes to upgrade, Jon will be the very first call!
We felt extremely lucky to have come across Jon. I am a long-time boater but a first-time buyer. We started our search a few months back and as we were bumping around trying to figure out what we are in the market for, we ran into Jon. While the boat he was showing us at the time was not a good fit, we realized that we found an excellent resource. At that point, Jon was our guy! Jon was fantastic. He was extremely knowledgeable and patient as we learned the boating world. After a few days, I finally asked what he would recommend for us. He was spot on! It was very clear to us that he listened to all our ideas, likes, and dislikes and absolutely pointed us in the right direction. We ended up buying a 2018 Cutwater C28 and we absolutely love it. In addition, now that we have closed, Jon is still around. He is not one of those salesmen that will cut ties once you have bought. He still checks in to see how we like the boat. When (and if) it comes time to buy another boat, Jon will be our first call; that is provided he is not out boating with us.
It was a true pleasure to have Jon as our boat broker. I especially appreciated how he spent most of the day with us on the day we took ownership of our boat, driving it through the Ballard locks and giving us tips as we drove it to Gig Harbor. He even gave us each a quick hands-on docking lesson, much needed as this boat is our first with twin engines. My husband and I will certainly be referring our friends to him without hesitation. Great guy!
What can I say about Jon, other than that he’s a great broker Jon is also a great human being. He answers any random questions I have about boats at all odd hours and days and is truly looking out for you as a boat owner and a person.
Jon sold me my first boat, a Searay 290 – gave me training and answered all questions I had during my first boating season. I didn’t laugh and brush me off as a 30′ cruiser with two drives is pretty bold for a brand new boater – but he made sure I was comfortable with all aspects of the boat, from maintenance to even docking.
I subsequently realized that I wanted a bow rider and not a cabin cruiser, and Jon helped me find a bow rider from and helped me broker that deal from another dealer. The boat was a 2019 Regal 2800 with all the fixins. He negotiated on my behalf so I didn’t even have to set foot in the showroom and negotiate myself. All I had to do was show up with a pen to sign and test the boat prior to delivery.
Jon makes boat owning a dream, is very encouraging to new boat owners, very honest, and literally is willing to text back at any time of the day! Comes in handy if your boat is making funny beeping noises you’ve never heard while out on the water.
Jon is a true professional; dedicated to exceeding his client’s expectations. He made the entire buying experience a memorable one (my first boat) and takes the time to fully understand your wants & needs. His vast knowledge of SeaRays in particular is impressive and his connections in helping you with anything and everything you may need post-delivery is equally impressive. Just a wealth of knowledge.
Jon has become a friend, he’s always there for advice, direction, etc.; which is something we surely appreciate and don’t take for granted. A rarity in this business. If you are in the market to buy or sell a boat, don’t even think twice about working with Jon. He’s the best!!!
Jon is incredible to work with as was the entire crew over at Irwin Yacht Sales. This was our first boat purchase which can be a scary venture (we bought a Sea Ray 290 Sundancer). From the moment we spoke to Jon and even the communication/follow up throughout the several months after owning the boat, we feel we have a friend in the business in Jon. Someone who looks out for your best interest. We are enjoying our purchase and knowing we’ll continue as boat owners for years to come, I’d only ever work with Jon.
Jon is AWESOME !!
My wife an I finally decided to make the jump from a Sailboat to a Power Yacht. We met Jon at the Seattle Boat show in the fall by recommendation of my insurance agent. Jon listened carefully to what we wanted in terms of both a new boat and our intended use of that boat. Jon was careful to ask all the right questions, as well as answer all the ones that we needed to be asking. Jon scoured the market to help find options that would meet our needs. We settled on a 36 Cruisers Aft Cabin Yacht.
Jon was never pushy to “just buy a boat”, and at the same time cautioned us to be patient through all our due diligence. Jon was able to find the right boat for us, and then worked with us through the entire process from initial inspection to formal survey and closing. His extensive knowledge was critical in helping us avoid common pitfalls while remaining within a reasonable budget.
Jon went above and beyond to help us move our new boat from Seattle to Gig Harbor, as well as provide personalized instruction on all systems as well as ‘lessons’ to ensure we are ready for the spring season. Jon has been available as a resource for all our questions, and has connected us to other reliable resources that we will need.
I would highly recommend Jon as an honest and knowledgeable broker to anyone considering a new boat. I know I will work with him again……just as soon as we need 4 more feet.
I couldn’t have been hooked up with a better Broker, now friend. Jon came highly recommended to me by a friend and the entire boat search and purchase process was made very smooth by Jon’s knowledge and professionalism.
We ended up purchasing a 2003 380 Sea Ray Sundancer. This was our very first boat and Jon answered all of the rookie questions I sent to him with pleasure and ease. He guided us through these new waters and we are very happy with the boat Jon helped us find.
Jon has been in the business for over 30 years, around water most of his life and it shows. Like I said above he is also a new friend. He doesn’t just close the deal and walk out of your life. He still quickly answers any question I send his way and he checks in to see how the family is doing.
I would not consider purchasing another boat without Jon by my side helping guide us through the process again. He is a great Boat Broker, Person and Friend!!
Jon epitomizes the difference between a car dealer and a yacht broker! (Sorry about that car dealers out there.) We’ve been working with Jon for a couple years because my wife and I could not figure out what type of boat we wanted. Never any pressure from Jon. He worked with us several times, and when we saw the boat that turned out to be perfect for us (Sea Ray 260) he handled every step of the process flawlessly. Getting the offer in and accepted, sea trial, closing, and even offered to move the boat for us to its new home. Said to call anytime in the future if we have questions on the boat – even while under way. Working with Jon we can tell for sure that we have a broker partner for how ever long we’re in the boating world – not just someone trying to make a sale. Thanks Jon!
My wife and I purchased an ’07 Meridian 490 from Jon in December ’19. Although he was the listing agent and not our personal representative, he couldn’t have done a better job if he was! He worked as hard for us as he did for the seller and helped us all get through the inevitable touchy spots during the process. Jon is super nice, takes care of basics forgotten by others such as returning phone calls and and texts, and he knows his subject matter in great detail. Maybe best of all now that we’re boat owners, Jon is available any time to answer a question, offer a referral, and help in any way he can to make boating fun and safe. He even helped us move the boat to its present moorage in EBM from Lake Union. He says and we believe Jon’s in this business for life and aims to make life-long friends of his clients. We’re in! Can’t say enough how strongly we recommend Jon for your boat listing or search.
I purchased a 260 Sea Ray Sundancer from Jon in April of this year and couldn’t of been happier with the process from start to finish. Jon’s customer service is extraordinary and he is more than willing to help you out with whatever problem you may encounter. I have contacted Jon on several different occasions with questions in regards to the boat months after the purchase and he has always been quick to answer. Jon genuinely cares about his customers and wants them to enjoy life on the water the best they can. Thanks Jon!
I had originally spoken with Jon a few years ago regarding my first boat purchase. He did a great job showing me boats but I was able to find a sale by owner out of state. However wanting to move up a few years later I turned back to Jon n even though I was extremely specific about what I wanted he found what I wanted and sold my boat all in a short period of time. He then spent time showing me how to operate the new, much bigger boat, and also has continued to be extremely helpful as I have personalized my new boat. If I ever “move up” again Jon would be my first call. Class guy who does what he says he’s going to do!! Ken
Jon is a such a great broker – whether you’re an experienced boater or just getting started. We worked with Jon when he was representing another owner on a great Bayliner 285. Both during and after the purchase, Jon has been extremely helpful, knowledgable, fair and just overall restoring our faith in great customer service. He offers a wealth of information and connections in the Puget Sound boating world, and I can’t recommend him highly enough for the next time you’re working with a broker!
We purchased our very first boat through Jon and he was amazing. From the beginning he was very thorough with explaining and helping us decide if this boat was a good match for beginning boaters. We purchased a 2011 Bayliner 285. After purchasing Jon then spent an entire day with us teaching us how to drive it, dock it, and all the ins and outs of the boat. He was so patient and encouraging as we were learning with many tips along the way. He also gave us contact information and recommendations for places to get gas, a trusted mechanic if needed, fun places to boat to in the Puget Sound, etc. We feel like Jon is a new friend and know that as we have questions along the way we could contact him anytime. We will definitely be working with Jon in the future and highly recommend him for any boating needs you may have!
This is the first time I used a boat broker and after working with Jon he will be my boat broker for life. He helped me purchase my new to me boat and I couldn’t be more happy with the boat and the process. Once the price was negotiated and agreed upon he got right to work lined up the hull surveyor, mechanical inspection and haul out. Jon was involved during each step, and was always available to answer my questions. Can’t say enough about how great of a guy Jon is. If you are looking for a boat on your own, stop and go talk to Jon it will be worth it!
We have purchased and sold several boats through Jon over the years, he is very knowledgeable and has always done us a great job. Each time we have looked to him to find us our next boat and without disappointment he has ideas and insight to helping us in our boat buying and decision making. We continue to recommend Jon to anyone looking to purchase a boat or yacht. Thanks Jon, you and Irwin yachts have done it again in providing a happy customer.
My wife and I bought a 2010 310 sea ray from Jon and can’t say anything but positive things about the whole process. This being our first boat, Jon walked us through the whole process and even helped us bring the boat from lake union home to coal harbour in vancouver! Not only is Jon very friendly he also is very knowledgeable about the boats he sells. It’s always refreshing to deal with someone who truely cares about his customers and looks out for the best interest of his clients. I don’t alway write gleaming reviews like this but in Jon case I can’t think of anything he could have done differently in order to make the process more enjoyable! I will also add that he still happily responds to all my text messages no matter how basic they are..
We recently bought a boat from Jon as first time boat owners. Jon was awesome to work with and helped us understand the basics so we could make an informed choice. He also went out of his way to connect us with resources for the boat, and best of all, spent an afternoon with us teaching us how to use the boat. As first time buyers, those extra steps were invaluable. We would highly recommend Jon and we will certainly be back if we are buying or selling in the future. Great experience!!
Wife and I purchased our first boat a 2012 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer here the other day. Jon did a great job working first with the broker up in Canada (yes boat located in Victoria) to get us a good price. Then Jon coordinated everything with survey, engine inspection and even flew up there to be part of the process. Jon then picked us the customs agent, the title agent and to top it off he went up to Friday Harbor with me on delivery date and accompanied me on our trip to Poulsbo where the boat is moored. Since we got boarded by the Coast Guard on the way down, I also have to mention Jon knows his way around with the authorities. I have to say, service above and beyond what was expected, and my boating experience in the Pacific Northwest is off to a great start.
We met Jon Heisel of Irwin Yacht Sales in February of this year while looking for a new Sea Ray sport cruiser to purchase. Jon was extremely knowledgeable about the various model types, years, and features which was very helpful when navigating the price points of various models. Rather than sell us “any boat” Jon helped us define what was important to us to find “the right boat”. We are an extremely picky buyer, and Jon expanded his search out of state so that we could find the right vessel. He communicated often and at each step of the process, and perhaps more importantly aligned us with all of the right resources and contacts between survey, mechanical, detailing, transport, financing, insurance, etc that made our purchase process as close to seamless as possible. We ran into multiple challenges during the transaction including an uncooperative seller, weather, delays outside of our control and this is where great client service really matters. Jon ended up having to make multiple trips to southern California on our behalves to ensure we were comfortable with the transaction. After we took delivery, his post-closing service has been outstanding. My wife and I are extremely busy, and travel often for work and would not have had the time or energy to pull off this transaction without Jon’s help. I am also confident he helped negotiate better pricing on this vessel than I would have otherwise negotiated myself as he knew exactly where to push and when to back off … and I negotiate for a living. You will be very happy to work with Jon and I know my wife and I look forward to staying in touch with him and working with him again for years to come. Please contact us if you have any questions about our experience. -Matt & Laura
WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!! We just purchased our boat from Jon. This is our second boat and the first one we did everything ourselves, it was daunting and stressful. This time it was an amazingly simple process and no stress, just excitement! Jon knew the right people to get us in touch with for surveys, insurance and loans. He was attentive and helpful throughout the process and even after we received the keys he was there for us to walk us through the ins and outs of our boat. Our expectations were totally exceeded and we would absolutely recommend anyone to use Jon and he will be the first person we call when we are ready to upgrade again! Thank You Jon!!
We just bought our first large boat from Jon and the experience was beyond what I could have expected. Jon was so patient and walked us through every step of the process. Buying a boat is a daunting undertaking and Jon made it so easy for us. He was absolutely upfront about everything we could expect. He helped up find all of the services that we needed, made the contacts for us and followed through on everything. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Jon also took the time to teach us how to dock and all of the systems, what to expect for maintenance, etc. and did all this right around the boat show, which I know is a super busy time for him, but he was never difficult to get in touch with. The whole process has been fantastic.
Jon helped us recently in the purchase of our boat from a seller in Canada. Before making the offer, he explained the process of buying a boat outside of the US. He helped us through the whole process with a difficult seller who was very uncooperative in the finalizing the sale. He assisted us in finding surveyor in Canada and understanding the recommendations on the survey and cost estimates for repair. He helped us bring the boat down to its new moorage in 2 trips due to the short days of winter and walked us through the systems on the boat. He has referred us to service people to use now that we are mooring our boat up in LaConner. He has a great knowledge of boats and is a person who wants you to be satisfied with your purchase. His experience shines through in working with him.
Jon exemplifies what a true full service yacht broker should be. No pretentiousness here as you might expect, this guy is a salt of the earth boater who, with his many years of experience in the boat brokerage business, delivers top notch service, education, and knowledge with gusto. Jon helped us purchase our SeaRay Sundancer 320 recently and the experience was empowering with Jon at the helm. His thorough knowledge of, not just boats in general, but many specific makes and models, allowed us to feel confident when narrowing down our focus. When it came time to purchase, Jon had a surveyor and mechanic at the ready, as well as a boatyard for the haul-out. Our sea trial was a mix of hands on exploration and surveying of the boat as well as good conversation and just plain fun. He guided us through the purchase process at every point and we experienced a smooth and easy transition into the new boat. Did I forget to mention he sold our previous boat, a SeaRay 260 for us as well? We were able to sell it for a very good price for both us and the new owners, in large part because of all the qualities I mentioned previously. Since our purchase Jon is always a phone call or text away, and is always, and I mean always, eager to help in any way he can, whether it be a referral for an electrician to put a new TV in or a visit to the boat to answer some silly question I might have. He continues to stay in contact via occasional emails or texts himself, as he truly sees his involvement as a lifelong relationship and when we are ready for the next step up, there’s only one guy I will cal. We also plan on seeing him on the water many times in the future for Husky season! If I could rate him six stars I would!
We reached out to Jon initially to begin looking for a bigger boat we saw on Irwin’s website. After spending some time asking us questions and finding out why we wanted something bigger, he directed us to a 340 Sundancer.
From the beginning of the search to the delivery of our new 340 to the boathouse, Jon helped walk us through the entire process. He was always available to answer questions that came up, coordinating inspections & survey and even taking the time to make sure we understood the systems on our new boat. Jon was fantastic. He kept saying to us; “Buying a boat should be fun” and he definitely accomplished that for us.
I would recommend any of my family or friends looking to buy a boat to go see Jon.
John H.
Personal referrals are always the best way of finding someone who can really help you, and this is how we found Jon. We mentioned to a friend that we were thinking about buying a boat and her immediate response was, “Oh, you have to meet Jon!”
She was right. In this Internet era, you can find a boat online, but the real value is in someone who can guide you to the right boat and who is knowledgeable about everything related to the whole process. Jon was this source of all knowledge. When we looked at boats, Jon usually knew the other brokers and was well thought of by them. People like to work with people they like and buying a boat is no different. Brokers like to work with brokers who have treated them honestly in the past.
When it came to the actual water demo, Jon knew the best surveyor and the best mechanic to do the work for this particular boat. I got a real education during this process. At one point when we couldn’t get the radar working, it was Jon who climbed under the instrument panel and figured out what was wrong (it now works!)
Then throughout the who negotiation process, Jon’s advise and guidance was spot on. Now that the purchase is complete we know that Jon will be there to help us learn the systems and even give us a refresher course on operating the boat. He isn’t done when the transaction is complete.
Our next transaction (a long, long time from now….) will definitely include Jon.
After becoming boat-less in Seattle several years ago, I couldn’t decide what my next boat would be. As a single mom, I didn’t want to bite off more than I could chew. I looked at a lot of different boats and even spoke with a few different brokers, but struggled getting any of the brokers to bring me solid deals and honest answers. Jon was so patient and provided background and information on several different types of boats. Always with a smile, and happy to help.
When Jon recently listed a Meridian, he provided an enormous amount of detail, and even arranged for me to meet the current owner and ask any questions I might have. I knew this was the boat for me.
The whole process was so smooth, and Jon was on top of every detail. He has taken me through every detail of this boat, and given me some refresher courses. Making sure I am 100% comfortable. I can’t say enough about how easy this process was (and actually fun).
Having someone on your side who is so familiar with boating in the PNW is HUGE.
If I could give him 10 stars I would!!
My wife and I have been life-long boaters in the Northwest and SoCal. Will it came time to sell our beloved 40 foot Searay express cruiser after 17 years years with her (After Hours 2), we had a confusing array of options available to us. I’ve known Jon for over a decade through Searay and the NW Boating community and have always known him to be one of the most genuine down-to-earth people out there. I consider him my friend, but that’s a personal situation.
When it came to the business of selling our boat, I needed more than laughter and good times, I needed results. As I explored his amazingly successful background, I learned one consistent theme – he performs for everyone, buyer and seller alike. He is constantly demoing vessels and making happy customers. I am proud and happy to have had him list and sell my boat (to the pleasure of both parties) and would do it over and again.
John has my highest recommendation and has the experience and ethical standards to accomplish any buyer or seller’s dreams. Use another broker at your own peril!
I would find it impossible to overstate our level of satisfaction with Jon. He is professional, personable and driven to go way beyond any reasonable expectation of personal service. We just purchased a Bayliner 4588 through Jon. It is our first boat is forty years! We live in southern Oregon so were not local to handle the enumerable details needed to complete the transfer, but Jon is and took care of all the details…there was no moorage in Everett so he moved the boat to Shilshole Marina, and, he is coordinating mechanical work that needs to be done. Thank you Jon, we love you!
It was a pleasure to work with Jon on the purchase of our Bayliner 4587. He repeatedly went above and beyond our expectations such as picking up parts in Anecortes for us and moving the boat to another slip while we were out of the country. His network of service personnel was superb. It included the mechanical surveyor who found an issue that I’m sure would have been overlooked by many and then finding us both the supplier for the parts and the mechanics to do the work. It also included Tanya Lage at Pacific Maritime Title who handled our purchase as well as the paperwork on the sale of our other boat. I highly recommend Jon to anyone looking to buy or sell a boat in the Seattle area.
Jon is a knowledgeable sales agent. He knows the history of the area and its fascinating features. He knows his boats
and intuitively addresses issues.
He does unbiased referrals to surveyors, and mechanics. He thoroughly follows up on all areas of concern. He is quite honest and attentive to all the myriad of details involved in purchasing a yacht.
I truly felt like everything fell into place with the purchase of our SeaRay.
Jon took 1:1 time with us to teach us the nuances of moorage and docking issues.
There is nobody like this guy!
Thanks Jon,
Rise2shine
I read half the reviews and wasn’t surprised at all that Jon received nothing but 5 STARS. Everyone feels like we do, honored and lucky to have met him! I will try to put in words how working with Jon was the best purchasing experience of my life. Note that is saying A LOT! I have purchase over 30 million in equipment, building, homes, cars and boats. You’re one in a million!
Buying a yacht for the first time, we met John Heisel, yacht broker with Irwin Yachts. After working with John throughout this process, I can say without reservation, that he is a gem. The support team he provides (surveyor, mechanics, finance, title & insurance personnel) are all top in their field. He is patient, friendly and educated. He knows his stuff! He never left us stranded after completing the deal. He continues to be available to assistance and educates us. His friendly disposition alleviates most of the anxiety of the processes of purchasing, surveying, stocking, docking and more. Everyone speaks highly of John. We have 100% confidence in him as a reference to add to your team in the boating industry. Thank you, John, it will continue to be a pleasure working with you.
I moved to town recently and started looking for a boat in an unfamiliar market with not much in the way of local knowledge or connections in the industry. So when I bought a boat from Jon this summer, I found him super professional, down to earth, and accommodating on the purchase. He was punctual and importantly ran with the process taking strain off of my busy schedule by helping me to find marina/slips and the right pre-check mechanic for me since I’m new to Seattle. Mine wasn’t his largest sale by any stretch, but I felt like he treated me like it was all the same. While I’ve taken the time to give maybe 5-7 reviews in my life, that Jon earned this one is saying a large volume.
Wow, what to say and how to appropriate due credit to Mr. Jon Heisel. I met Jon a short time ago while in search of the perfect boat “my first boat”. I searched the internet and came across a Sea Ray 260 Sundancer. Unfortunately, the one I had seen on the internet had already been sold. This is when I met Jon, as he was the broker that had sold the 260 that I was interested in. He mentioned that he had a 2nd 260 that I might be interested in. I checked into it and liked it. I brought my family down to see the boat and meet a Jon. He continuously included my wife and 14 year old son in conservation. Answering all of our questions and knowing that this was our first boat, offering to take us out for docking lessons and education on boating. I cannot begin to address how much I appreciated his professionalism, integrity and genuine honesty. Especially given dollar amount associated with this purchase. What I am humbled by, is that he was selling this boat on behalf of the seller yet providing me with a wealth of information and guidance that you just cannot buy. Jon has been at my side from start to finish making the whole process go as smooth as possible. To expand on his level of commitment, 1 hour after signing the closing paperwork, Jon and I we’re out practicing docking when the engine quit. Come to find out, the high pressure fuel pump stopped working causing the engine to quit. Jon made a phone call, tow boat came out and brought us back and I never saw a bill of which I know there was, but he took care of it without me ever asking! Ask yourself, how many people do you know would do that? 40 years ago, my grandfather said that throughout your life, you will be able to count all your “true” friends on one hand. I consider Mr. Jon Heisel one of those ” true” friends! I am an airline captain by trade and held to very high standards. I see this same attribute in Jon as he is a True Professional in his trade! Even after the purchase, he still checks in and I can tell you when comes time for upgrade, there is “one” and only “one” person I will call! Thank you again, Jon for all that you have done for me! A true professional at hand!
Jon recently helped my wife and I purchase a 260 Sea Ray Sundancer. It was our first boat larger than twenty feet, so needless to say we were very nervous. He did a great job making us feel comfortable without feeling pressured. He spent an entire day providing dock training for both my wife and I before we took our boat home, giving us plenty of much needed reassurance. Jon definitely went above and beyond! We just spent our first Labor Day weekend on our new boat and had a great time!
Thank you Jon!!
Bob
Jon did a great job helping me understand the process, getting the advertising out and looking nice and finding the best buyer. Thanks Jon, I’d use you again.
Jon was great helping us find our Bayliner 340. We looked for a couple of years trying to figure out what we wanted and Jon patiently showed us Boats and more Boats , talking through pros and cons! We are now 10 month boat owners and having a great time!! And during that 10 months Jon continues to support us with referrals when we need them.
We met Jon over 4 years ago when we purchased our first Boat, a Meridian 411. After years of going to the boat show with no Brokers willing to take the time to talk with us (with three kids in tow) – Jon impressed us with his willingness to answer our questions and show us around. He helped us through the process of purchasing our first boat and made it a smooth and positive experience. We formed a friendship and knew we could call him with any questions about boating and he was always willing to help. When we were ready to move to a larger vessel, Jon was the guy we called to list our Meridian and help us purchase a Marquis 59 this year. He is very a knowledgeable and trustworthy yacht broker who will go above and beyond to help his clients.
We couldn’t have asked for a better boat broker than Jon Heisel. Everything about Jon is top-rate.
Jon helped us become experts in the boat-buying process and was respectful and knowledgeable all the way from our initial phone call to his post-purchase support, that goes well beyond the date of sale. This was our first purchase of a larger Puget Sound worthy boat and he made sure we were making wise decisions and informed trade-offs between different boats. He listened to exactly what we needed and wanted and then went and found the perfect boat for us. We greatly appreciated all of his patience as well as his terrific sense of humor and fun.
Jon also knows everyone in the industry and only partners with the best. He has a referral for anything boat related and when you call them and tell them Jon sent you, they take very good care of you.
We highly recommend Jon to anyone looking for an outstanding broker with fantastic customer service skills.
Jon was very persistent in findng us a boat. 3 came and went in Seattle. As luck would have it, one popped up in Portland and was perfect. Jon worked with the Portland broker and got it done. I highly recommend Jon!
I want to give a HUGE shout out to my friend Jon Heisel!!! He is not only our friend, but was the broker, we hired, that recently sold our 2000 Sea Ray 260DA Sundancer and also found our new to us 2001 Sea Ray 310DA Sundancer, Mo and I took delivery last week. Jon ‘s experience and thorough handling of all transactions really smoothed out a process that is much more like buying/selling a house vs buying a car. Jon is very good about staying in touch, updating us at every step and was ahead of the game. Jon works at Irwin Yacht Sales – Seattle & Portland here in Seattle and if you are needing to buy or sell a boat, Jon’s your man. You will not be disappointed.
On another note, Jon recommended and Irwin Yacht Sales – Seattle & Portland uses Pacific Maritime Title in the Northlake area. Tanya Lage at Pacific Maritime Title is a complete pro and handled both of our transactions, including the USCG documentation, correspondence with our bank, the buyers and sellers and was very responsive and patient with us as excited and anxious sellers and buyers.
Thanks a ton again to Jon
We can’t say enough about our experience working with Jon. Throughout the entire buying experience, from first call to delivery, Jon was great. He answered every question we had, helped us understand all of our options, and went out of his way to make sure everything went smoothly. In our opinion he went above and beyond all expectations. We would recommend Jon to anyone looking to buy/sell a boat, you will happy you gave him a call.
Jon is simply a trustworthy, easy to work with, considerate professional who will work hard to make things right for all involved parties.
He helped us locate and buy a boat, and he helped us sell that same boat again a few years later. I am grateful for his hard work, reliable communication, and willingness to go the extra mile to make things work out.
I recommend Jon highly and would definitely go back to him if looking for another boat in the future.
I had the great pleasure of working with Jon on both buying a boat and later selling it. As a first time owner we required a lot of help with all practical things and Jon was always there to help us. Jon is not the type of person that walks away when the deal is done, he is always available to help out on whatever needed.
Jon will definitely be our first choice when we get back in the market again and I highly recommend him to anybody that are going to buy or sell a boat.
I had the pleasure of working with Jon on the concurrent sale of one boat and purchase of a new boat. Throughout the process, Jon’s experience in the business made him an invaluable resource in not only the sale and purchase negotiations but also when addressing potential mechanical issues with the boats. If Jon didn’t have the answer to a question, his network of people in the boating industry enabled him to get quick answers.
He goes above and beyond to help his clients navigate what can be a stressful process – and demonstrated honesty and integrity throughout. Jon’s focus is on his clients – even if that means extra time and effort on his part. It was evident to me that Jon will remain a valued and responsive resource long after the sale/purchase is complete.
I highly recommend Jon to anyone interested in buying and/or selling a boat.
We called Jon Heisel to show us a boat he had listed with Irwin Yacht Sales and, even though he was out of town, he arranged for us to see it. We didn’t buy that boat, but the sellers ranted and raved so much about Jon, that we contacted him about another boat. Didn’t buy that one either, lol, but when we told Jon exactly what we were looking for he knew the exact boat that would fit the bill — and was he right!
Jon’s knowledge of boats and of the available inventory is impressive, but what makes working with him priceless is his “hands on” customer service. Jon gave us patient, detailed instruction about —- everything! We had a few “this may be stupid” questions, but Jon never made us feel anything but smart for asking. He went over every inch of the boat with us, and then insisted on driving it with us from the marina where it was sold to its new marina — a three hour drive! Upon arrival he spent a few more hours going over new details, even repairing a minor issue (he has a mechanic on his “hot line!), and took great care to “show us the ropes” with the best way to tie her up. He also helped us with a shopping list of items we should purchase AND went to the marine store with us to show us exactly what items he recommends. That’s how detailed he is and that’s how much he truly cares that you and your boat will be safe and sound. Like we said — PRICELESS!
We recommend Jon Heisel to anyone purchasing a boat. He is, hands down, simply the BEST!
Thank you so very much, Jon!
We moved here as retirees from Minnesota to a different kind of boating. We needed a bigger boat! We had owned a Bayliner in the past and more recently a 19-ft. SeaRay and were looking for a quality boat for cruising the San Juan and Gulf Islands with confidence and comfort. My husband did a lot of research and we settled on the Meridian. Jon ended up selling us a Meridian 411. We met Jon at the Seattle boat show on the last day of the show. Jon was great to work with compared to some of the other brokers we had touched base with during the show–we quickly ended those contacts to work with Jon. He did rise above with his attentiveness, knowledge and enthusiasm. He works hard for you, there is absolutely no doubt about that. He gets back to you very promptly via email, phone call or text message to answer all of your questions and to guide you through the process of buying a boat. It is a bit different buying a boat in a new state and getting a boat from one marina to another and Jon made that process go smoothly. Additionally, he makes absolutely certain you are familiar with your boat and its operation and features. He is very friendly and easy to work with and has boat loads (just had to do that) of boat savvy. I would highly recommend him for your boat brokering needs. If you want someone who will be diligent and work hard for you, not just pay lip service, this is your #1 guy, My husband was also in sales his entire career and very good and successful at it and greatly admired the amount of effort Jon put into getting us a boat.
Jon brokered the purchase of our Sea Ray 330, and he met or exceed our expectations in every department. From the initial viewing of boats available, to the closing and handing over of the keys, Jon was there to make sure everything was just right. He is a professional, and his knowledge and experience in boating and the boat brokerage business made this entire transaction a great experience for us. We highly recommend Jon to anyone buying or selling a boat!
I couldn’t recommend Jon enough. He was so patient with me after my husband passed away. Took the boat off the market, put it back on…
He really helped with everything! Showings, recommendations, making sure the boat looked okay, paperwork, and getting the Marina to get me what was owed to me.
He was always available with answers everytime I had a question. He always kept me up to date on anything that was going on.
He’s very knowledgable about any questions I had about documentations, or anything I was unsure of.
If you have a boat to sell, he’s your guy!
I can wholeheartedly recommend Jon if you’re looking to buy or sell a boat. I met Jon after discovering a nice SeaRay Sundancer 280 he had listed for sale. Long story short, we wound up buying it. John made my wife and I feel like valued customers and friends from the first time we spoke on the phone until the transaction was completed. Even after that point, Jon took us out on our new boat for systems familiarization and docking practice, which was super valuable, and made us feel really comfortable. Jon made it clear several times that we could call or text him with questions any time. He’s got a lot of experience and knowledge, and is more than willing to help you find a great surveyor, mechanic, insurance agent, etc. Jon really goes above and beyond to care for his clients, and the extra care makes a difference!
The experience in working with Jon is his “Integrity”, the quality of being honest. Jon’s passion, knowledge and connections in the boating industry is phenomenal. Tremendous patience with our unending questions and superb communicator.
Jon worked simultaneously with the sale of our 280 Sea Ray Sundancer and the purchase of our 340 Sea Ray Sundancer, to where it saved us several thousand dollars.
After the sale, Jon went over and beyond the term “Customer Service”. My wife and I were coming in late and Jon took the time to go to the boat house and boat to make sure our boat was heated and lighted upon our arrival.
We were moving our boat from Everett to Lake Union and Jon shared with us “I’m booking my day out to go with you so that you will feel comfortable in the functions and operations of your boat”.
You will find working with Jon your relationship as your “Yacht Broker”, will turn into a great friendship.
We HIGHLY recommend Jon for all your boating needs!!!
Thank you Jon – You’re Awesome!!!
Jack and Marsha Strock
Jon recently helped us purchase our 2007 Sea Ray 38 Sundancer! Jon knew all the existing inventory in the Seattle area and found us just the right boat for our needs. He was great to work with and walked us thru the process with little stress. It’s great to have someone with passion for boats, experience, knowledge, and was just all around great to work with.
Thanks Jon, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
I highly recommend Jon Heisel for your boating needs!
We recently decided to upgrade our 22’ Four Winns to a 28’ Searay Sundancer. Thankfully we were lucky to have worked with Jon. Jon knows boats inside out especially the existing inventory within the Puget Sound area. He was able to find the perfect boat to suit the needs of our family. What impressed us most of all is his after-sales service. There was many a time when we called Jon to ask him the most basic of questions and he was always available to answer our questions. Recently we wanted to winterize the boat and Jon offered to come down and help us through the process. This is above and beyond customer service. You can tell that he is a genuinely good guy, he is professional and has a great sense of humor. If I know of anyone in the market for a new boat I would have no hesitation in recommending Jon Heisel.
As a small business owner myself I know how important Care, Competence, and Honesty are! Jon has helped our boating dreams come to life through three different transactions and each time he has exhibited a consistently excellent experience! He showed he cares by seeking to understand what we are concerned about and addressing those concerns. His competence comes from years of boat industry experience, he knows the ins and outs of what is good/bad/ugly and will not steer you off course! He is consistently honest, whenever I asked a question I felt Jon went above and beyond to explain why the answer was what it was and often followed up with more questions of his own to make sure I understood what the options were to move forward. I would work with Jon again and again and again, and so. should. you. Oh he is also a great guy and lots of fun!
Our 2014 Pursuit SC365i purchase.
I highly recommend Jon! After two deals went South on us (due to a lack of professionalism and ethical problems on the part of two other brokers–more interested in making a sale rather than helping us find the right boat), we made an appointment to view a boat with Jon Heisel. He immediately stood out from the others. Jon was personable, honest, and patient in listening to our needs and not pressuring us to jump to any decisions. Very refreshing! Once he understood our needs, he was diligent and professional from start to finish. After finding the right boat for us, Jon was organized, efficient and detailed throughout the buying process. At times, I felt like the process was like taking on a second job. Jon was clear that he was the one to manage the process, and he backed-up his actions through a level of professionalism that is hard to find these days. Because of Jon, we found our boat and closed in two weeks!! He really went the extra mile, and made our boat-buying experience a pleasant and fun one, overall. After two disappointing experiences, we can’t recommend Jon highly enough… Such a breath of fresh air!! And, we LOVE our new 2014 Pursuit SC365i…
3rd time was a charm for us! Thanks, Jon!
I used Jon’s services to sell my Meridian 411 and am extremely happy that I chose to work with him. Jon is a great broker that communicates frequently regarding what is going on through the entire process. Best of all, Jon had an offer on my boat (for the price I wanted!) within 3 weeks. I would definitely use Jon’s services again in the future.
Great experience working with Jon. He listed my boat on Tuesday and had it sold on Saturday. I never had to lift a finger. Jon took care of every step.
This is our first experience buying a larger boat, and Jon was just amazing. He was extremely knowledgable and helpful in getting us through the entire purchasing process. He was also very accessible and, even after the sale, took the time to walk us through all functionality and operations of the boat.
Should we choose to purchase another boat in the future, Jon will be our first call.
Terry & Lesley Bate
Jon is AMAZING !!!!!!!!!!
I’ve learned in my 57 years to pick your “trusted advisor” and wait for them to find what you need… Jon is someone who has complete integrity and strong knowledge that you can trust… He sincerely cares about you and you needs…
We’ve purchased 2 boats from Jon and will give him notice when we are ready to start looking for an upgrade.
We did purchase a boat from a dealership once. I called Jon to let him know we found a boat and signed on the dotted line. He congratulated me and said hold on… I will call you right back. He called the owner of the dealership and saved us an additional $1000 after we signed.
Respected by all…
Tell Jon what your looking for and relax 🙂
Greg and Christina Dale
Jon as a true professional at his trade. No deal is too big to too small for him. He treats all of his clients with the highest respect and provides top notch quality service. Jon knows his boats and just about everyone in the business in Seattle. He makes himself available for phone calls anytime to answer questions you might have about a boat you are looking at buying or the one you already bought. I would highly recommend Jon for your listing or buying needs.
Jon sold our Meridian 341 for us, and then he managed the complicated purchase of a Meridian 391 from Canada. He is an expert broker and definitely someone helpful to have working with you. Not only is he exceptionally personable, but he has immense knowledge and experience, and he is an excellent communicator. He readily made himself available to us both before and after the sale/purchase of our boats which greatly alleviated our anxieties. We recommend Jon without reservation.
We purchased our 30′ Searay Sundancer from Jon. We were impressed with his ethics, follow up, good humor, and customer service. You can purchase a boat from Jon with every confidence that he’ll get you into the right boat at the right price. In addition to his knowledge of boats, he’s got some mighty fine marriage counseling skills! He spent two hours teaching us to safely and smoothly launch and dock–and clearly communicate with each other during the process. We call it our Jon Heisel “dance lesson.” He’s a gifted, patient teacher who really helped us increase our boating safety knowledge and skills. From start to finish, working with Jon was a positive experience. We absolutely recommend him and his services. Ahoy!
Jon helped my wife and I buy our first cruising boat. Jon was very accommodating, made the process seamless, and even helped teach us how to navigate the boat to our home port. More importantly Jon has always answered his phone when we had questions after our purchase. He has helped us with Navigational ideas as well as maintenance ideas. I truly appreciate his help and support. When we get ready for a bigger boat we will be contacting Jon! Dave R.
Jon sold my brother in law his first boat and helped our best friends sell their boat when they had to move back east. Both were very pleased with his help and professionalism so when it came time for us to purchase or next boat Jon was our first call.
Even though our boat was not a huge financial deal for him we felt he treated us as if it was a multimillion dollar purchase. We were very pleased with the amount of advice, time and traveling that Jon invested in our decision making and when it came time to make an offer he got us our best deal. He truly understands that, at least to us, buying a boat is more than a simple transaction with lots of emotions and personal preferences involved.
I highly recommend Jon as someone with the knowledge and experience necessary and who responds to all your questions and concerns no matter how trivial they may be. By the way, he was responsive to us 24/7 as a true full time professional and amiable broker.
With Jon’s invaluable help, we just completed the purchase of our first boat. His commitment has been nothing short of extraordinary. Not only did he help us select our boat and negotiate the best deal, he has been there every step of the way afterwards. When a problem came up between purchase and our taking possession, he took complete responsibility and turned what could have been an aggravating experience into a positive one. He is also making sure that as first time boat owners we are comfortable with our boat and helping us get set up in every way. To say that he goes above and beyond for his customers is an understatement. We wholeheartedly recommend using Jon for the purchase or sale of a boat.
Jon is extremely knowledgable and goes the extra mile. He continues to assist us well after we purchased our Sea Ray 300 Sundancer. We highly recommend him for any brokerage needs or simply to assist in the buyer/selling process. We’ll certainly use Jon again on our next sell and acquisition.
Jon has been a great asset in our buying and selling of boats for nearly 20 years. He truly wants to build a relationship and isn’t hyper focused on a single transaction. He takes the time to understand your wants and needs no matter your level of experience and does a great job at matching you and a boat. When listing a boat, he jump starts the process with his vast client list. Our last boat sale happened in record time facilitating a simultaneous close with our new boat. His longevity and repeat clientele speak volumes. I visited Jon at the recent boat show and the number of folks stopping by just to say hi was amazing.
I finally decided to fulfill a 40 year bucket list item that I had. I’ve always wanted a motor yacht! This went well with Melodi as she always wanted waterfront!
Since I’ve been boating for years with a 24′ cuddy, how hard could it be locating the one that we wanted?
We started looking and was soon overwhelmed by all of the choices, and the actual process of purchasing a boat.
A friend of mine suggested that I contact Jon for help.
One of the first questions that I asked him was in regards to a nice looking one out of Florida.
He countered with a “why would you want to purchase a hurricane boat?”
Oh yeah..
Jon did find us a nice 58′ Navigator in Friday Harbor that felt right as soon as we hit the swim step.
He gave great advice on what to look for in a boat of that size.
Jon contacted the owners broker and we all settled on a fair price.
Jon also sourced funding, insurance, the surveys, and maintenance parts.
Because of his expertise, EVERYTHING went very smoothly!
Jon even came over to Friday Harbor help familiarize us with the “FIQ” and practice docking techniques with twin screws.
Invaluable!
I would hate to think where I would be in this process if Jon wasn’t there to help!
Would I recommend Jon to friends? O yea!
Would I use Jon again? O heck yea!
Jon Heisel has done an excellent job for me over the past 8 years. He has helped my wife and I purchase two boats, two dinghies, two davit systems and answer his phone on nights and weekends when you need his help solving a problem with your boat that can’t wait and needs immediate attention. I have witnessed this on five separate occasions (two of the calls were mine). Jon always has great recommendations for specific service and helps sometimes by making an introductory call for you before calling yourself. If you need a boat slip Jon knows just about everybody and is usually able to secure a boat slip for you if needed. He is a very calm and patient teacher if you want and or need some training in captaining your own boat or going through the locks. His commitment to his customers doesn’t end after the sale.
We recently bought a boat from Jon, and it was our first boat as a family. Having bought many cars over the years, I had a certain expectation for customer service for expensive purchases. As one would expect, Jon was very helpful during the buying process. He patiently answered all my questions and spent whatever time I needed learning about the boat and boat ownership. He also clearly wanted the transaction to be positive for us the buyer, as well as the sellers he represented. After we bought the boat, I would have said we had a good buying experience through Jon. However, that was only the beginning of the customer service Jon has provided. We live out of town from where the boat is and we have needed some planned services for the boat, which were surfaced during the inspection process. Jon has EXCEED all of my expectations in terms of his helpfulness with scheduling and doing many of these services. I absolutely would recommend Jon to anyone wanting to buy a boat.