About YBAA

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Setting the Standard for Yacht Sales Professionals for Over 100 Years

The Yacht Brokers Association of America, Inc. – YBAA - was founded in 1920 and exists to unite Yacht Sales Professionals throughout North America to establish, promote and enforce high standards of professional competence, character, and ethical conduct; foster public recognition of, and support for, YBAA and its member brokers; facilitate cooperation among member brokers; and, enhance each member's success.

YBAA defines a Yacht Sales Professional (YSP) as an individual who conforms to industry standards of skill, competence, and character in service to their clients. As a member of a recognized yacht broker trade association and through continuing education and compliance with established Codes of Ethics, a YSP maintains their expertise throughout their professional career. YSPs may represent a buyer and/or seller as a broker in the sale of a recreational yacht or maybe the representative of a yacht dealer or yacht manufacturer in the sale of a vessel. Those who attain, and maintain, their credentials as a Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) further demonstrate their ongoing commitment to their profession.

Upcoming Events view all events

 March 2023 
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Wed
19
2023
April 19, 2023
2:00PM - 3:00PM EDT

CPYB Webinar: Survey Success

Host: CYBA with Jeff Merrill, CPYB, CAC CHAIR - Owner, Jeff Merrill Yacht Sales, Inc.

Zoom

Jeff will share some suggestions about what you can you do for your buyer and/or seller before, during and after the survey, trial run, haul out, etc. to improve your chances for a successful outcome.

Wed
17
2023
May 17, 2023
2:00PM - 3:00PM EDT

CPYB Webinar: Managing Conflicts in Yacht Brokerage-Panel Discussion

Host: IYBA with Staley Weidman, CPYB, CEO of The Catamaran Company & Paul Flannery, Chief Operating Officer, IYBA 

Zoom

During this panel discussion, attorneys and brokers will provide subject matter expertise. Hear their testimonials and professional experiences on the art of conflict resolution in the industry. This program will provide you with best practices and creative takeaways to help you resolve buyer-seller disputes and other challenges within the industry.

Tue
13
2023
June 13, 2023
11:00AM - 1:00PM EDT

International CPYB Exam Prep

Zoom

Any CPYB Candidate (or CPYB certified member) is invited to participate in this exam prep session led by JP Skov & Craig Nann, CPYB. In this two-hour session, they will cover key topics under each of the five Principal Knowledge categories candidates will encounter on the exam.

Latest News view all news

A Frustrating Problem Costing You Time and Sales

A Frustrating Problem Costing You Time and Sales

Recently I met with a new sales rep who’s been in sales for a little over six months. He’s made two sales; he should be closer to 30. I started by asking how many sales calls he’s been making, how many proposals he’s presented, what he’s been saying, and what his overall process has been. It didn’t take long to identify his problem.

Yacht Brokers and Surveyors ‎– ‎Collaboration to Guarantee a Happy Customer

Yacht Brokers and Surveyors ‎– ‎Collaboration to Guarantee a Happy Customer

I was recently invited to do a presentation on the relationship between yacht brokers and marine ‎surveyors. The idea sounded simple, how can a surveyor and a yacht broker work together to keep the ‎customer happy? My gut reaction was to focus on communication. By improving communication and ‎foster transparency there should be no surprises along the way, easy enough.‎

Your First Conversation with a Prospect

Your First Conversation with a Prospect

The most important part of a first conversation with a prospect is to get them talking as much as possible. The 80/20 Rule applies here. Now depending upon whom you’re talking to, what kind of initial impression you’ve made, when you catch them, their personality type, etc., you may or may not achieve 80/20, but that’s the goal: them speaking about 80% of the time, you speaking about 20% of the time. And, when you do speak, most of that will be in the form of asking well-thought-out questions that both separate you from your competitors and help you determine the prospect’s needs, wants, and desires.

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Certified Professional Yacht Brokers

Yacht Sales Professionals (brokers, dealers, salespeople) have a benchmark for measuring their skills, abilities and performance, while, at the same time, enhancing their marketing value. Boat sellers and buyers are in a better position to select qualified, competent sales professionals with confidence and trust. If you want to set yourself apart, the Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) program is for you.