My Guest Testimonials

Terry Grover – Catamaran Broker

As I was approaching retirement a few years ago, I began asking myself the question “What endeavor can possibly keep me engaged both mentally and physically after a lifetime of traveling the world as a professional commercial aviator”? Plus, it had to be fun and something to look forward to doing every day. After much reflection, I realized that my happiest times were spent with friends and family and were water related, whether it be a lake, a river, or an ocean. My sister and I had purchased a Sunfish sailboat in high school and I had since sailed on larger vessels, but never my own. That led me to several years of research into the products available and the technology advancements in the sailing world. I signed up for several publications and began attending sailboat shows along with completing my ASA 101 course in Kemah, Texas.

While attending the annual fall sailboat show in Annapolis, my girlfriend (now my wife) came across a vendor offering one-week crewed charters in the BVI. We immediately signed up. The vessel was a Lagoon 450F with Festiva Sailing Vacations, the sister company of The Catamaran Company in Tortola. I had never sailed on a catamaran previously, and we were both soon convinced that a catamaran was the right choice for us. Our search began via the internet post-COVID, however we quickly realized that we were wasting time and money traveling to look at these cats, which several turned out to be not as advertised. Frustrated and not knowing how to proceed from this point, I called one of my best friends who was in Galveston and connected to the sailing crowd there. He called me back a week later after making some inquirers and said that if I was sure I wanted a catamaran, there was only one broker to contact as he specialized in Lagoons, which was my top choice.

So, I gave Terry Grover a call out of the blue and introduced myself. We had a nice initial conversation. It was clear to me that this might be my guy. I asked what his schedule was like and he replied, “What are you doing tomorrow”? We met at his office in Kemah, where I explained what I was looking for in the used market: a well-maintained, good condition mid-forty foot Lagoon with an owner's suite. We looked at several boats online and then one in the marina. I explained to Terry that I was in no rush, I was willing to be patient and find the right boat at the right price point within my timeline as I was approaching two years from retirement. While I was expecting the search to take a few months, Terry called me one morning about 45 days later and said, “I think we found the boat however, I don’t think that it will stay on the market long as it was just listed and I know the boat and the broker”. I said, “Let’s go”.

Not expecting this personal level of service, Terry explained that while I would have to schedule the survey, he would accompany me on the trip. We quickly booked a flight on United from Houston to St. Thomas and took the ferry to Roadtown, Tortola. Then we found out that there were no hotel rooms available. Terry made a call to the Catamaran Company, which agreed to let us stay aboard a new Lagoon 42 that they had just listed, which was also a boat that I was interested in. Perfect! Terry guided me to the STT airport shuttle and Ferry Terminal and then over to Roadtown. His rental car service met us outside after clearing customs and immigration, and we were on our way to the marina. It was seamless. The next morning, the lead captain for The Catamaran Company met us and we cast lines for Nanny Caye for the haul out and survey, followed by the sea trial. It was a successful survey and sea trial, so I decided to go ahead with the purchase. Terry and I went out for a celebration dinner, then took the ferry and flew back to Houston the following morning.

What followed was a whirlwind of finance and insurance companies, background and credit checks, accompanied by documents, too many to list. I had no idea how much documentation and approvals were involved in purchasing a marine vessel based in a foreign entity by a US citizen. Not only was Terry there every step of the way to assist and answer all my questions, but he also gave me the confidence to complete all of the transactions and begin my journey as a first-time catamaran owner of a Lagoon 450F in the BVI. His patience, counseling, and recommendations were instrumental in helping make this purchase the dream of a lifetime. I would not hesitate to recommend Terry Grover as your broker if you are in the market for a catamaran, new or used. His background and experience, ability to fine tune the search according to your needs, and easy-going personality, always available for questions, even after the sale, are not qualities that are often found with most catamaran brokers.

Sailing Stories,
Norm Gustitis
Lagoon450F LUNA MIA, Owner

(Editor’s note: Mr. Gustitis’ Lagoon 450F, LUNA MIA, was, and remains to be in active charter with our fleet in Tortola.)