The purchase of a Shannon yacht is a unique design experience for every owner. Since Shannons are "Virtually Custom" yachts, it is essential that our owners participate in every aspect of their boat's evolution from the moment they decide to create an addition to the Shannon fleet.
Step 2: The First Visit
The first recommended step towards buying a Shannon is to attend one of the annual boat shows (see our What's New section for our participation details) or to arrange a visit to our shop on boat builders' alley in historic Bristol, Rhode Island. There is simply no substitute or seeing a Shannon first-hand. Even if you believe you have already made your preliminary purchase decisions, (sail vs. power, length, coastal vs. offshore), a personal visit is a prime opportunity to chat with Walt Schulz and Bill Ramos about your cruising needs and plans. For example, may of our owners have believed they wanted a larger boat, only to realize that a smaller design was more suitable and vice versa. As Walt Schulz often says, buying a Shannon is an owner's opportunity to build the "boat of a lifetime." For that reason, before any owners make a final decision, they are subjected to a friendly and intense interview to ensure that they are indeed envisioning the yacht that is right for their personal needs. We pride ourselves that none of our Shannon owners have ever returned to tell us that they were disappointed. And, we provide the names of all owners to get an impartial view of their experience with Shannon.
Step 2: The Meetings
After you have determined the best yacht for you, the next step is to prepare for a series of design meetings with Walt to create your "virtually custom" boat. This is an opportunity to actually sit down with Walt, the only person in the industry who not only designs yachts and builds them alongside the other craftsmen, but actually sails at least 1000 miles offshore a year on Shannons. The meetings you will have with him will be much more than meeting with a spokesperson, but rather an opportunity to trade stories, to discuss what worked in the past for you and what did not work, and to learn his suggestions for your yacht. You will get feedback from other Shannon owners on their firsthand experiences with various pieces of equipment, electronics or gear. The process continues throughout the construction of the yacht.
For your rig and sail plan, if you select an offshore sailboat, we will investigate where you keep the boat and where you plan to cruise. You can select a fixed keel or a centerboard for your hull or a ketch or cutter (or Shannon's modification rigs, Sketch or Scutter) for your rig. You will discuss reefing, sail handling, single-handed sailing, storm tactics and other pertinent issues.
As the owners, you will also enjoy decorating your yacht. We hang fine art below on the bulkheads or we can install bookshelves if you plan to bring ten dozen books. You are in charge of your color schemes, your wood options and finish details. You are in charge of how many racks you want (if any) for your wine glasses. If you want a washer and dryer onboard we will find a place for it. We resolve the thousand compromises to solve domestic dilemmas and personal requirements. As Walt says "If you have a dream, we will find the solution as long as it is safe."
Step 3: Commissioning
The third step in your purchase process is the commissioning of the boat to prepare for your arrival. Although the majority of our owners choose to have their boat commissioned at our facility in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, we have commissioned boats as far away as Florida and Hawaii. We first launch the boat, step the mast, affix the sails and rigging, and then begin several sea trials to ensure flawlessness. When you arrive, we then begin a series of owner workshops which serve to introduce you to every aspect of your yacht. You will be offered docking drills with Walt, electrical lessons with our expert, Mike Drywa, engine mechanics with Kevin McAuley,
Many of our owners choose to spend a few weeks with us in Rhode Island, taking day trips up the Sakonnet River or overnights to Newport in order to familiarize themselves with their boat and to gain a general comfort level before taking their boat on its first offshore journey. Everyone gets checked out with docking and sail handling drills before a "bon voyage" from Shannon and a christening with blackberry brandy by Walt.
Step 4: You Join the Shannon Fleet
Walt bids farewell to new Shannon owners with the words, "Take care of my boat". When asked about this distinct goodbye, he said "Owners may think they are buying a boat, but I look at is as a long-term charter." Quite simply, with Shannon, it is very personal. We have the production order for every boat ever built and keep track of our 350 yachts as though they are part of a unique registry. Every owner matters and, that being said, every boat matters, too. You are guaranteed an international world wide support from Shannon that never expires. Shannon's record of having the highest resale value in the industry is reflected by the fact that even second or third owners of a Shannon can call or e-mail the shop for support and parts. Owners keep their Shannons for longer periods and sail more miles than any other yacht on the market. Shannon also provides ongoing owners programs, including seminars and rendezvous. The best built boats in the world has the best custom service as well.