My name is Captain Rick Weiler and I’m a USCG licensed 100 ton master with sailing and towing endorsements (now retired). I’ve worked as a master carpenter, construction manager and in home sales for over 25 years in Northern Michigan. Since moving to Texas in 2006, I’ve pursued my passion in boating and have worked as a yacht broker with LYS since January of 2011. I’ve been a Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) since 2014 and have been an involved member of the Yacht Brokers Association of American (YBAA). In our local chapter of YBAA, the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association (GCYBA), I’ve been an active member as well as serving as President for several terms.
I’ve spent 35 years of my life in Northern Michigan in the Traverse City area on the coast of Lake Michigan. I taught myself how to sail when I was 12 years old and have been sailing ever since. I started by sailing dinghies, Wind Surfers (the very first ones) and Hobie Cats and I’ve owned a Hunter 23, a Newport 27, Island Packet 31 and a Hardin Voyager 44 ketch which I lived aboard for 7 years. I’ve sailed all over northern Lake Michigan. I kept my boat in the North Channel of Lake Huron for three years (this is one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world to cruise!). I’ve been on many deliveries of friends’ boats in the Great Lakes, up and down the East Coast, Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico and most recently, throughout the Caribbean Islands. I have extensive experience with modern sailing Catamarans, logging nearly 10,000 miles offshore on them. I can share with you my experiences on these very popular vessels.
As a professional Captain, I’ve gotten to work on a 191 ton Tow Boat pushing tanker barges through the Galveston Bay, ICW up to New Orleans and up the Mississippi to Baton Rouge and the Atchafalaya River. I also spent two years working for Coastal Crewboats on a 42’ crew boat running workers and supplies to the wells and production platforms in Galveston Bay.
I have the professional and personal experience to assist you in selling and buying your new yacht, regardless of whether it is a 25’ sailboat or a 100’+ Mega yacht, located here in Galveston Bay or located in a foreign country . I bring the necessary skills and background to get the job done.
Over these years of selling yachts, I’ve sold 100’s of vessels, specializing in both Monohull and Catamaran Sailing Yachts, Motor Yachts and Trawlers. Whether you are interested in Coastal Cruising or Bluewater Adventures, or getting a Trawler to transit the Great Loop or just acquiring a boat for weekend “Get Aways” on the water, Capt. Rick has the experience to assist you in picking the right boat for your needs.
Having such broad experience with and interests in yachting, I really don’t specialize in any one area. Here is a sampling of the types of vessels and brands I’ve been involved with over the years. Sailing is where it all started for me on Monohulls and from there I graduated to Catamarans. Coastal cruising turned into Bluewater cruising. I have extensive knowledge of the popular monohull brands: Catalina, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Hunter, Dufour, Hanse, Tayana, Passport, Shannon, Bristol, Cape Dory, Amel, Endeavor, Pearson, Hans Christian, Hardin, SeaMaster, Hylas, Taswell, and Ta Shing. I also have extensive knowledge of the Catamaran brands: Lagoon, FP Fountain Pajot, Leopard, Voyage, HH Design, Chris White designs, Gemini and SeaWind, In Power, I’ve worked with all types of vessels including Commercial, Motor Yachts, Sport Fishing, Sedans, Trawlers and Center Consoles. I am very experienced in seamanship and boat handling and have 100’s of hours of professional training. I’ve handled boats up to 70’ and have been involved with even larger vessels.
Over the years, I’ve also developed effective systems to sell your yacht quickly and get the best price for her. Buying or Selling, I get the job done.
Location – Little Yacht Sales
