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What Our Customers, USA Dealers and Brokers Say About Our Services!
Hi Rob and Di
"Just wanted to thank you guys for an extremely professional and smooth delivery of the boat.
It was far less painful than I expected!"
Regards,
Brett
Balmain, Sydey
"Thank you for the kind words, we truly enjoyed having you onboard as our client and we hope you have many, many years of enjoyment with your new Boston Whaler. Just in time for summer!"
All the best"
Rob, Di & The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"Hello Mike (1 World Yachts) and Bill (Apex)
Just wanted to send a quick note to say that we picked the boat up yesterday and she is fantastic! We are very excited that everything is in such good condition. The trip over seemed to have no effect at all and everything was perfect and ready to go once in the water.
The port engine issue did not reoccur. It would not fire initially, but then the skipper found a wire that had been disconnected ( probably when your skipper wanted to make sure the engine wouldn't burn out) . He reconnected it, it started right up normally and they could find no issue. She drove the 4 hours down to our place with no problems and was as smooth as can be. We couldn't resist trying out the IPS system and did a 360 in the marina while staying in the one place.... there were a lot of fans!
The caulking and all the work done at APEX is perfect.
Thanks so much for a job well done!
Carmel
Sydney, New South Wales
"It is so refreshing to come to work and open the computer and read an email like yours!!! Glad you enjoyed everything and especially the trip w/o problems. Yes, IPS drives with the joystick are quite amazing and the "cats meow" when you have to maneuver and dock in a tight area."
Bill"
Great to hear the feedback on our suppliers in the USA, Carmel. You have been a pleasure to deal with throughout for us. And Fiasco is gorgeous!
Rob, Di & The Leisure Freight & Import Team
Dear Di and Rob
"THANKYOU"
"6 years ago I sold my boat. My wife was not particularly into boating, but she said to me then that if
I was to ever buy another boat "it had to be a Riv". Earlier this year I came home from work one day and
said "Darling I have listened very carefully to what you said to me and taken your advice - I bought a Riv."
I then very quietly whispered that it was in Florida.
Enter Di Lyons and Rob Thomae.
The professionalism that you guys have shown has been tremendous. From my initial enquiry with Rob where
he was so forthcoming in explaining what is involved in importing a boat right through to Di's replying to
my emails within 30 minutes at 9pm at night. All my concerns were dissolved with your can-do attitude.
Your recommendations of professionals in Florida such as Bill Slattum, Marine Surveyor, have been excellent.
Bill's survey report was incredibly thorough and gave me great comfort in my purchase decision.
I really appreciated being kept fully informed all the way through the shipping process. With the inevitable
delays and issues experienced with shipping companies it was terrific that you kept me in the loop, with
everything, all the time.
Your recommendation to also utilise the services of Andrew Wadham, M5 Skipper, was definitely of great value.
Andrew is a very personable fellow and shared great knowledge of my new toy.
Thank you again for your efforts and guidance through a project that could very easily have been fraught
with costly errors and getting bogged down in red tape. You made the task easy and a real pleasure."
Cheers
Brad Boatwright
Huntleys Cove, New South Wales
"Thank you for the kind words mate, sorry I wasn't able to be there when your boat had arrived. I will be
sure to hold you to that beer when I'm in your area and have a look at "No Excuse".
Glad to hear you have enjoyed working with us, as we have with you.
All the best"
Rob, Di & The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"This was our first time at importing a boat from overseas and with all the horror stories we were told
about it, to do so was not a decision taken lightly.
After exhaustive research to find what we hoped to be a reputable import company, we were delighted
with the personal and professional attention given to us by Di Lyons and the rest of the Leisure
Freight & Import team.
Everything we needed to know was brought to our attention early in the process, so there was very
little to worry about. Any issues that did arise were handled rapidly and professionally by Di and
her extensive network of people in the U.S.
We would therefore have no hesitation in recommending Leisure Freight & Import to anybody considering importing.
Thank you so much Di for everything you did for us, we would gladly use your services again."
Natalie & Drew
Perth, Western Australia
"Thankyou Natalie and Drew we know you will enjoy your 340 Express Cruiser! It was a pleasure looking
after you. See you at the Mandurah Boat Show later this year."
Di & The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"Hi
Very happy about the whole process and continual support of the unknown, from start to finish and support
offered past the end point of the import process. Very kind and helpful team, surpassed my expectations of
using an import company. Very happy customer.
Thanks for the towels and caps they will come in handy."
Steve Rawlin
Sydney, NSW
"Thank you for the kind words. It has been a pleasure looking after you Steve. Enjoy your gorgeous Sea Ray 240
on your new Magic Tilt Aussie Spec Boat Trailer!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"Dear Di
Thanks for the T shirts, caps and Towels. A very nice touch to an already great service. I would
certainly deal with you guys again.
Have a nice day"
Alan & Jeanette
Sydney, NSW
"We are glad you like the gifts we sent. Thank you very much for the kind words. You were a pleasure to look after!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"I have been meaning to send you an email to thank you and your people for all the great work
and efforts.
It really was a pleasure working with you and your team. Everyone involved was so helpful, friendly
and professional.
You and your staff's knowledge of the industry is a credit to you all. It made purchasing a boat
from the US and bringing it in to Australia so easy.
Rob was great on the day at Port Kembla and I really appreciate him coming down to help. Andrew is
a real pro and proved invaluable over the 3-days. His knowledge is unreal and great bloke to go with it.
Even Michael Mandel (1 World Yachts) in Florida was great to deal with.
Now the important bit.
The boat is just awesome. It is in great condition and everything works well. We are all having a
great time on it. We are having our first attempt at game fishing this weekend.
Once again Di, thank you for your professional service. I know I can send people your way and feel
comfortable that they will receive the same level of service I received.
Please thank Rob, Andrew and Chris for me.
I'm sure I will do this again someday."
Regards
Steve Bawden
Manager - Cabling Services
Intravision Pty Ltd
Sydney, NSW
"Steve, thank you for the kind words. I have passed your comments on to Rob, Chris, Andrew and Michael.
It was a pleasure looking after you!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"Dear Leisure Freight and Import
I have been a yacht broker and the owner of 1 World Yachts, for many years.
I have shipped boats throughout the world and worked with numerous US and International freight
forwarding companies over that time span. Never, have I been associated with a company so efficient,
professional, courteous and on top of their game as LFAI. Everything has always been done to
perfection. You are very thorough in your business dealings and a true pleasure to do business with.
I look forward to many, many years of doing business with your company. Good luck in the future and
I hope that we can continue doing business together for a long, long time.
I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming US boat shows as your presence is always welcomed."
Michael Mandel
Licensed Yacht Broker (FYBA)
1 World Yachts
401 E. Las Olas Blvd. Suite 1400
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
PH.: 00 111 954-638-6501
Toll-free 00 111 877-783-8320
Fax: 00 111 954-337-2632
Email: mm@1worldyacht.com
Website: http://www.yachtworld.com/1world/1world_0.html
"Michael, your service in finding boats for our Australian customers is second to none!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"Good Afternoon Di, Thank You Very Much!!!!
We appreciate your cooperation, prompt responses to our questions and needs and how You and
Leisure Freight & Import Pty Ltd have made this transaction so efficient and easy. We have
enjoyed working with You and hope to have the opportunity to work with You and Leisure again
in the future. We have shipped Vessels to Australia in the past utilizing other freight
forwarding companies. We will definitely call upon Leisure's services for our next transaction
in Australia.
For all of your boating needs, please think of NATIONAL POWERBOATS LLC. Have a Great Day!!!!
Best Regards"
JW (Jim Walker II)
NATIONAL POWERBOATS LLC.
Toll Free: 00 111 888.642.8116
Phone: 00 111 954.527.6607
Fax: 00 111 954.523-0645
Email: info@nationalpowerboats.com
Website: http://www.nationalpowerboats.com/
Fort Lauderdale FLORIDA
"Jim, we also look forward to working with you again very sooon!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"Thank you for the exceptional assistance and service provided by you and your team throughout our
venture to import our Bayliner boat and trailer from the United States.
Leisure Freight and Imports were not the cheapest quote we received, however our decision to go
with Leisure Freight and Imports was made on the basis of the comprehensive service offered. This
was a new and totally different venture for us and having 'peace of mind' that comes from knowing
Leisure and Freight (Freight and Import) had the experience and professionalism to give accurate and timely advice
was worth every penny we spent. We were not disappointed and it is now easy to reflect upon the
issues that were dealt with professionally and without fuss by Chris and his team while we recline
on the deck of my Bayliner hardtop.
Thanks again Chris"
Clay and Rhonda
Perth, Western Australia
Perth 6000
"It was our pleasure looking after you Clay and Rhonda and we are thrilled you love your Bayliner!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"Dear Di, Chris and Rob
Happy New Year 2011
We have just got back to Edithburgh and received your lovely gift. Thank you very much. We were held up
in Adelaide for two weeks.
Thank you for organising all the paper work, shipping, customs and quarantine. We haven't had time to
use the boat yet, but the dream is in the garage.
Thanks to Leisure Freight and Import, all went well."
Yours sincerely
Bruce & Bev S
Adelaide
"We are very pleased you love your new boat. It was a pleasure looking after you Bruce and Bev!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"Dear Di, Dear Chris,
Many thanks for the gifts that arrived earlier this month. We are enjoying the boat and it is turning out to be a good decision.
Regarding feedback - overall a successful job and happy to give some constructive feedback.
I chose LF because you appeared to have the experience and covered off all of the practical issues and it was a wharf to wharf service.
As we progressed though, I wasn't confident that you had experience with yachts generally and in particular the mast derig (the packing of the mast was fine).
I think communications could improve. Apart from billing which you were very prompt with which did give me some concerns (only because of communication issues), I felt I was always chasing up and it would change my whole impression if I had been kept advised of boat movements (ie leaving / arriving various stops along the way ).
Pricing could be handled better also. I appreciate it is complex and a moving target with exchange rates but it is your business and no-one enjoys having to check every detail especially when there has been a mistake (which I accept was an honest mistake and these things can happen).
But then when I queried the bill you defended it by saying you had helped me get a good deal buying the boat. I don't think that was an appropriate comment.
The work done at this end did assist a relatively hassle free delivery especially with Chris coming down to Sydney. It seems there are inconsistencies with what Port Kembla will require - ie we did not have to do the induction which surprised even some of the people there.
May I suggest you drop a note to the Harbour master ahead of each delivery - he is very helpful and it would assist him.
I would use you again since we now know how each of us operate. I would recommend you to others but would it would be qualified - delivery good - technique needs work.
Sorry to be blunt. I was probably not an easy customer but it was big money (for me) and I had to be satisfied the service was going to work.
That all being said - good luck with the business and your boat."
Ross L
Sydney
"Thank you very much for the constructive feedback Ross. Our apologies with the billing issue, we trust we sorted this out with you to your satisfaction prior to your boat arriving. As we covered your repairs in the USA and many other incidentals to ensure our Marine Cargo Transit Insurance covered your yacht at all times, this did get a bit confusing.
With this in mind, we have implemented a new accounting system since the beginning of December which now allows us to track the additional invoicing to repairers in the USA. We have also implemented better communications processes during our 2 - 3 month delivery activities.
We take you other comments regarding Port Kembla on board. We do have regular contact with them, but often arrangements change on the day at the Port and we do our best to manage through these.
We would be delighted to look after you again and wish you all the very best for the Australian Yacht Racing Season with your amazing J124!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"Hi Guys
I received the towels shirt and hat gift this week and must say it was a surprise to receive this.
Thank you very much it's a fantastic thought and I appreciate everything you guys have done.
Talk soon"
Kind regards
Anthony D
Sydney
"You are very welcome. It was a pleasure looking after you Anthony. Enjoy your 35 Maxum!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
LFAI Customer Update:
"Really what a nice surprise thank you. The gifts were a
wonderful finality to a successful operation. Again thank you very, very much. All 3 items will be well utilised.
Let me tell you the boat has been well gone over and washed and cleaned, easy way to check all the goods, hull etc.
All is wonderful I am extremely pleased both with the purchase and the choice of importer. I have
had the boat running, it is a little hard to start at times I will have it re-serviced next week.
But again thanks for you service and your end of operation gifts, do not forget to thank Chris also. Wonderful."
Bill H
Brisbane
"Our pleasure Bill!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"Hi there, just like to report to you the success of the transactions
relating to my boat purchase. The entire transaction went seamless and the attention at this end by Chris was extremely welcoming and professional.
The boat is now at home and much welcomed. The boat in great condition and this obviously helps on receipt.
Thank you and your company for the services offered and I am certainly happy to reference you and the company for
future prospects.
Thanks again Di"
Bill H
Brisbane
"Thanks Bill. We appreciate your kind words enjoy your gorgeous boat!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
LFAI Customer Update:
"When my Dad was down on holidays we got
out for our first offshore fishing trip on Unreel.
Dad caught his 1st ever Snapper (and this was the first keeper fish since buying the boat).
We had on our LFAI hats for luck :-)"
David
Gold Coast
"Thanks David. We wish you calm seas and tight lines!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"I have to hand it to all concerned at LFAI (Leisure Freight and Import). At first I
was very hesitant in bringing in a boat from the USA, but all at LFAI made me feel very positive about it. They went through everything so even a mechanic
can understand the process. I was informed on everything concerning imorting my new boat that the team at LFAI actually found me, which was the Deal of the Century!
I am very grateful to everyone at LFAI and would recommend them to anyone interested in bringing in their Dream Boat as well.
Once again thankyou LFAI for making this a totally stress free import. Soon to follow are pics of me and my new found friend (ACE ON
THE RIVER)."
Thanks guys for everything,
Ray Busuttil
Melbourne, Victoria
"We loved looking after you Ray, we know you will enjoy your Gorgeous Vista 268!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"I would like to thank the Leisure Freight & Import team greatly for all their help with the import.
Being the first time I have done this, I didn't know a lot about what needed to be done, but LFAI made
sure everything ran completely smooth.
I was clearly and regularly informed of everything that needed
to be done, and all tasks were completed in a timely manor. LFAI provided an excellent service at a great price."
Regards,
Jordan Harkin
Adelaide, South Australia
"Thanks for the kind words Jordan. You were a pleasure to deal with. Enjoy your Seaswirl!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
"The communication and visability of all activities during the process is excellent.
Leisure Freight & Import work for the customer and make importing a boat to Australia a very
straight forward and painless process.
I would not hesitate to use LF&I to import my next boat."
Thanks & Regards,
Aaron Daldy
Perth, Western Australia
"You are very welcome Aaron. We know you will enjoy your Hydra Sports!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
 "The service that I received from the team at Leisure Freight and Imports (LFI) was fantastic. I was
able to import a brand new boat from the USA and we saved many (many) thousands in the process.
LFI were
able to help me with every facet of the entire import process. From the moment I decided on the boat I
wanted LFI assisted me to coordinate everything from currency conversion and transferring the securing
deposit to arranging a professional Marine Survey. LFI assisted in communicating directly with the
boat dealership in the USA. They arranged for the Marine Survey to be conducted, including a sea trial,
which provided me peace of mind knowing precisely what we were buying. This report also included photographs
and detailed inspection notes - so when the boat arrived there were no surprises (and LFI even refunded
the full cost of the marine survey back to me once we finalised the purchase - how good is that?).
LFI helped me with all components of the process including currency conversion and transferring of funds
to the dealership. They took care of everything from the boat prep, fumigation to shrink wrapping / packing
and loading, in particular necessary preparations for Customs & Quarantine. They arranged for freight/transit
from the dealership in California to final delivery to my front door on the Gold Coast. The freight transit
insurance costs were also covered in there service fees so from the initial pick up all the way to final
delivery our boat was fully covered (giving me total peace of mind whilst anxiously waiting for our new boat to arrive).
The communication provided by the LFI team was also terrific. They kept me in the loop and up to date via
emails and phone calls and took away all the complications and unknowns. They were able to advise me of the
processes required and kept me one step ahead of the necessary paperwork and formalities needed to get the boat
imported.
Where to begin with importing a boat from the USA? I wish I'd of known about the services offered from LFI
before I started. It would have saved me many hours of lost sleep, research and so much legwork. Unfortunately
I was extremely suspicious of the entire process. It just appeared too good to be true, which made me even more
suspicious that there just had to be a catch or a trap waiting for me.
To cut a very long story short, I initially went though the entire process on my own of researching and emailing
various authorities, companies and importers to try to figure out if the process was a plausible option for us or
not. I also shopped around. I obtained various quotes from other competitors which at first glance appeared to
be similar in price. That was until I obtained their official quotes... Some competitor quotes detailed a price
but in the fine print they advised of the additional costs which you will also have to pay such as plus transit
insurance, plus land freight, plus cleaning, plus... these items are included in their "other services" that
can be offered category. LFI's quotes are upfront, no hidden "what if's or but says". Ensure that you read
your quotes carefully so that you are able to compare apples with apples.
I originally started looking at boats from the East Coast, Florida USA region (as this was where the boat
manufacturer's factory was located). I was lucky to find the perfect boat located in California, West Coast
USA (at a factory dealership there). Again to cut a long story short LFI quickly modified and revised
our original quote saving me several thousands dollars more. The competitor on the other hand did not modify
their quotes; they simply advised me that the costs from one port to the other remained the same...
At this point I quickly realised that LFI were being upfront and honest in their dealings and they really
were trying to help us get the best deal on our import not obtain the best deal for them. Hopefully after
reading my experiences you too will be able to save a lot of time and effort in worrying about the importing
process (LFI certainly has this component covered) and spend more time looking and negotiating for your new boat.
Next time I look to import a boat LFI will be the first call I make.
Thanks for everything LFI, we love our new boat!"
David Glanville
Gold Coast, QLD
"David, we totally enjoyed looking after you!"
The Leisure Freight & Import Team
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Customer Testimonials