YATCO’s Broker of the Month series examines the influences and catalysts that brought these brokers into the world of yachting, who influenced them, and what they seek to change in the industry.
Benjamin Oaksmith is the Principal and Founder of Oaksmith Yachts.
Table of contents
- How did you get your start in yachting?
- Is there anyone in the industry who you look up to or feel influenced by?
- What do you enjoy most about the yachting industry and what do you wish you could change?
- Do you have any advice for someone wishing to join the yachting industry?
- What are some of the challenges you come across at work, and how do you approach them?
- What is your greatest industry accomplishment?
- What is your favorite yacht currently for sale and why?
How did you get your start in yachting?
My earliest memories are on boats.
When I was 4-5 years old, my dad would load us up and head out at 5am and I would wake up in the forward berth and hear the water hitting the hull.
I’ve always been more comfortable on the water and started selling yachts because of that draw to the ocean. I was working in tech for a little over a decade before I made the jump to starting to sell boats. I found a boat I wanted to buy, realized there wasn’t a dealer in my area and was convincing enough to find a way to sell those boats. A lot has happened since then and starting Oaksmith Yachts in 2022 has been the latest step in that journey.
I take immense pride in my work and am thrilled to be able to represent my buyers and sellers in pursuing their dreams by helping them find preowned yachts.
Additionally, I sell new Arksen, Archipelago, and Jasper Marine yachts and boats.
Is there anyone in the industry who you look up to or feel influenced by?
I’m inspired by early adventurers and stories of the first expeditions and modern explorers alike, as well as captains like Shackleton, Cook, Sir Francis Drake, and Jacques Custeau.
The courage and drive it takes to see new places and go over the horizon is something engrained in us as a human race. I appreciate the people that take those risks and open new frontiers and dare mighty things.
There is still so much to discover under the water and the ocean is our most valuable resource.
What do you enjoy most about the yachting industry and what do you wish you could change?
Yachting and, by proxy, the water we all get to enjoy and explore creates a unique clique of diverse people. I really enjoy getting to know these deeply passionate people and helping them realize their vision of how they spend time with their friends and family at sea. Yachting creates a lighter and happier version of almost everyone that gets involved. It’s great to be part of that part of my customers and friends’ lives.
As far as change, I think there needs to be more transparency between manufacturers, dealers, brokers, and customers. Like any industry, openness, honesty, and trust help to create smoother transactions that protect all parties.
Do you have any advice for someone wishing to join the yachting industry?
Ask a lot of questions, find a mentor, and look before the leap. It’s a difficult industry to get a footing in and it’s a very small community.
What are some of the challenges you come across at work, and how do you approach them?
My challenges change every day like in most businesses.
I think keeping an open mind and finding creative solutions to common problems takes patience in any environment but especially in the marine business.
On any given day you can speak to someone washing your boat and a fortune 500 CEO within 30 minutes.
It’s important to be able build relationships and trust no matter who you are dealing with and inevitably, I believe that good will creates relationships that help you solve any problems that may come up.
What is your greatest industry accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment in the industry is getting my business Oaksmith Yachts off the ground. Like any business, it takes patience, hard work, and grit to grow. We have had a great 2022 and 2023, with 2024 shaping up to be a stellar year. I couldn’t be prouder of my team.
What is your favorite yacht currently for sale and why?
The Arksen 85 is my favorite yacht up for sale. It is one of the safest, most capable, and robust vessels in her class with 7000nm range, triple redundancy, and self-righting capabilities. A remarkably efficient long-range explorer with extensive standard specification, she can competently embark on worldwide adventures with high autonomy. There isn’t another boat in the size range I would rather take on an adventure around the world.