Testimonials

4/7/2010 - via email: Thanks, Bill, that was helpful. The J-122 looks like it would be the kind of boat I would be looking for, in the size and performance range I want. The price would be a stretch, but it might not be out of range.
Nice that it has a decent interior, too. It could be a good alternative to
a Farr 395, and of course it has the J reputation in its favor. I appreciate the time you have taken to answer my questions. You are obviously a salesman, and good at it, and the information you have provided is useful.

3/3/2010 - via email: Hi Bill, I took it slow and checked the hubs often but still had it home in my driveway before dark Friday. I've put in over 30 hours on it so far and am very happy with it. I've got a page full of things to do on it. It's gonna be a fun little project to work on. I think the big expense beyond my time, caulk, paint and bedding compound is going to be new running rigging, and a new suit of sails. The girlfriend likes it and the goal is to have all the projects done and do a couple excursions with it this fall. Your guy back in the shop was very helpfull friday - I really didn't expect that but it was much appreciated. Thanks, Mike

1/5/2010 - via email :

Hi Bill, Yes, that makes total sense and you answered exactly what I was looking for, I appreciate that. Enclosed is an informational attachment regarding the core material I am purchasing on Monday. About 6 months ago I had started to do the recore on the bow, but ever since I installed it, and rain had ruined my job, I just didn't like it, it needed to go, so I ripped it out about 3 weeks ago and decided to go with this stuff. But yes, I will be gelcoating and painting and I did not know that about the poor adhesion epoxy gives to the gelcoat. Absolutely great information! Very helpful you are! I will never give up on this, it's all I have and want to do. I am the happiest when I do research and get to rebuild my boat. This boat is everything to me. Jeff

11/7/09 - Pertaining to a successful donation of a Boston Whaler powerboat to be used at the St. Croix Sailing School: Fantastic news Bill!!! Thanks so much for your help with this.

Tim Delaney will prepare the 1098-C for the donors -- he will need
their name and address. That is all they need for tax purposes.

(Tim, the appraisal came in at exactly $XXXX. Bill has a copy of
the appraisal already and I have another copy for our files.)

So to wrap this up, Tim will get you the 1098-C (or if you like he can
just mail it to the donors). And at some point we'll get the title
and trailer registration card. That should be it.

Thanks again Bill, this is huge!! Jon Morris SCSS

This is a message from " dserrell " at SailboatOwners.com.

Hello Bill,

I just wanted to personally thank you for the excellent comments in your posting to "What to look for when buying? Since joining this web site in September I have read and learned lots. I've also been thrown to the sharks regarding my postings about anchors. I was so glad to see someone say something about the quality of sailboats, or lack there of, i.e. X, Y, Z brands, which are good sailboats, but not better sailboats. The J’s are solid, seaworthy, and fast, better sailboats! You're the first poster to this web site I really felt knew what he was really talking about. Everybody seems to have their opinions, and they are certainly entitled to there opinions, it's how we learn from each other. I'm always amazed at the comments coming from owners of X, Y, and Z! For what ever reason, probably budget considerations, they have chosen to buy a lesser quality sailboat, rather than an older better quality sailboat. In the case of the X, it's not near the quality of IP, and will probably depreciate at a rate much faster than an X. An IP may not be the best sailboat if your wanting to race, but it's certainly not a X. I'm just a trailer sailor right now, and hope to upgrade in the future to a much larger non-trailerable sailboat. Your advice is perfect and what we should all consider. Even the little 89' Compac 19/3 we have, although it's not a racer, it's far better than most 20 footers. Your courage to even mention X,Y and Z, as inexpensive was deepely appreciated by me. The biggest sailboat I've owned was a new 86' Pearson 28, which wasn't the quality of a J, but I was just learning. It was certainly better quality than a X, Y or Z, but far short of a better quality sailboat. I've learned lots and more today after reading your posting. Thanks again for taking the time to post your excellent comments. Have a great day!

David

Hi Bill, First of all, MANY thanks for all you have done to get the sale this far. Great effort! -D. Williams pertaining to sale of a Little Harbor 37.

Bill: Thank you very much to organizing this past weekend. Dyke and Katie were really nice people and you have been a total professional throughout this whole journey. We have every intention of closing the sale as soon as possible.

C. Wright - buyer of the Little Harbor 37.

5/20/08 - Bill: I am pleased to confirm receipt of a check from C. Wright for $* this morning. Congrats on successfully getting it done! I echo their sentiment that your work was thorough and very professional. I confess amazement and delight that Plainsong could be sold from "way out here" - thought it would have to be from further east. Kudos to you!

5/7/08 Bill, Thanks for the message We are doing well. The trip to Ontario went fine.
The boat was put in shortly after we arrived. We have done a fair bit of sailing
on her. This weekend just gone was an awesome sailing weekend so we buzzed
around. Last week I sailed the boat from Bronte to Toronto Island (approx 25
nm) in a following breeze. It was a great sail with the boat often hitting 6.5
to 7 knots.
Thanks to you and your crew for helping me get the boat and trailer ready. Say
hi to Davey, Rich, Brian and Kim for me. Best, John McD (buyer of a new 2008 Precision 23)

12/07 (via email) Hi Bill,
Thanks very much for your message and your diligence in making sure everything was done properly. It makes a big difference in making one of these cross border purchases to have confidence in the person at the other end. I'm assuming that you have received the certified cheque that I sent by courier (please confirm with a brief email). That's great that the owner will help out with questions (if he agrees to you forwarding an email address for him that would be very useful). When I come to get the boat in April/May I will spend a day or two in Minneapolis and will try to get familiar with most aspects of the boat and also upgrade anything that I would like changed. John McDermott

10/16/07 Dear Bill: Thank you for your gift certificate donation from Hooper's Yachts to the Leukemia & Lumphoma Society in support of the 2007 Leukemia Cup Regatta. Your contribution helsp the Society further its mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins's disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The 4th Annual Regatta, held at White Bear Lake, Sept. 14-16 was another gratifying success for the Society. Sailors, sponsors and donors joined together in raising more than $61,000 in honor of this year's Patient Honoree, Riley Chase........Thank you from the 2007 Regatta Committee........Without their hard work an ddedication to the mission, the Leukemia Cup would not have "Set Sail for a Cure!" Sincerely, Nicki Hyser, Campaign Coordinator/The Leukemia Society

9/23/07 From eMail: Bill, Thank you so very much for making this long distance boat purchase flow so smoothly. I appreciate your rapid responses to my e-mail questions, your working with my travel schedule to look over the boat in Wisconsin, your suggestions for surveyors and boat transport companies, the remote management of all the paperwork, and your handling all the haul-out/winterization/transport-readiness preparations. You made purchasing my boat from hundreds of miles away, a piece of cake. If ever you should need a customer reference, please don't hesitate to provide my name and contact information.

3/10/02 Lindenberg 22 Testimonial Letter: Dear fellow sailors. In trying to find a small lifting keel sailboat for a racing series, I came across a boat at the attractive web site for Hooper's Yachts. However, as I live quite a distance from Minnesota, I did not believe I would receive much attention from a brokerage firm. After all, the commission on a $5,000 boat could not be a great amount. Was I ever wrong! In no time at all I received digital pictures, boat brochures by mail, faxes of agreements and numerous courteous and TIMELY E-mails in response to questions. Although I was outbid, I would recommend Bill Hooper without reservation to anyone who wants to sell or purchase a boat. Bill obviously makes a serious effort on behalf of those boat owners who consign with him. This same effort is also a big win for potential purchasers. Having dealth with numerous brokerage in regard to consignment boats, I can tell you from experience that Hooper's Yachts is above and beyond. Fair winds. Tom Cable

1/30/00 Dear Bill: The Wayzata Yacht Club Foundation and the Minnesota Women's Sailing Team would like to thank you for your support of crane service, winter storage and sheets for Hot Dish for the Rolex International Keelboat Competition held in September 1999. The WYC Foundation is a developing organization dedicated to furthering the interest in sailing for underpriveleged children (We Can Sail Program), physically challenged (Courage Center Program) and amateur racing (Minnesota Women's Sailing Team and University of Minnesota Sailing Team). Contributions such as yours help our funds go farthere i these outreach programs. Thank you again for your generous contribution. People's lives will be touched and changed because of your generosity. Sincerely, Scott Spaeth, President Wayzata Yacht Club Foundation, Inc. "Thanks for your support, Bill".

22 Feb 2007 - Dear Bill - Thanks so much for selling "About Time" for Lisa and me. It was great getting to know you in the process and your efforts on our behalf always went far beyond the normal call of duty. May your business and your life thrive! David Barker, Annapolis, MD.

6 January 2004 - Bill - Thank you for all your assistance in my purchase of a sailboat. I appreciate very much the time you spent with me in helping me gather information. Thanks again. Mike Ryan Lake City, MN

2 August 2005 Hello, I just wanted to drop you all a note to tell you how much I appreciated counsel and encouragement during the reconstruction of my C&C 33. While permitting me to make my own mistakes, you were always available and patient about pointing out products and techniques that would be helpful. I enjoyed the time that I spent working in your yard. Thanks again for your help and please keep an eye out for interesting projects. I might even do this again! Steve Wolgamot

8/14/03 Dear Sirs, My husband and I just purchased the J29 from your yard. We dealt with Jon and he was wonderful. He was knowledgeable and comfortable to deal with. He made buying the boat and performing the work a pleasure. He is a real asset to your yard. Thank you for all the help and support during the purchase process. Sincerely, K.J. Robinson

4/18/07 Brian and Hooper staff, Thanks for your assistance on Monday. All went real well I feel. The boat rode 90 miles back to Hutchinson with out incident. The load was well balanced and the truck handled it well.
Thanks again, look forward to dealing with you in the future.
Mitchell Miller

7/9/01 Bill: Just got your note. Thanks so much for your prompt attention to these matters. What a difference from my experience following my purchase of the Tartan. It's such a pleasure to deal with you guys! I think that you found almost all of the items that I had on my list. The boat is awesome, sails incredibly well & easy. I love it and I do notice a huge difference from the Tartan. There are so many well thought out and practical features that were missing from the Tartan. The boat sailed last week under full main in 25 plus knots and was incredibly stable and manageable. The helm is a pleasure with all of my controls right at hand. Simplicity is the keyword with this boat. Dr. Steve Lader, owner of a J/32 named "Simplicity".

8/07 From Celebration Church in Lakeville, MN: Thanks for loaning us the beautiful sailboat! With best wishes, Powell Lundstrum, Pastor; Thanks for your generosity - the sailboat looked great on the stage; What a statement the awesome sailboat was as a serman illustration - thank you (a few of many responses when we displayed a Precision Sailboat for use in their fellowship).

12/21/06 Dear Bill: On behalf of the LOWISA committee and the participants, we would like to acknowledge and thank you for your support of LOWISA 41. Bill, the generous contribution of your beautiful hand-crafted trophies were a spectacular gift to LOWISA. These prestigious and gracious awards.....with sincere appreciation we thank you again for your generous support. Yours truly, R.D. Nuttall (Canada) & Thomas Brown (USA), Co-Commodores

2/22/93 Dear Bill: Thanks for the detailed letter telling where things are at with my boat. Being a beginner, I appreciate being able to get sound advice on what my O'Day needs. I think you can tell that boat is really important to me. Best wishes, Gary

Thank you for fixing the furling gear so fast! It works great. We know where we will call next time we need work on the sailboat. Thanks again, Randy Baker

5/21/93 Dear Bill: Last weekend was our first opportunity to get down and work on the boat. I agree, that despite all, your company did an outstanding job on repairing the boat. Let's hope it holds because it really does look in first class condition. We got the rigging installed, Elaine cleaned the cabin and I am now busily working at the bright work. Best wishes for a good season and if you are back down at Lewis & Clark, I hope we can go sailing together. Yours truly, Joe H. Floyd (Sioux Falls SD)

9/7/88 We are very pleased and impressed with the way you designed and built our new mast arrangement. John DeVries (Mpls MN)

9/5/91 Bill Hooper, enclosed is a check for $XXXX. Thanks for your good work. Dewey Chisel

Bill, now that we have the best looking keel in town, can we sell it? Thanks, Al

11/11/92 Bill: Thank you for retrieving my boat. I think your fees were fair. Myles

Bill, Thanks again for all your help. Sorry for the delay in payment. Laurie (Hurricane Rags & Rigging)

3/4/89 On behalf of the Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Department, we would like to take this time to say thank you for your generosity on your donation to our Firemen's Relief Dinner. Without your donation, the dinner would not have been the success that it was. There were many compliments on the quality of the gifts that were donated. We hope that people will remember that when buying something in the future. Thank you once again! Chris O'Brien and Bruce Hermann, Co-Chairman

Thank you. I appreciate your good customer service and follow up. I have found many services for sailboats slow and unresponsive. Not that here! Thanks, Bonnie Schoenfelder

4/8/97 Bill. Ruth and I are very happy with the repair work done on the boat. We appreciate you getting her in for that service before she was delivered. Its a great relief knowing she is ready to go. Thanks again for everything. Craig & Ruth.

11/17/97 Dear Bill, Thank you for your generous gift certificates for our 1997 Awards Banquet. Your support of sailboat racing on White Bear Lake is appreciated by all of the members of the Black Bear Yacht Racing Association. We look forward to another great sailing season together in 1998. Sincerely, Jim Dugelman

5/14/91 Dear Bill, Thanks for the nice job of installing my compass. Sincerely, Earl

9/20/88 Mr. Bill Hooper: Your cooperation in assisting us in the production of our respiratory training film was sincerely appreciated. The training film is now in the final stage of editing and should be available in a few weeks. I'll send you a copy as soon as it is completed. My thanks to you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to assist us. Sincerely, Judy A. Quinn, Advanced Marketing Communications Administrator for 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing)

Bill: Patti and I appreciate your interest and time spent in looking for her bracelet (lost overboard). You did a great job on the boat stern and pulpit. Thank you and best regards. Tom Bednar

1/31/95 Thank you for taking the time to test our new high quality, sunlight stable, #2093 masking tape. We have taken great care to test this tape prior to your use. Thank you for the time to evaluate our new tape. Your participation is valuable to 3M. Jim Cayford and Phil Sadrakula, 3M Construction Markets Division.

1994 On behalf of the St. Croix Sailing Club we would like to personally thank you for your donation to our club in sponsorship of the Labor Day Regatta. The Club is celebrating its 20th Anniversary and with your help this year's regatta was the best yet! Contributions such as yours enable family cocial cruising as well as novice-through-seriousl sailing competition to thrive on the 'beautiful St. Croix'. Warmest regards, Roger Johnson Commodore & Arlie Crow, Secretary

5/25/1996 Dear Bill: I just wanted to drop you a note to say how much I appreciated your work on restoring my boat to operating condition. You and your helpers proceed in a very professional manner to accomplish everything as planned and then some. I also appreciate your taking care of unexpected problems and completing the Pro-Furl installation for me. I have enlcosed my check for the amount that you requested. Again, thanks. And if I can pass the word along of your good work, I will. Best regards, Duane A. Rasmussen, President Sell Publishing Company

10/4/94 Dear YMCA Vendor, As we approach this holiday season, I wish to thank you for the goods and services you provide the YMCA. At the YMCA we value highly or relationships with vendors. These relationships enable us to focus our attention on our mission -- providing progress for children and families that build self-esteem, mutual respect and a stronger community for all. Sincerley, Kathy Cheng, Vice President of Finance.

11/8/95 Hooper's Yachts: Gentlemen: The Pepin Yacht Club banquet was held last Saturday night. We want to thank you for your contributions to our door prizes. The Pepin Yacht Club appreciates the support you've given us. Thank you again. Sincerely, Deb Maves

6/20/96 Dear Brian: The J-22 North Americans Co-Chairs Lars Hansen, Kirk Haslett, Jr. and Judy Woellner would like to say a special "THANKS" for your sponsorship fo the North Americans. Without your sponsorship this event could not have taken place. Thanks again and we look forward to seeing your support at future sailing events. Sincerely, Kirk Hazlett Jr.

3/1/94 Dear Bill: Thanks very much for the proposal on the Furlex mainsail. I hope all is going well with you and your business. Please know if I can ever be of any help to you, just call on me and I will try. Best Wishes, Stanley S. Hubbard, Hubbard Broadcasting.

Bill, we added a little extra because we appreciate your careful service. Thanks, Lee and Dorothy

3/22/96 To: Bill Hooper. Bill, I wanted to drop a quick note to you and thank you for the great door prizes you provided to our Ice Breaker Banquet. BBYRA appreciates your support of our club an dsailing. Our J22 Fleet has really grown thanks to your efforts. I imagine that there will be more "converts" to the J22 fleet over the next year or so. Keep us informed on the 22's that come through your yard. Thanks again, Bill. Best regards, Norm Schulz, Commodore BBYRA

5/13/96 Bill-Thanks so much for your attention to our boat all these years. You have been a fine man to work with - very noteworthy! If I have big repairs I'll continue to use your expertise. Thanks and best wishes, Mark

Thank you for the items that you donated to the Black Bear Yacht Racing Association's annual awards banquet. Bill Hooper and Brian Jepsen, thanks once again for Hooper's Yachts continued generosity and support of the BBYRA. We certainly appreciate your assistance to the club and its members throughout the year. We wish you success and safe sailing. Steve Loomis, Commodore BBYRA

10/18/99 Hooper's Yachts: On behalf of the 1999 Rolex crew and the entire Minnesota Women's Sailing Team, I thank you for your support. It was through the generosity of supporters like you that we were able to realize our goal of participating in the 1999 Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship in Newport RI. This biennial event is an incredible experience, one that I know I will not soon forget. The five days of intense racing were challenging, yet filled with camaraderie and enthusiasm. Thanks again for helping to make it possible for us to participate. Sincerely, Susan Mattis Turnham, Skipper 1999 Rolex Team/Minnesota Womeen's Sailing Team.