We're excited to launch a new feature, profiling new NYBA Board Members. To kick it off, we're profiling Kern Dillard, who joined the NYBA Board in January 2026, and will serve through 2028.
NYBA Board Member Spotlight:
Kern Dillard - Victory Boat Sales
Yacht Broker | USCG Master Captain | Director, NYBA Board of Directors
How long have you worked in the boating industry / how did you get started?
I entered the marine industry after a long career in automotive repair and service, where I owned and operated a repair business for over two decades. That background gave me a strong foundation in systems, diagnostics, business operations and customer service.
I transitioned into boating by working with Freedom Boat Club, helping build out service and fleet management systems. From there, I moved into yacht and boat sales, where I now focus on helping buyers and sellers navigate transactions with clarity and confidence.
Today, I combine hands-on mechanical understanding, real-world boating experience, and a disciplined sales process to guide clients through what is often a major lifestyle purchase.
What is the main focus of Victory Boat Sales?
Victory Boat Sales specializes in late-model, well-maintained brokerage boats, primarily sourced from professionally managed fleets and experienced owners.
Our focus is simple:
We aim to remove uncertainty from the process and replace it with transparency and trust.
What is your favorite part of working in the boating industry?
Being able to guide buyers through boat purchase process and then seeing them step into ownership of their dream. The most rewarding part of the job is he moment when a buyer shifts from uncertainty to confidence.
What are you most excited about on the horizon in the recreational marine industry?
I see a continued shift toward more informed buyers and higher expectations around transparency.
That’s a positive change.
As an industry, we have an opportunity to elevate standards better presentation, stronger communication, and more structured transactions. Brokers who lean into professionalism and education will stand out.
At the same time, demand for accessible boating and step-up cruising opportunities continues to grow, especially here in the Pacific Northwest.
Favorite boating memory
Running out early, watching the sunrise on Puget Sound, glass water, no wind, and a salmon tugging on the line.
Those are the moments that remind you why people invest in boating in the first place.
Broker-to-Broker Referrals
I actively work with buyers and sellers throughout the Pacific Northwest and handle a significant number of out-of-area and remote transactions.
If you have:
- Buyers relocating into the Northwest
- Clients looking to step into trailerable or mid-size cruising boats
- Listings that need additional exposure or a cooperative sales approach
I’m always open to collaborating and structuring deals that work well for everyone involved.
My goal in every transaction is simple: clear communication, clean paperwork, and a smooth path to closing.
Thank you to Kern, for participating in our NYBA Board of Directors Member Spotlight!
Northwest