Buying A Boat That's On The Hard

Sumner · Aug 7, 2017

In the yard I have the Endeavour I get two round trips in and out of the water a year that go along with the monthly rent.

When I sell, the buyer would pay for the survey, just as I did, and would pay the $150 fee the yard charges to put the boat in and out of the water. With the boat in the water we would do the sea trials and afterwards pull the boat and put it back on the stands. If they bought the boat I would refund the $150.

It sounds like what is happening is way more complicated than it should be. I think with so many boats out there for sale I'd walk away from this one unless the seller became more reasonable,

Sumner
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1300 miles to The Bahamas and Back in the Mac...
Endeavour 37 Mods...
MacGregor 26-S Mods...http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/endeavour-main/endeavour-index.html
Mac Trips to Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Canada, Florida, Bahamas

Scott T-Bird · Aug 7, 2017

Sumner said:
It sounds like what is happening is way more complicated than it should be. I think with so many boats out there for sale I'd walk away from this one unless the seller became more reasonable,

Sumner
======================================================
1300 miles to The Bahamas and Back in the Mac...
Endeavour 37 Mods...
MacGregor 26-S Mods...
Mac Trips to Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Canada, Florida, Bahamas

Except that jvss likes the boat enough to have already made an offer and has reviewed the sales contract. I'm guessing that the sales price is high enough that the negotiation over this matter is a relatively minor point ... especially if the expense may not even be necessary. I'd go the escrow route if it gives both sides some protection. If the potential of losing $2,500 is a deal killer, then I guess he doesn't like the boat enough to take that chance. The seller also has something to lose, obviously. Maybe they can work out a more reasonable number to reduce jvss' exposure. $2,500 does seem very steep for winterization and a short-haul for storage. I also don't get the part about jvss covering the winterization expense ... it's the middle of summer - if seller can't sell the boat before winter, that's his problem.

SEMPERAVANTI41 · Aug 7, 2017

As I write this my Hunter 50 is being short hauled for under $400.00 as August is a slow time at most yards in the Northeast. I would speak with the yard directly, and ask what DISCOUNTED cost they could offer if they haul and then winterize the boat during August. I suspect it would be way less than $2,500.00. Get a separate price for the haul as if you purchase that will be all you will owe.
IF you decide to go forward AFTER as much inspection as possible while out of the water ( possibly run engine/generator with water connected?), I would be careful to state that the agreed to yard bill would only be paid upon closing on the boat and successful transfer of title, if you decide to purchase. I would want to be protected in the event that the seller cannot or will not complete contract. If you decide NOT to purchase, then you are responsible for the agreed to amount with the yard.

BarryL · Aug 7, 2017

Hi Again,
As mentioned, this is all part of NEGOTIATIONs. If the buyer (or seller) is worried about some potential deal killer, then include that as part of the contact. For example, if you are worried that engine has a problem or the transmission doesn't work properly (things that can really only be discovered during a sea trial) you can tell the broker (or owner) that if the survey reveals problems with the engine or transmission, you will reject the yacht and the OWNER will be responsible for the haul and winterize. If the owner is confident in his boat he will have no problem agreeing to that provision. This also reassures the owner that you are not going to nitpick over small things.
When I was buying one of my boats, it was late in the season (October) and the boat was still in the water. I made a low offer which was rejected. I told the broker, "look, I am serious about buying this boat. I would offer more if I could afford it, but this is as high as I can go. I can also tell you that unless the engine or transmission is shot, or the survey shows wet deck or hull, I will purchase the boat." The owner then accepted my offer and everything worked out fine.

Good luck,
Barry

dlochner · Aug 7, 2017

jviss said:
FWIW, the boat is over $100K, so some might say $2,500 is small potatoes, but that charge would be if I don't buy the boat!

The last 2 boats I bought, had a clause in the contract that the offer was contingent on an acceptable survey (or words to the effect). If I had walked away because the survey indicated more problems than I was aware of , my deposit would be returned. If I walked away because I got cold feet, that would be a different issue. So long as you have that kind of clause in the offer, you should be safe.

Parsons · Aug 7, 2017

Jviss, you haven't told us yet ... what you gettin'? A Tartan, or something else caught your fancy?

MitchM · Aug 7, 2017

is he willing to- de winterize ALL the systems for sea trial: -- engine, batteries, (with load test during survey) battery charger , all plumbing, head toilet pump, galley and head sinks, seawater galley supply, fresh water tanks, hot water heater, air conditioning raw water pump, engine, and holding tank macerator? do you have a binding quote from his yard of what their charges would be to winterize all these systems ? you must reject a contract that says you are responsible for unknown cots of getting the boat back onto the hard properly winterized. if you do not buy this boat after sea trial , you could face much more than $2500. (Get a binding quote for cost of haul out after a trial, boat transport to its cradle or set jack stands, re- winterize all systems , drop the mast, and re install frame and winter cover -- these items could be a lot more than $2500, especially if you are not a regular customer and/or the marina wishes to 'gouge' you.) The survey will set you back a fair amount, then you're also obligated to pay an unknown amount to put the boat back on the hard ? i'd walk away unless the boat is a gem, and it's hard to tell a gem when it's been on the hard for years .

MitchM · Aug 7, 2017

NB at that price you should also spring for a mechanical survey of the engine -- which is NOT included unless you pay extra for it. and get an oil sample while you're at it for both the gen and the main e ngines). check Steve D'antonio's website for more suggestions about how to get the most out of surveys.

Bob S · Aug 8, 2017

mcrow33 said:
I've bought three boats on the hard. In all cases, I've had the boat surveyed, and held $5000 in escrow until on sea trialed the engine. The escrow would cover cost if there was any engine problems.

I bought both my boats this way. You should have a pretty good idea how the boat has been maintained. It must have appealed to you to make an offer. The survey should give you a better idea. The engine on my new to me 393 (Yanmar 4jh3te with 690 hours) looked very clean and the oil and fuel filters were dated to their last change. I felt pretty comfortable. I had Niemeic Marine, an authorized Yanmar dealer to the engine survey. Both surveys turned out great.

Sounds like if you move forward you'll be doing a sea trial in Sept. and if you decide to buy her you'll be hauling her shortly thereafter anyways. If you like the boat enough you have to use your gut.
Good Luck

SFS · Aug 18, 2017

At your convenience, PM me. I may want to talk to you about your C36.

RobertLangdirect · Sep 17, 2017

How about some details on the boat?

Whatfiero1 · Sep 17, 2017

A blue tartan t3800 is the most beautiful boat in world wow. Please come back to site with pictures after purchase