Boat Cleanliness at Brokerages

[Terry Cox]

We sold our H28 by owner and did the usual ...

curb (slip) appeal stuff that we've done in the past with our homes that we sold by owner. When we shopped for a larger boat we looked at several brokerage and owner boats that were a mess. The 1991 P42 that we settled on through a brokerage had light use, was a cosmetic mess, but sound. During the survey process the owner agreed to replace four frozen through hulls and repair the main cabin heat pump. We made an offer $30K below the seller's original price and after several counters settled on a price well below market value. She turned out to be a wonderful and reliable boat. In the four years we've owned her she has taken us several thousand comfortable and trouble free miles. At some point when we decide to make a change we'll probably sell by owner. Even at the moment she shines almost like new inside and out. Terry

 

[RobG]

Andy. Yes I'd like to know the name and place of

the RI broker. If he (she) is that good it shouldn't be a problem to post it publicly here.Thanks.

 

[Bill in Placida, FL]

Deal of the Century?

Rad, I think you have the correct approach! My wife and I have been looking for a 35.5, 37.5 or a Catalina 36 (wing keel) to use here in the shallow waters of south Florida (Ft. Myers) She is not into technical aspects of the boat, sailing, rigging, engines, anchoring and other mechanical details are left to me. But what is left to her is the overall presentation of the boat. What I think most brokers do not understand is that when a couple looks at boat, the husband is probably trying to sell the wife on the whole idea of boating.Now, enter the condition of most of the craft we look at with brokers! Most look like like a six grade science experience with mold and mildew growing on the decks and interior! The brokers seem only to have the boats that can not be sold and it presents a real challenge to them. I am of the opinion that you should offer what you think a boat is worth and then deduct $10k for cleaning and tell the broker that's what for.Bill

 

[Ctskip]

Dirt and grime wash away

You just have to be able to "see" beyond the mess. Thats the kind of bargains I look for. I have bought many motorcycles, because most don't like the paint job or there is a dent in the tank or fender. It's only cosmetic. Paint can be changed and upolstery can be changed. Fenders can be washed and lines replaced or washed also. A little sand paper and some varnish and voila! The dirty ones are the ones where the deals are. Obviously they are not wanted and sit neglected, waiting for the sharp eye to find. Those are the ripe ones for the picking. Money can be saved in getting one that has been neglected and is dirty. You spend 5 to make 20. Not bad. You just have to have more time than money. Which I do! Just my spin on the dirty boat. Some of the boats I've boarded ,my wife wouldn't go on board and waited on the dock till I called her below and let her knbow it was safe. Great deals too! Keep it up, Ctskip

 

[Robert]

Brokers, Don't Need Them

Don't make the mistake in telling them "How Much You Want to Spend". Thats about how much time they spend with you. We have had some bad experiences with brokers, and pictures posted on the net. First, every broker needs to take Photography 101. Man, some of the pics I have seen over the years. Oh, you mean the boat looked like that when it was new? I have purchased 3 boats in 10 years, and have bought each one from the sailor who ownes the boat. If you walk the docks and talk to other sailors, you can find a good buy as the others have stated. In every harbor there is someone who knows somebody who is selling a boat and willing to talk to you about it. Has happened to me 3 times know. Good luck, but stay away from the vultures! You don't need them.

 

[Ross]

Robert, Three boats in ten years?

When do you expect to find one you like well enough to keep? I spent ten years making my boat exactly what I wanted and I won't sell it until I decide to stopp sailing.

 

[Ctskip]

Theres nothing as great

as simply messing about in boats Keep it up, Ctskip

 

[Scott21120]

We had TWO great brokers helping us

when we were looking - even with our modest budget. I would heartily recommend either Chuch Hutchins from Skipper Bud's Toledo Beach Marina, or Mark T from St Clair Shores Sailboat Center. We are located 400 miles away in Milwaukee, and the information I got from both of them was accurate, and honest. Both worked hard to find us the boat we needed, and when we couldn't put the right deal together on Chuck's boats, he recommended Mark to us. I looked at a lot of boats and as others have commented, lots of boats had no effort put into getting them market ready. Since I have enough skills to work on the boat myself, the ones that were just dirty but structurally sound were very attractive to me!

 

[Brian Hanna]

Ditto to Scott on Chuck Hutchins

I have bought one used boat and one new boat through Chuck. He also sold my first boat for me (before I knew I wanted to sell it). He really knows his stuff and has been there to help me with questions and problems well after the sale.