For fun I tried the {free?} "Boat History Report" by entering my used boat I.D. number. The report stated that there were two things and I could read/learn about my used boat for $39.99. I passed and still have the forty bucks in my pocket. I guess it would be of use if I were buying another boat, but that is not the case. Does anyone know where I could pull the report for {truely}free? Don't you just hate those sales gimmicks where they tell you it is free and then try to charge an outrageous amount of money? Are those reports informative? thanks, Jack
Boat History Report
- Thread starter Jack2438
- Start date
- Status
Jack, what reports?
How can they exist? I bought my boat new, 20 years ago. I didn't tell 'them' anything. They are hoping to hook unsuspecting buyers. Just another scam.
How can they exist? I bought my boat new, 20 years ago. I didn't tell 'them' anything. They are hoping to hook unsuspecting buyers. Just another scam.
I imagine
if it is for real, this deal is similar to the "vehicle history report" that you can buy when you're looking at a used car. It tells you things that are in the DMV or USDOT files for that vehicle. (Like is it subject of any manufacturer's recalls, it is a salvage title, etc.) Nothing that has any meaningful information, or that you can't find out on your own by a little research.
if it is for real, this deal is similar to the "vehicle history report" that you can buy when you're looking at a used car. It tells you things that are in the DMV or USDOT files for that vehicle. (Like is it subject of any manufacturer's recalls, it is a salvage title, etc.) Nothing that has any meaningful information, or that you can't find out on your own by a little research.
If it's a documented vessel you can look up
ownership records at the Coast Guard Doc Center website for free.
ownership records at the Coast Guard Doc Center website for free.
Not a scam
I don't know where all their data sources are, but it's safe to assume state licensing and maybe CG documentation -- anything that would follow the boat's title. It's basically the same thing as CarFAX. I'm sure you can find the same info if you have the time and the skills, but not all states make it easy to find.
I don't know where all their data sources are, but it's safe to assume state licensing and maybe CG documentation -- anything that would follow the boat's title. It's basically the same thing as CarFAX. I'm sure you can find the same info if you have the time and the skills, but not all states make it easy to find.
Well Phil, if 'not a scam' means that they aren't
breaking any laws, OK. But when a web site advertises a free report but wants $40.00 for the 'real' report, I'll keep calling them a scam. And what could possibly be in that report that would serve any useful purpose, sight unseen? Maybe it's the cop in me talking. And these sites are all over the place. Remember who's in the White House. Oops, wrong forum.
breaking any laws, OK. But when a web site advertises a free report but wants $40.00 for the 'real' report, I'll keep calling them a scam. And what could possibly be in that report that would serve any useful purpose, sight unseen? Maybe it's the cop in me talking. And these sites are all over the place. Remember who's in the White House. Oops, wrong forum.
I plugged-in my HUN number.
A bunch of really cool 'progress bars' started working. Then it reported my model year and manufacturer. Wow! I'll bet that was really hard to find. Then it said that 12 items were associated with my boat! I clicked on what those could be. They are; · In an accident(x) · Salvaged(x) · Seized(threatened) · Damaged in a Hurricane(x) · Environmental Lien · In a Fire(small) · Run Aground(of course) · Submerged · In a Collision(x) · Out of Warranty(x) · Had a Recall After each item I've added parenthesis that apply to my boat. (THE WEB SITE DIDN'T PROVIDE THE INFORMATION INSIDE THE PARENTHESIS. I DID!)One thing pops out of the categories. Each is reliant on a government agency or insurance company report. Wonder if they take a check? Maybe they could check owner websites.
A bunch of really cool 'progress bars' started working. Then it reported my model year and manufacturer. Wow! I'll bet that was really hard to find. Then it said that 12 items were associated with my boat! I clicked on what those could be. They are; · In an accident(x) · Salvaged(x) · Seized(threatened) · Damaged in a Hurricane(x) · Environmental Lien · In a Fire(small) · Run Aground(of course) · Submerged · In a Collision(x) · Out of Warranty(x) · Had a Recall After each item I've added parenthesis that apply to my boat. (THE WEB SITE DIDN'T PROVIDE THE INFORMATION INSIDE THE PARENTHESIS. I DID!)One thing pops out of the categories. Each is reliant on a government agency or insurance company report. Wonder if they take a check? Maybe they could check owner websites.
Free except...
you have to pay to get is seems to be the current trend. Same was true with tax filing services this year. Someone in congress is looking into that one...yeah right.
you have to pay to get is seems to be the current trend. Same was true with tax filing services this year. Someone in congress is looking into that one...yeah right.
You're right about that, Fred
I don't much like the way they go about selling the information. You don't know if the records they found have much value and the free offer isn't worth anything. But I've used carfax before and thought it was well worth the money. Wouldn't you want to know if a boat you were buying had been salvaged and rebuilt? I think, for some buyers, this potentially has value.
I don't much like the way they go about selling the information. You don't know if the records they found have much value and the free offer isn't worth anything. But I've used carfax before and thought it was well worth the money. Wouldn't you want to know if a boat you were buying had been salvaged and rebuilt? I think, for some buyers, this potentially has value.
Jack, this is not a scam;
it is the new age, 21st century marketing program that some of our sailing comerades seem to believe is perfectly ethical and correct as it is your responsibility to read the find print and enjoy the challange in trying to understand how they are figuring to steal your money. Every time I identify deceptive advertisment or bait and switch techniques I make a mental note never to do business with them.
it is the new age, 21st century marketing program that some of our sailing comerades seem to believe is perfectly ethical and correct as it is your responsibility to read the find print and enjoy the challange in trying to understand how they are figuring to steal your money. Every time I identify deceptive advertisment or bait and switch techniques I make a mental note never to do business with them.
Wrong Forum
You're right Freddie, wrong forum. But, if it's an internet scam, it can't be the fault of the guy in the White House. Remember, the looser for 2000 is the one that invented the internet. Blame the scams on him.
You're right Freddie, wrong forum. But, if it's an internet scam, it can't be the fault of the guy in the White House. Remember, the looser for 2000 is the one that invented the internet. Blame the scams on him.
Serious Question Fred (and slightly off-topic)
My understanding was that you were the original owner of Eiptome. If so, and it's been salvaged, does that mean that the damage done in the Caribbean caused the insurance company to total it, and you subsequently bought salvage rights to your own boat? If so, has that caused you any problems in re-insuring?
My understanding was that you were the original owner of Eiptome. If so, and it's been salvaged, does that mean that the damage done in the Caribbean caused the insurance company to total it, and you subsequently bought salvage rights to your own boat? If so, has that caused you any problems in re-insuring?
"Boat Fax" Scam
I too wasted $45.00 on this "free" check on my own boat that I just put up for sale. When I clicked on to the "free" check it popped up "three very important items" of course I spent the moneys as I wanted to know if there was any problems with my boat that I was selling. The "very important" items was that there was (NO) items that were a problem the three were (1) No Salvage (2) No Huricane damage and (3) No Damage History these were all listed as "not reported" DAH who would report them if they wanted to hide the fact. In my opinion this was not worth $1.00 let alone $45.00 As the saying goes " a sucker is born every day" Guess who this week? "MIC"
I too wasted $45.00 on this "free" check on my own boat that I just put up for sale. When I clicked on to the "free" check it popped up "three very important items" of course I spent the moneys as I wanted to know if there was any problems with my boat that I was selling. The "very important" items was that there was (NO) items that were a problem the three were (1) No Salvage (2) No Huricane damage and (3) No Damage History these were all listed as "not reported" DAH who would report them if they wanted to hide the fact. In my opinion this was not worth $1.00 let alone $45.00 As the saying goes " a sucker is born every day" Guess who this week? "MIC"
A serious off topic reply
herbie, what insurance? At that time the only insurance I found was Seven Seas and Lloyd's. The cost for my boat was $3000 per year with a one percent deductible. That means I would have needed a $4000.00 loss every year to BREAK EVEN. Even after the flood and the lightening strike I'm close to even. Probably a little below. Seriously. At the end of the rebuild I had a survey done for insurance. I called Boat U.S.. They couldn't care less about a survey. Just went by book value. I called Allstate and lumped the boat in with the rest of my coverage. They gave me agreed value. The survey helped but wasn't needed. My web site made all the difference. And the loser in 2000 is in the WH.
herbie, what insurance? At that time the only insurance I found was Seven Seas and Lloyd's. The cost for my boat was $3000 per year with a one percent deductible. That means I would have needed a $4000.00 loss every year to BREAK EVEN. Even after the flood and the lightening strike I'm close to even. Probably a little below. Seriously. At the end of the rebuild I had a survey done for insurance. I called Boat U.S.. They couldn't care less about a survey. Just went by book value. I called Allstate and lumped the boat in with the rest of my coverage. They gave me agreed value. The survey helped but wasn't needed. My web site made all the difference. And the loser in 2000 is in the WH.
Mic/Phil
Curiosity killed the cat. Thanks for your info, I came close because of curiosity but, partly because of your loss, I am 40 bucks richer. I wouild dispute the charge with my credit card company. The info you received was worthless. Phil, I love your web site and have been very happy with the purchases I have made from you, this one thou, is a bummer. If you have any control over it you need to, at the very least, have the "free" taken away. IT'S NOT! respectfully, Jack Coyne
Curiosity killed the cat. Thanks for your info, I came close because of curiosity but, partly because of your loss, I am 40 bucks richer. I wouild dispute the charge with my credit card company. The info you received was worthless. Phil, I love your web site and have been very happy with the purchases I have made from you, this one thou, is a bummer. If you have any control over it you need to, at the very least, have the "free" taken away. IT'S NOT! respectfully, Jack Coyne
We've already complained about it
Mic, I would like to see the report you got. If it's a link, would you mind sending it to me at phil (at) sailboatowners.com Thanks!
Mic, I would like to see the report you got. If it's a link, would you mind sending it to me at phil (at) sailboatowners.com Thanks!
- Status