Long distance boat purchase ??

Joe11688 · Nov 18, 2010

jimmyb said:
Anyone ever make a long distance deal on a boat. We found a good deal down south but we are here in NE. Deal is good enough to make the trip well worthwhile but how would one make payment in a secure manner. And then the problem of registrering trailer. Can it be brokered through a dealer for a fee? Im thinking It may not be logistically possible. Any thoughts?

jimmyb

I sold my catboat to a guy in Sandy Hook NJ several years ago. I had the boat in the "By The Sea" classified adds and that's where he found out about it. He sent me a bank check and I checked it out to be legit. Then we set up a day for him to come down and get the boat. He and his daughter drove all the way up to Taunton Ma. with his trailer in tow. When he got to my house we did the Bill of Sale paperwork plus the boat title and I loaded the boat on his trailer, adjusted it for him and off he went. The boat was only 15' and no problem to load the boat on.
A few years ago, I talked to a fellow in CT who bought an O'Day 22 sight unseen, in a distant state and had it shipped to his house.
If this boat has a trailer Jimmy, you need to know if the trailer can make the trip back with you when you go down to get it. I would have him make out a separate Bill of Sale for the trailer so you can pay the sales tax on it here in the "People's Republic of Massachusetts."
Good luck Jimmy!
Joe

Steve Dion · Nov 18, 2010

If you do not have a broker then you could contact a bank and setup an escrow account. You do not want to release your funds until you are sure that a clear title will be transferred.

If the boat is documented this is a little easier than a DMV registration, but the end result is the same.

Paul Brinkley · Nov 18, 2010

I bought my boat and trailer from a guy on Staten Island. Found the boat on the web, called him, told him I wanted it if it was as represented. Drove to SI, NY, checked out the boat, gave him cash, transferred trailer title, bought license, got a bill of sale for the boat, and brought it back to NC. No probs. -Paul

caguy · Nov 18, 2010

I bought my C27 in Butler PA and trailered it to California. The seller arranged for a card board travel plate. I made payments to him because I could not pick it up for 6 months. I gave him a cash balance when I picked it up. I registered it here in CA I still have to take it in on Monday to verify trailer and boat numbers. There was no hassle at all.
If I were you I would give him $100 to hold the boat and a cashiers check when you get there. This way if you are not satisfied it would not be to hard for him to give you back your $100. If he doesn't you're only out you deposit. Have him send you a lot of detailed picture with a list of inventory. Its amazing how things disappear.

Stu Jackson · Nov 18, 2010

Don't most states have "pink slips" for vehicle registrations (like the trailer)? Just sign it over and re-register it when you get home.

Ray Bowles · Nov 18, 2010

We bought our boat 1800 miles from home. As long as the boat and trailer are currently licenced and registered in the sellers state then a bill of sale will allow it to be taken to your home state and you register and licence it there.
Enjoy the trip. We did and still are.
Ray

Patrick S/V Shangra-La · Nov 19, 2010

As you can see the transfer of title and registration is not a big deal. Especially if there is a broker involved. He has a title person who will set every thing up. You pay no sales tax in the state of purchase, but pay the sales tax in you state when you transfer the title.

I bought a boat in Mass, then registered it in Fla. Had absolutely no problems. Enjoy your boat.

mark_swart · Nov 19, 2010

Jimmy -- If it is the model and year you want and you have already sailed on a sister model, I'd say you'll be fine. But be careful not to fall in love with pics/dimensions/phrf ratings before you sail and go inside of that same model.
How big/complex of a boat is it? If it's on a trailer I'm assuming mid-20s or less?
Nobody has really mentioned surveys. Personally I'd rather spend the same $$ on a plane ticket so I could see it myself.
Also, if you don't want to go down there you can contract a commercial hauler to pull your boat on your trailer or maybe even put the whole boat and trailer on a flatbed. You don't need a marine hauler for that and it will be cheaper.
For payment, if you are going down there why not just give them a bank check when you go to pick up the boat? Maybe do the deposit by Paypal or send them a check?
I don't see a need to involve a broker, unless the boat is already at a brokerage. Nothing against brokers but using one will cut 10 percent out of the sellers profit.
In a long distance private selller to private buyer transaction, eventually trust has to be a part of the equation if you don't have a broker involved. I'm sure you can get a feel for the owner from how they conduct themselves as you talk with them about the boat.
I've bought a lot of sailboats and have been fortunate enough to not have anyone do anything shady, so maybe I'm too trusting.

Paul Brinkley · Nov 19, 2010

JimmyB, when we transferred the title in NY, I bought a NY license. Used it to get home, and used it at home until the end of the year when I got an NC license. -Paul

Stan Breaux · Nov 19, 2010

You could probably find someone on this site who would at least go take a quick look at the boat for you to make sure it was represented correctly in the ad.

caguy · Nov 19, 2010

I went out to the driveway to take a picture of the card board travel plate the PO gave me and found it torn off. I don't know what state I lost it in but I'm glad I check. I need to tow it 20 mi to Newhall to finish registering it.

dscribner · Nov 20, 2010

Jimmy,

As you probably recall, I bought my baby in Mattapoisette. The lady that I bought it from had it in the water but never registered it. It still bore RI tags, several years old. So, numb as I was, I bought it. Then I bought the trailer from Quincy, modified it to fit, registered it and dropped it off to be loaded. I got her home in December, then tried again to get the title. It was a month long hassle. Emails and phone calls, messages left , messages ignored. Finally, in desperation, my wife went to city hall to see what we could do. They clerk said "Maine doesn't require a title on boats." So, she came home all set for the next year.

I think if you buy the trailer where ever, and register it in Mass you're good. I don't believe you need to have it inspected to register it so just give the DMV a bill of sail (hah!) and the serial number (or claim it's home-0built from salvage). They want your money. Then carry the plates down with you. Make SURE that the title is there when you pick up your new mistress. You should be fine.

So . . . what is she? I won't tell!

Slade · Nov 24, 2010

I'm off on a multi state trip to see a boat this weekend. Seller has been very responsive to my requests. Lots of photos and good history...if all is on the up and up I'll be very happy to choose this boat..Starwind 223.

Will have certified funds available with me and will be ready to tote her home if all goes well. Will drop back in to report on the adventure.

By the way, I'm new here...seems like a great resource.

Paul Brinkley · Nov 24, 2010

Welcome, Slade. Hope you get your boat. -Paul

Captain 9330 · Nov 24, 2010

One comment about trailering that seems appropriate. Make sure your license plate is firmly attached and check it (and everything else) at each stop.

I nearly lost my plate 3 weeks ago when one of the mounting bolts disappeared and the other was loose. Surprising since both had lock nuts. Nylon zip ties work great as emergency and possibly "permanent" attachment and I am glad I always carry plenty extras.

What saved the plate was my disciplined walk around to check everything every time I stop. It takes a minute but it is amazing how many things change over such a short period of time, and it isn't the first thing that was saved because of regular checking.

Derek

txtowman · Nov 24, 2010

If it's in texas I would be happy to take a look for you. And of course there would be no charge, just glad to help out.