Newly bought boat kicked off berth in San Diego

[Bay Sailor]

I just closed on a 36' boat (40' LOA) on Friday and was promptly kicked off the berth it was on. The broker was suppose to find another slip for me since I'm from out of town and don't know the area. But he kind of left it to the last minute. So now my boat is tied up to a yard's dock until Monday, maybe longer. I'm planning on sailing her up north with some friends in August or September. Until then I need a minimum service berth that is not too pricey. The broker has no trouble finding berths for me that are $20-$25/ft although he told me it would be $10-$12/ft earlier. If anyone in the San Diego area or points North can steer me to something better I would really appreciate it.

 

[Brian D]

California Yacht Marina

Located in Chula Vista. About $12.50/ft for boats 35' to 39'. Last time I was down there (two weeks ago) I saw a lot of empty slips. At least your boat will have a home until you are ready to move it up north. I reside there waiting for my slip in Oceanside.I think for now this is your best bet. Yeah, they are the most southern marine in SD bay, but it is available. Give it a shot. It is a very nice and quiet marina.Good luck.[added]...One more thought. You can jump up the coast and stay at guess docks in O'side, then Dana Point, then so-on and so-on. That might work for you. Just a thought.

 

[Bay Sailor]

Thanks!!

I'll give them a call first thing Monday; or maybe right after the yard calls me and tells me to move my boat pronto.

 

[Joe]

read your contract....

...if the broker promised you something and didn't deliver you should be able to get him to pay for the temporary slip fees till he can find another for you. That issue should have been a contingency in your contract. Do not let him off the hook, so easily. Even if you find a slip, you're going to pay more than 10-12 bucks a foot for a 40 foot boat. That's SoCal!! There are scads of 25 foot slips but a huge shortage of slips for boats over 30 feet. Worst case scenario is that you pay $800 per month for a while, That's about 3 nights stay in a waterfront hotel here... chalk it up to experience and enjoy the so cal sailing while you have her in San Diego.

 

[Bay Sailor]

It was a verbal agreement

Everything went very smoothly up until the point that all the funds were in his account. The broker and owner wanted me to close quickly and I told the broker he would need to find me an affordable berth. He said there were plenty and he would do it. I spent all day Friday trying to find the broker so we could move the boat. When I finally tracked him down he started making phone calls to find a berth. I'm hoping he will be good to his word, but he has more excuses than a teenager. If not I'll have to fly back down to SD. It's a nice boat that has everything. So I don't want to see it put out on a hook.

 

[JC on Bainbridge]

I sure hope you had the boat surveyed before

you handed over the money.

 

[Brian D]

What was the brokerage and...

Who was the broker? And I doubt he will follow through, sorry. But do give CYM a call. They just raised their rates in June, but I am sure you will find space there. Again, sorry it is in South Bay, but it is a home.

 

[Cap'n Ron]

Brokers Breaking words

Many can relate to this circumstance.Lotta folks call brokers "car salesmen with boat shoes" there are honest ones around, I do know some myself.They move boats and quickly move them from slips to move a new one in. It is common to tell 'fibs' on what happens AFTER the deal goes through.A verbal contract can be binding. Anyone else in ear shot when he told you this?Any E mails or other. California is very strict with brokers, and do not tolerate much chicanery.If you feel stuck with it, a mooring ball is an option there pretty safe.Newport Beach has an anchorage that you can use at the 'Y' for a week free, and some of the moorings there are leased out in summer.Channel Islands has transient berths for 40' yachts too.San Diego is pretty tight, take her north.

 

[Fred]

A friend who is a broker in So Cal

told me the regulators want to hear about this sort of problem and they will at least hassle the broker. Couple more complaints and he loses his licence.The reason brokers are licenced almost like realtors in California is because of past problems like this (and worse). You owe it to yourself and the next guy to make a phone call to the regulators, at least.

 

[abe]

I call the broker, gently approach the subject...

asking him to keep his end of the bargain. If he brushes you off, tell him that his name and company will be listed in every sailing website you know off. abe

 

[Bay Sailor]

I'm giving him a chance to keep his word

So I don't want to name the broker on this forum. The surveyor found a couple of minor things that were not to code and rated the boat in very good condition. The previous two owners maintained the boat very well and added a lot of high quality equipment. That part I'm quite happy with. There is no reason for the broker to not keep his word. He just has to follow through. Then all his talk about integrity will be true.

 

[Liam]

Ventura-Channel Islands

Cap't Ron's advice to go north to Channel Islands is very good. There are more slips available than San Diego and the sailing is better. Only a few hours out to the Islands and the wind is usually better than further south. Almar has marina's at both Channel Islands harbor and Ventura harbor. Check their website.