Novice needs help in boat purchase

[Robert]

Agree with Phil

For a first time buyer, I think a broker is the only way to go. When I bought my first boat, I went through a broker that was highly recommended in the area. He found me several boats that fit my needs and I decided on a 1999 Catalina 22. He acted as the "middle man" between me and the seller but didnt' pressure me on any price. I negotiated with the seller through him and settled on a price that was $7000 less than the seller was originally asking. The broker performed all of the necessary paperwork, including registering my boat and trailer.I learned a lot about sailboats and made a new friend in the process. It was a good experience all the way around. I have since bought two more boats through the same broker.

 

[Dan]

Bias

I'll acknowledge an up front bias here (real estate broker). In my experience, homesellers do not discount the brokerage just because they are selling it themselves. In fact, they expect to keep the sales cost. And most buyers of FSBO (for sale by owner) properties expect the Seller to discount the commission. I've had a few clients go off and chase a FSBO property over the years, and they always have come back. They usually get way to frustrated trying to make all the moving parts work.It's unfortunate that some think that all sales people are interested in taking advantage of the client. I've talked clients out of deals that I thought were not in their best interest, any good broker would, boat, real esate, or any other kind. The object is to get someone you trust to do the job right, and then do your homework also.I also agree with Phil, for boats a broker on the first time out is far more critical then when you get more experience. I've bought two boats now, and the second one was much less stressful. For selling, I'd probably stick with the broker. I can make more money in one weekend with a good client than the commission on a boat and save all the time traveling a bunch of times down to show the boat to someone who is just kicking tires. The secret to success is to do what you are good at, and pay others to do what you are not good at.Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)

 

[Ron]

Okay....

I give up..... but where I live, boat salesmen are the lowest of the low....P.S. I don't use realestate people either.. just a lawyer to read over the papers.

 

[Ed Karsch]

Take your time

Denise:Best advice is to take your time, study your needs, narrow the field, and sail a couple of times on as many as you can. Then, search the ads, look at one or two or three yourself, and THEN hire a surveyor to go over the boat(s) with a fine-toothed comb. My first choice turned out to be a dud and the surveyor saved me from a $5,000 plus mistake. Well worth the $500 cost. Second one is a dream (Sabre 28)and he helped me negotiate a good deal. Your first boat for 2 people shouldn't be over 30 feet. 26 to 28 feet is better. Catalina, Sabre, Hunter,and Pearson all made good boats in that range in the late 70s and early 80s.