Bought my first boat January '06, selling said boat now for a few reasons none boat specific. My question is this: if prospective buyer is interested in a "test sail" is this generally allowed? I live 80 miles from my marina, my broker is unenthusiastic about my commission (I found my own buyer), getting to my marina with my job and other obligations is nearly impossible (#1 reason for sale). Should this "test sail" be reserved for the sea trail with the surveyor? Thanks.
selling first boat
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It Depends on How Eager You Are
When I sold my 26' O'Day DAME KIND in late fall, 1994, customers were scarce. Winter was coming on and the prospect of six months more cash drain + slip rent, etc. convinced me to cater to the buyer. First couple to sail her bought her: we saw them in late 90's and they still loved the boat! Make up your mind, as to whether you are willing and financially able to carry it til spring, 2007. What agreement do you have with a broker? Shouldn't he/she worry about showing the boat? The sea trial then is assure the craft's seaworthyness. Still, you haven't mentioned surveys, etc. Selling a boat is more of a hassle than buying one. That being said, some dealers say, "No cash, no splash." Take care, Joe
When I sold my 26' O'Day DAME KIND in late fall, 1994, customers were scarce. Winter was coming on and the prospect of six months more cash drain + slip rent, etc. convinced me to cater to the buyer. First couple to sail her bought her: we saw them in late 90's and they still loved the boat! Make up your mind, as to whether you are willing and financially able to carry it til spring, 2007. What agreement do you have with a broker? Shouldn't he/she worry about showing the boat? The sea trial then is assure the craft's seaworthyness. Still, you haven't mentioned surveys, etc. Selling a boat is more of a hassle than buying one. That being said, some dealers say, "No cash, no splash." Take care, Joe
Easy answere....how eager are you in selling your
boat? Take the time to take the buyer out...its your opportunity also to "sell" the boat. good luck, abe
boat? Take the time to take the buyer out...its your opportunity also to "sell" the boat. good luck, abe
Get a deposit for a test sail
Get a deposit for a test sail. That will give you an idea if they are really interested. Sometimes it is better if someone other than the owner is aboard for the test sail too.
Get a deposit for a test sail. That will give you an idea if they are really interested. Sometimes it is better if someone other than the owner is aboard for the test sail too.
I agree with Steve
I agree with Steve and I speak from a previous experience. Althou a test drive may help sell a car I would not spend time taking people for a test sail unless I had an agreed price and a deposit. Good luck, jack
I agree with Steve and I speak from a previous experience. Althou a test drive may help sell a car I would not spend time taking people for a test sail unless I had an agreed price and a deposit. Good luck, jack
Having worked
as a broker, my advice is to get a sales contract signed and a deposit in hand (escrow) prior to taking people out for a sail on your boat. Normally, a sea trial occurs after the conclusion of a survey (which occurs after the contract is signed -- with whatever contingencies may be agreed to). This process tends to separate "lookers" from "buyers." Yet in the end, this course of events is the ideal. If you happen to find a potential buyer who you think is serious you may want to modify the steps above to fit that particular circumstance. Selling a boat can be tricky and you need to do whatever works. IMHO, boats that sell fast are boats made by reputable manufacturers, are clean and well cared for, have a reasonable amount of gear and equipment, are competitively priced (people who post "FIRM" prices on their boats will take a much longer time to sell it), and everything works. Don't show your boat with any gear on it that you plan to later take off. Good luck.
as a broker, my advice is to get a sales contract signed and a deposit in hand (escrow) prior to taking people out for a sail on your boat. Normally, a sea trial occurs after the conclusion of a survey (which occurs after the contract is signed -- with whatever contingencies may be agreed to). This process tends to separate "lookers" from "buyers." Yet in the end, this course of events is the ideal. If you happen to find a potential buyer who you think is serious you may want to modify the steps above to fit that particular circumstance. Selling a boat can be tricky and you need to do whatever works. IMHO, boats that sell fast are boats made by reputable manufacturers, are clean and well cared for, have a reasonable amount of gear and equipment, are competitively priced (people who post "FIRM" prices on their boats will take a much longer time to sell it), and everything works. Don't show your boat with any gear on it that you plan to later take off. Good luck.
How bad do you want to sell it?
The last boat i purchased was the first time i went on a sea trial AFTER i put up a deposit. When on the sea trial, all went well, but i thought to myself....self, what if all didn't go well? How much of a problem would i have backing out of the deal? Anyway, i think a lot has to do with the size of the boat, the price and how difficult a sea trial will be to arrange. If a person never sailed that same kind of boat before, he may be want to know how well it performs. It all boils down to....how bad do you want to sell it.
The last boat i purchased was the first time i went on a sea trial AFTER i put up a deposit. When on the sea trial, all went well, but i thought to myself....self, what if all didn't go well? How much of a problem would i have backing out of the deal? Anyway, i think a lot has to do with the size of the boat, the price and how difficult a sea trial will be to arrange. If a person never sailed that same kind of boat before, he may be want to know how well it performs. It all boils down to....how bad do you want to sell it.
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